BENNETT POINTE GRILL and BAR - DURHAM, NC

Bennett Pointe Grill and Bar is a local neighborhood staple found in west Durham, North Carolina. Not too many years ago it was our go-to spot for casual dining. The food was good and the service exceptional. Our favorite was their Fried Chicken salad, a meal that easily fed both of us with a third portion left to take home. But since it was salad with our beloved fried chicken we always ordered two servings with plenty to nosh on for two more meals later. It being salad is how we justified not sharing.   

Returning after our long hiatus felt like returning home. The staff was still friendly and there were one or two familiar faces who actually remembered who we were. They’ve undergone some interior renovations since our last visit but the atmosphere was still comfortable and inviting.

This particular day the televisions were all tuned into the FIFA World Cup as the USA played Belgium. The bar area was packed with sports enthusiasts and the energy was invigorating.

I’m always big on the little details and have always been a fan of their newspaper-style menu. It has character.  Big Daddy thinks the newspaper-style inserts just look used and occasionally you might get a paper insert that bears a greasy fingerprint or two which incites his germ phobia. But I digress.

The menu is multi-regional American laced with Southern influences. A favorite is the low country shrimp and grits and their dishes include fresh seafood, chicken, steaks and pastas along with burgers, wraps and entree salads. The key lime pie and Italian cream cake are also fan favorites.

The fried chicken salad is no longer a menu entrée. Now it’s called the Plaza Salad which you can add chicken (grilled or fried), oysters, shrimp, or salmon to. The portion is no longer as large as we remember but you still get a nice bang for your buck and neither of us was disappointed. The salad itself is a healthy serving of mixed greens, diced tomatoes, bacon, boiled egg wedges and shredded cheese. Gone also are the oversized strips of chicken breast that use to lay atop the salad. They now do nuggets, good size chunks of chicken breast. (The photo doesn't do it justice. I'd eaten half of it before I remembered to take the picture!)

We had to ask about the change and a very pleasant server said the original chicken, which took longer to cook, was still available by request. That was nice to know for next time and there will definitely be a next time.

We highly recommend their fried oyster appetizer which is easily a meal-sized portion of nicely breaded and fried oysters. Our Old People speak highly of the fried shrimp dinner and the senior member of our party who fancies himself to be somewhat of a coleslaw connoisseur loves their coleslaw. As neighborhood restaurants go, this one is a winner for both of us.