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Boricua Soul at American Tobacco Campus offers a vibrant blend of Puerto Rican and soul food, located in the heart of Durham, NC. Positioned at 705 Willard St, this eatery infuses traditional flavors with creativity, as reflected in dishes like the Mojo Chicken Empanada and the delightful Boricua Soul Bowl. Patrons rave about the expertly seasoned roasted pork and unique sweet potato cheesecake empanadas, exemplifying its culinary charm. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, enhanced by the owners' direct involvement and a cozy interior adorned with meaningful art. Perfect for both casual dining and game day excitement, Boricua Soul captures the essence of community and culture.
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Welcome to Boricua Soul at American Tobacco Campus, where the heart of Puerto Rican cuisine meets a soulful twist in the vibrant atmosphere of Durham, North Carolina. Nestled at 705 Willard St, this culinary gem not only showcases the rich cultural heritage of Puerto Rican flavors but skillfully merges them with soul food influences, resulting in dishes that are nothing short of extraordinary.
As you step into Boricua Soul, you're greeted by an inviting décor that resonates with artistry reflecting the essence of the cuisine. The ambiance is lively and modern, enhancing your dining experience whether you choose to unwind in the cozy indoor seating or enjoy the fresh air on their outdoor patio. Customer reviews highlight the engaging presence of the owners, who take pride in their establishment—creating a warm and welcoming environment that makes you feel right at home.
Let's talk about the food. Diners rave about the Boricua Soul Bowl, a delightful medley that encapsulates the unique blend of flavors they strive to offer. The mojo chicken empanada stands out as a must-try, with its impeccable seasoning and flakiness drawing parallels to traditional Puerto Rican recipes. The BBQ empanadas and sweet potato cheesecake empanadas also receive high praise, embodying the perfect balance of savory and sweet—a true celebration of taste. Dive into their Cuban sandwich, reportedly one of the best around, featuring crunchy chicharrones that will have you coming back for more.
Reviewers have noted occasional unavailability of items, but the restaurant makes up for it with timely service and consistent quality. The experience is further amplified by live music that breathes life into the casual yet energetic dining setting. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Boricua Soul promises a culinary adventure that is both satisfying and memorable.
So, if you find yourself near the American Tobacco Campus, make it a point to indulge in the vibrant tastes and irresistible atmosphere of Boricua Soul. This is more than just a meal; it’s a heartfelt journey through culinary traditions that will leave you yearning for your next visit.
“ We placed an order for Puerto Rican cuisine; however, several items were unavailable, which was disappointing. Our order included roasted pork with rice and pigeon peas, along with a side of BBQ empanadas and sweet potato cheesecake empanadas. The pork was expertly cooked and well-seasoned. The rice was flavorful but slightly mushy. The sweet potato cheesecake empanadas were an excellent dessert. ”
“ Fellow travelers, if you ever find yourselves around the American Tobacco Campus in Durham, NC, please try Boricua Soul. A fresh take on Puerto Rican and Soul food, fusing them to create very interesting and tasty combinations. We visited on a Friday afternoon, which coincided with a college baseball game at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park next door. This contributed to parking spaces being somewhat limited although not impossible to find. During our visit, we tried the following items: - Mojo Chicken Empanada - Greens, Maduros & Beans Empanada - Sweet Potato Cheesecake Empanada - Boricua Soul Bowl - Best of Both Worlds - Peach Passion Frose - Medalla Light Beer Service was rather fast considering how busy the place was, we waited about 20 minutes for the food and drinks to arrive at the table. All the items were great, our favorites were the Boricua Soul Bowl, and the Best of Both Worlds, the latter which, in our opinion, perfectly captures the “Boricua Soul” concept. This food experience can certainly be enjoyed in the outdoor patio section in front of the restaurant. We decided to sit indoors to also admire the art pieces that beautifully illustrate the history and heritage of the restaurant. ”
“ The food and atmosphere is PERFECT! We went on a Friday night and the owners were actually in there working and acknowledging customers ! The food was a 10 out of 10. We had 5 wings and the basket with the pork, greens and the Mac and cheese (and maybe it had rice also) everything was so flavorful. I love that the restaurant is modern, tap to pay and you can order from the kiosk or the QR code on the table . The location is great and very lively! ”
“ This food reminds me of home, the taste was amazing! The rice and beans were seasoned well, the Pernil was moist and tender & collard greens were delicious. Service was impeccable. They definitely aim to please. Absolutely worth the trip and will be returning for more eats and to hear the live band! ”
“ The best Cuban sandwich! Visiting the American Tobacco Historic District, we stumbled on Boricua Soul. Their Cuban sandwich comes with the tastiest and crunchiest chicharrones. The atmosphere is cozy and staff very friendly. This place is highly recommended if you are in the area. ”
“ Boricua Soul catered lunch today and it was amazing. Everything I tried was incredible. I am looking forward to eating here in the future. The quality and flavor is top notch. ”
“ I cannot say enough good things about this place, yall. My husband and I ate here for the first time tonight and it was the BEST meal I’ve had in a long time. It’s small inside but plenty of outdoor seating at American Tobacco. We ordered 2 empanadas (1 beef, 1 chicken), the Boricua Soul Bowl with Chicharonnes de pollo, a half order of the mac fry pile with Pernil (pork) and shared everything. I can’t even pick a favorite. Every single thing was flavorful, cooked to perfection, and delicious. As in, I have never enjoyed collards despite trying them every time my husband orders them - and I ate half of our serving this time. The Pernil with the fries was perfection, but if you aren’t feeling something that heavy/loaded the bowl was also super good. AND, the people were SO nice y’all. That food would bring me back but the service/obvious joy they had for serving people their food makes me want to tell literally everyone. ”
“ Love the food! Got a recent delivery from here, and it is a great amalgamation of Puerto Rican and Southern flavors! The empanadas came decorated with cute tiny flags with a nod to the Spanish and American roots. Looking forward to trying at the restaurant next time! ”