A great pub to grab a bite or enjoy some time with friends at the bar. I was thoroughly surprised by the food, because it was honestly much better than expected. Would highly recommend the garlic fries! Service was decent as well, considering it was late on a Saturday night.

Best pub in Durham these days - when one considers atmosphere, service and food quality all in one. Excellent burger with a different spin (au poivre - deliciously peppered!), great garlic fries, interesting grilled cheese (with avocado - yum!), risottos (which rotate regularly) are ALWAYS delicious, and of course a full slate of beer options. And free wifi. It's definitely one of my regular spots to eat lunch and hangout while working on my laptop. It's also a favorite for nightime get-togethers with friends, particularly at their outdoor tables in summer. It was one of my first favorite spots in Durham and has never been displaced.

Fun vibe and good selection of beers from NC and beyond. Food is fantastic. My favorite is the salad with fried oysters. Downside: The past two times I have gone, the place had several houseflies buzzing around, and I had to wave them away from my plate. (This was inside the restaurant, not in the outside seating.) Otherwise, I've enjoyed Federal.

I've been going there for more than 10 years. Great food! Normally, very good beer. Great atmosphere. However....... Very bad experience this day with a take out salad (and the only reason I'm doing this review is based on the rudeness of the server).. Stopped on my way from Ft. Bragg to GSO. Ordered food to go. Got home and the salad (beet) was the worst I've ever seen in my life (53 years). Cost was $9. Perhaps worth $3. Too bad one can't post a photo. Contacted the Federal and spoke to my server, Aeljandro, who was terse, rude, and non-accommodating (perhaps the 20% tip wasn't enough?). Recommend you not deal with this person as by all accounts while he seems to be a very good server, doesn't understand anything about the meaning of customer service or satisfaction. Caveat de Emptor btw. I have never written anything like this. The conversation, and product, warrants this. Major disappointment in that I (and my friends and family) LOVE the Federal.

The Federal is not your average bar. They are a gastro pub that serves really good food! The problem is the service. All of the food is served at once meaning if you get a salad, entree, appetizer, and dessert, it'll be one big buffet. They don't space out your meal. Also, no substitutions. Swallow your qualms with beer.