Late at night, when much of Durham is silent, there’s one spot that keeps its lights on—Cosmic Cantina. Entering the narrow building, you’ll see a set of steep graffiti-covered stairs and hear music that gets louder with each step, until you’re met with a sticker-covered door. This spot may feel like a secret club, but it’s actually home to one of North Carolina’s best burritos.
From The West Coast To The Bull City
Cosmic Cantina came to life in 1995 thanks to Cosmos Lyles, a San Francisco native who was missing the taste of home. As a PhD student at Duke University, Lyles realized there was no late-night eatery in the area, and definitely no place to get a Mission-style burrito loaded with cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. Locals couldn’t get enough, and Lyles was eventually able to open another location in Chapel Hill.
“Lyles always had a vision for the future,” says Yeshua Sanchez, the Chapel Hill location’s current manager. “He could see what Durham was missing before anyone else.”
To this day, Cosmic Cantina stays open from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. Big city folks may not find this special, but it’s rare in North Carolina, where almost everything closes at 9 p.m.
Not Your Average Burrito
Burritos at Cosmic Cantina are famously huge. A normal burrito can weigh up to a pound, while the “giant” size is as long as a forearm. Its size isn’t a business gimmick, though. Each one is filled with fluffy rice, perfectly cooked beans, and your choice of protein. The beef and chicken are tender, well-seasoned, and have a smoky char from the grill. Sanchez credits the kitchen staff who cook with pride and follow a motto of “deliver more than expected.”…