Fat Hippo Durham

You know that spot on Saddler Street that always seems to have a queue snaking past the cathedral tourists? There's a reason for that. The burgers here are the kind that require both hands and zero shame about the inevitable mess down your front. They've mastered the art of the perfect patty – properly seasoned, cooked exactly how you want it, and sandwiched between brioche that actually holds its ground. The menu reads like someone's fever dream of burger perfection: think Korean-spiced chicken, pulled pork with proper crackling, and vegetarian options that don't feel like an afterthought. Those hand-cut chips are worth the inevitable wait, and the milkshakes are thick enough to stand a spoon in. It's the sort of place where Durham students bring their parents to prove the city has decent food, and somehow everyone leaves happy.