If you’ve spent any time at the Streets at Southpoint in Durham, you know the drill. You’re weaving through the crowds near the AMC theater or trying to find a parking spot that isn't a mile away from Nordstrom, and eventually, the hunger hits. It’s that specific kind of mall hunger. You want something better than a food court pretzel but you aren't exactly looking for a white-tablecloth, three-hour commitment. This is exactly where California Pizza Kitchen at Southpoint lives.
It's reliable. Honestly, in a world where restaurants open and close faster than you can check their Yelp reviews, there is something deeply comforting about knowing exactly what that BBQ Chicken Pizza is going to taste like. It’s been a staple of the Southpoint dining landscape for years. It isn’t just about the food, though. It’s the location. It sits right in that sweet spot of the outdoor "Main Street" section of the mall, making it the prime place for people-watching while you wait for your Thai Crunch Salad.
The Vibe and Why Location Matters
The Streets at Southpoint is a bit of a local phenomenon. It’s one of the few malls in the Raleigh-Durham area that actually feels like a destination rather than just a place to buy jeans. Because CPK is situated in the outdoor portion, it escapes that claustrophobic "indoor mall" feeling. You get the high ceilings, the open kitchen—which, let's be real, still smells amazing—and a patio that is gold during the North Carolina spring and fall.
Summer? Maybe stay inside. North Carolina humidity is no joke.
The interior follows the updated CPK aesthetic. They moved away from that bright yellow, tiled look years ago in favor of reclaimed wood, warmer lighting, and a more "West Coast" modern feel. It’s casual enough for a post-movie dinner with the kids but nice enough that you don't feel weird grabbing a glass of wine on a Tuesday night.
What People Actually Order (and What They Should)
Let's talk about the Original BBQ Chicken Pizza. It’s the GOAT for a reason. Invented by Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax back in 1985, this single pizza basically launched the "California-style" pizza movement. At the Southpoint location, they still fire these in the open hearth. The combination of the smoked Gouda, the red onions, and that specific BBQ sauce—it’s a classic.
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But if you’ve been going to California Pizza Kitchen at Southpoint and only ordering that, you’re kinda missing out.
The Under-the-Radar Stars
I’ve noticed people sleeping on the salads. The Thai Crunch Salad is a texture powerhouse. You’ve got the peanuts, the crispy wontons, and that peanut dressing that I’m pretty sure people would buy by the gallon if they could. It’s one of those rare salads that actually fills you up because it's massive.
Another sleeper hit is the Cedar Plank Salmon. It sounds like something you’d get at a high-end steakhouse, but they do a surprisingly good job with it here. It’s served with corn and black bean succotash and spinach. It’s a solid choice if you’re trying to pretend you aren't at a pizza place.
The Crust Dilemma
You have choices now. Back in the day, it was just the standard hand-tossed dough. Now, the Southpoint crew is slinging cauliflower crust for the keto-adjacent crowd.
- Original Hand-Tossed: Chewy, classic, never fails.
- Thin Crust: Best for the Sicilian or the Tostada pizza.
- Cauliflower: Surprisingly crispy. It’s a $2.50 upcharge, but it doesn't taste like cardboard, which is a win in the gluten-free world.
The Logistics of Eating at Southpoint
The biggest hurdle isn't the menu; it's the timing. If you show up at California Pizza Kitchen at Southpoint at 6:30 PM on a Saturday when a Marvel movie just let out, you’re going to be waiting. The wait times can balloon to 45 minutes or an hour easily.
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Pro tip: Use the CPK app to check in before you even park the car.
Parking at Southpoint is its own circle of hell during the holidays. If you're heading to CPK, your best bet is usually the deck behind the AMC or the lot near Cheesecake Factory, though that's always packed. If you can, park over by Macy's and take the walk. It’ll help you justify the Butter Cake later.
Dietary Restrictions and Real Talk
CPK was one of the first major chains to really lean into the gluten-free thing. They actually have a certified gluten-free procedure for certain pizzas (like the Pepperoni and Mushroom) to avoid cross-contamination. If you have Celiac disease, tell the server immediately. They take it more seriously than your average chain.
For the vegans? It’s a bit tougher, but manageable. You can get the pizzas without cheese, and the crust is vegan. The Dakota Smashed Pea + Barley soup is a hidden gem that just happens to be plant-based.
Why it Beats the Competition
Southpoint has a lot of food options. You’ve got Maggiano’s for heavy Italian, Firebirds for wood-fired steaks, and the usual fast-casual suspects. CPK wins on versatility. You can take a group of six people there—one who’s vegan, one who’s on a diet, one who just wants a massive burger, and two kids who only eat cheese pizza—and everyone leaves happy. That is the "secret sauce" of this location.
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The service at the Southpoint branch is generally fast. These servers are used to the mall rush. They know you might be trying to catch a 7:15 PM showing of the latest blockbuster. They aren't going to linger.
The Evolution of the Menu
Lately, they’ve been experimenting with more seasonal stuff. I saw a Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower appetizer recently that was actually spicy—not "corporate spicy" but genuinely had some kick. They also do these seasonal "power bowls" that feel very 2026.
The bar program has also stepped up. It’s not just cheap draft beer anymore. They do a decent Sangria flight and some craft cocktails that use actual fresh fruit. The Beehive Ginger Ale (non-alcoholic) is also a sleeper hit if you’re the designated driver for the mall trip.
Final Verdict on the Southpoint Experience
Is it the most "authentic" Italian pizza in Durham? No. Go to Gocciolina or Pompieri for that. But that’s not why you go to CPK. You go to California Pizza Kitchen at Southpoint because you want a consistent, high-quality meal in the middle of a shopping trip. You go for the nostalgia of that BBQ chicken. You go because the kids won't complain and the booths are comfortable.
It remains a cornerstone of the Durham dining scene simply by being consistently "good" in an era where "good" is getting harder to find.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Download the Rewards App: You get a free small plate just for signing up. Plus, the points add up fast if you’re a local.
- Skip the Peak: If you can go at 3:00 PM on a weekday, you’ll have the place to yourself.
- The Butter Cake is Mandatory: Seriously. If you’re going to eat the calories, do it here. It’s warm, it’s topped with Häagen-Dazs, and it’s arguably the best thing on the entire menu.
- Check the Movie Times: If a major blockbuster is starting or ending, the restaurant traffic will fluctuate wildly. Plan accordingly.
- Outdoor Seating: If the weather is even slightly nice, ask for the patio. The Southpoint "Main Street" vibe is much better than sitting near the kitchen door.
Next time you find yourself staring at a directory map at the mall, wondering where to eat, just head toward the cinema. CPK is sitting right there, ready with a thin-crust Sicilian and a cold drink. It’s a Durham classic for a reason.