New biz: 1013 W. Main (at last), Grayson's north, and Chubby's Tacos

In the hubbub of election week (a subject covered well by The Durham News in its wrap-up this week, and which the H-S points out ain't over until the provisional ballots sing) I've fallen behind on mentioning a few new local eats that have opened up here in Durham.

I personally first learned about two of the three over at Carpe Durham, a terrific new blog written by an enterprising group of Duke Law students trying out every restaurant in the Bull City -- and I literally mean everywhere, from the top-shelf gourmands to the holes-in-the-wall, and everything in-between. (CD is looking for guest bloggers whilst the legal eagles are off testing their wings this summer, by the way.)

First off, the establishment formerly almost known as Gatsby's near Brightleaf Square has opened up under the new, and slightly less imaginative, moniker of 1013 W. Main, which not coincidentally happens to be the street address. The former Bread & Kabob now is serving up alcoholic beverages and American fare; it seems targeted primarily at the Dukies wandering downtown from East Campus, especially given the presence of an upstairs private-party room likely destined for Greek life functions.

Secondly, Carpe Durham and the N&O Bull's Eye blog report that Xiloa on Ninth Street has been replaced by Chubby's Tacos, a basic taqueria next door to Metro 8 (which, if you're a steak lover, you should check out.) The early line on the place from Chowhound and Carpe Durham has been favorable and suggests another new, inexpensive dining option for Ninth, as long as this business can avoid the apparent curse of its particular location.

Not to be missed: the retail and dining desert that is occasionally called North Durham gains a new eatery, as Grayson's Cafe opens its third location, joing the Chapel Hill Rd. and Museum of Life and Science locations. Grayson's features sandwiches, salads, and wraps, and CD reports free wi-fi at their new location, which is situated in the Staples/Rose's-anchored North Duke Crossings at Roxboro/Duke and Horton Rd.

Comments

[Valerie]

Yay, Grayson's! Their food is so crave-able.

[Will]

Chubby's Tacos? Pop's Back Door? Spring is in the air. :)

[JNB]

My husband & I went to Chubby's for lunch last Friday. It was really tasty. The gorditas were about half the size of Los Comales so you could get one of those & a taco and be all set. Neither one of us got a burrito so I'm not sure how it stacks up to Cosmic.

[Natalie]

I'm pretty sure Chubby's is owned by the same people who own Banditos