The Cosmic Cantina

09/27/2007 Posted by raleigh_grrl

Please don't listen to the reviewer who recommends two *chain* restaurants instead of this kooky, eclectic, awesome restaurant tucked away on 9th street. I can't think of a better place to grab a steak burrito at 1:30 in the morning, when only the perfect food will suffice. If you aren't comfortable with the old historic building appeal of the interior, then get the burrito to go, trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Pros: Quick, Cheap, and downright tasty.

Cons: there's not one in raleigh.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

09/11/2007 Posted by gsharp247

Bland, uninteresting flavors catered to an audience unaccustomed to real Mexican food. I grew up in New Mexico and Los Angeles, so I know Mexican food and this place leaves much to be desired. Aside from that, the tables and floors were dirty and you kind of felt dirty being here. Also the bathroom was right out in the dining room. Pretty unappealing. You'll get better flavor/environment at On the Border (yes some chains are better than "holes-in-the-wall") or for something more authentic, try Torero's (on 15-501 in Durham) or El Dorado (on NC55). Also, for excellent flavor and ingredients, and my favorite Mexican food in North Carolina, try Chipotle on Franklin St in Chapel Hill. It beats the pants off this place for flavor and environment.

Cons: atmosphere, parking, restrooms

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

05/21/2007 Posted by tdotson

We went to Cosmic Cantina for the first time today. I expected it to be kind of a dump and it was, and that's not a "charming, fun" dump, just a plan, dark space, although it was late afternoon and desolate. Staff were not friendly. Burritos were OK, tortillas tasted fresh and beans were pretty good. Salsa was fresh made, but obviously long before we ate it - it was 80% exuded water (from long-ago chopped tomatoes) and nearly flavorless, maybe the worst I've ever had in a restaurant. You get one tiny cup (like a tablespoon) that the nasty chips won't fit in, unless you can convince the guy to give you a second one (after one taste, one cup was more than enough.) I took the family there to convince them that "non-chain" is better than "chain" (Moe's) and left apologizing and longing for Moe's, which I think is better and cheaper (and you can get plenty of salsa, limes, cilantro, guac, etc. without paying extra.) I really wanted to like Cosmic Cantina. I'm glad we've got a place with character where students can eat at 4 in the morning. Still, as much as it pains me to say it, I'd ten times rather go to Moe's or On the Border. Maybe I should try a taqueria.

Pros: Fairly large menu, kind of interesting atmosphere

Cons: Bad salsa, average burritos, not as great of a value as I'd heard

04/13/2007 Posted by zdevil

a Durham classic. not to be missed. I think the veggie burritos are the best. don't go for grande unless you're sharing with 3 people.

02/21/2007 Posted by chrisve

GREAT Food-- I recommend getting it to go because the building is a dump and the restaurant is a fly trap. Flies and all, it's still worth it.

Pros: Great food

Cons: The building is a dump and it's a fly trap. Oh, and for some reason they charge excessive sales tax.

11/19/2006 Posted by laurenhaley

THIS IS A VERY SIMPLE CANTINA, L- BACK. NO NEED TO GET ALL DRESSED UP. CASUAL APPLYS HERE. THE FOOD IS ALWAYS FRESH. I HAVE EATEN HERE AT LEAST A DOZEN TIMES, AND NEVER ONCE HAVE I EVER BEEN DISAPPOINTED. THE PORTIONS ARE HARDY, THE STAFF FRIENDLY. MAKE THE CLIMB OF THE STAIR CASE, AND SEE FOR YOURSELF.

Pros: LARGE PORTIONS, LOTS OF VALUE

Cons: PARKING IS A PROBLEM, PLUS YOU HAVE TO CLIMB THE STAIRS

11/09/2006 Posted by llooper

I've been to the Cosmic Cantina a couple of times now, and enjoyed my veggie burritos a lot each time! They even madethem without the tortilla for me the second time, in an effort to save a few calories. The prices are good for the amount of food you get. The outside is unassuming, and the stairs up to the restaurant prevent wheelchair access.

09/08/2006 Posted by simul

Cosmic Cantina turns out consistent delicous food at great prices. Combine that with a funky open mic Lounge, an outdoor patio, a few beers and some interesting conversation.

Pros: Gread food, cool vibes when it's not too busy.

Cons: Can be really crowded, the main dining area is always 10 degreees too warm.

08/31/2006 Posted by alisongreenwood

I absolutely love Cosmic Cantina whether it's 2pm or 3:30am. I used to take my parents and visiting friends there all the time and everyone has loved it. It does get crowded a peak hours so go for a later lunch/early dinner at like 3-4pm. Even after living in Durham 4 years I still never got tired of eating at Cosmic and I would recommend it to anyone in the Triangle area. And their food is much better than those chain fast food places like Chipotle.

Pros: Fast, Cheap, Large Portions

Cons: Gets Crowded

08/13/2006 Posted by hdevil

cosmic has a suprisingly large mix of delicious, cheap food. the burritos are huge, the quesadeas gooey and wonderful, the nachos are loaded fabulously. my favorite are the salads- huge mixes of the grilled chicken or steak, fresh beans, cheese, slice of avocado, and diced tomato. when it comes to late night, between honeys, waffle house, and this-- there is no question where to go! be sure to check out the outside sitting area that looms above ninth st. cosily situated, it is easy to forget where you are.

Pros: late night, cheap, walk to campus

Cons: crowded at peak hrs