P&O- Durham's coffee/sandwich/sweet treat/gift shop

To call Parker & Otis a sandwich shop, doesn't do it justice. Neither does calling it a cafe. It's not exactly a gift shop either. It's really more like 10 of the cutest little shops you've ever seen all rolled into one...

You walk in the front door and head to the back. On your left is a little seating area with unique artwork hanging on the wall. To your right are shelves filled with over 250 wines for sale. Keep walking and you'll suddenly be surrounded by some of the cutest little baby trinkets, colorful notebooks and a variety of tote bags all mixed in with the spice mixes, salad dressings and barbecue sauces.  Keep walking into the next room to find anything you could ever need to fill a sweet little southern gift basket. This is also where we find the food counter. 

Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil, Balsamic

People stand in line to order their salads and sandwiches. But this isn't your usual sandwich shop. If you want a typical ham and cheese on white bread, you've come to the wrong place. On the menu you'll find everything from the Shrimp BLT with Havarti and the Curried Chicken Salad with mango, grapes, red onions and mixed greens on sourdough, to daily specials like their infamous peanut butter, banana and bacon sandwich (yes, you read that correctly). Their sandwiches are all served with a side of their delicious homemade coleslaw (or can be substituted by any of their other homemade side salads for just $2.00). They focus on using the freshest local ingredients when available and all their breads are baked fresh by the local French bakery, Rue Cler. 

Peanut butter, Honey, Banana and Bacon Sandwich

Once you've ordered, you can peruse the cases filled with chocolate truffles, fresh-made cupcakes and baked goods to determine what you will have after lunch, when you visit the coffee bar. Then, take a seat in the front seating area or out back on the porch with the ceiling fans creating a nice breeze as you wait for your food to be delivered to your table.

Parker & Otis is a treat for the senses. With the sweet smell of coffee, the taste of the unique combination of fresh ingredients, and the overwhelming display of sweet treats and fabulous gifts, you'll want to come back week after week to check out something new.