This Triangle spot has the ‘best burritos on the planet,’ Southern Living says

College rivalries run deep in the Triangle, but even UNC and Duke fans can find common ground at one Durham late-night staple.

Cosmic Cantina has been named as having the “best burritos on the planet,” according to locals, in a new feature by Southern Living.

“Late at night, when much of Durham is silent, there’s one spot that keeps its lights on — Cosmic Cantina,” the magazine wrote, describing the graffiti-covered stairway and “secret club” feel inside.

The restaurant opened in 1995, when Duke PhD student Cosmos Lyles brought Mission-style burritos to the Bull City, Southern Living says.

“Lyles always had a vision for the future,” manager Yeshua Sanchez told Southern Living. “He could see what Durham was missing before anyone else.”

Open until 4 a.m., the spot is known for its massive burritos, some weighing up to a pound, packed with rice, beans and protein. Staff aim to “deliver more than expected,” Sanchez said.

Though best known for burritos, Cosmic Cantina also serves dishes like mole at its Chapel Hill location, with smoky poblano and herbaceous verde options.

Top NC travel destinations

Southern Living recently recognized Sunset Beach for its white sand and crystal clear waters, along with Boone as the one place in North Carolina everyone should visit, highlighting it for its outdoor adventures, rich history, walkable downtown, nearby High Country attractions, upgraded lodging and diverse dining scene.

Last year, Oak Island, Hatteras Island, Topsail Beach, Ocracoke, Duck, Beaufort, Emerald Isle, Nags Head and Wrightsville Beach were on Southern Living’s list of 50 best beach towns in the South, The Charlotte Observer reported.

North Carolina swept up several Southern Living’s 2025 South’s Best Awards, including:

• Best Classic Hotels: Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands
• Best Resorts: The Inn on Biltmore Estate and The Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa in Asheville
• Best New Hotels: The Cozy Mountain Retreat in Highlands
• Best Cities: Asheville and Wilmington

You can find the full list of the best beach towns in the South online at southernliving.com.

Portions of this story were previously published in The Charlotte Observer.

Evan Moore

The Charlotte Observer

Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.