Five Outside

Where to get your beer, sweets and jazz fix this month

Pistachio Ice Cream
DURHAM

Take it from Selena Gomez: “Baby, you deserve a treat!” Taking your dessert game to new heights (see ya, Ben & Jerry’s), this Persian-inspired ice cream shop sets itself apart with exotic flavors made from authentic recipes and fresh ingredients—think matcha green tea, lavender, sour cherry, ginger rosewater and saffron pistachio, natch—that will make your brain freeze beyond worth it. Choose from a variety of toppings (nuts, syrups, fresh fruit and more) for an unlimited number of mouthwatering flavor combos—best served on a homemade waffle cone with a cold brew or latte to boot. It’s ice cream chillin’ at its finest. pistachiodurham.com

Norse Brewing Longhouse
ZEBULON

Gather your tribe and put a brave face on for Norse Brewing’s second outpost, where good ole beer and comfort food with a Scandinavian/Southern twist collide within an apropos historic building dating back to the 1920s. Eat like a true Viking via Nordic-inspired cuisine like Frikadellar (housemade beef and pork meatballs), elk sausage, loaded pork belly and beer cheese tots, duck fat fries, and more. And, naturally, wash it all down with a perfectly paired brew, cocktail (The Old Norse with Elijah Craig, maple syrup, black walnut bitters, orange peel and cherry is calling our name) or wine on draft. Skål! norsebrewingco.com  

Ay Por Dios
CHAPEL HILL

“Oh, my God” is right (!), as this elevated Mexican restaurant is sure to leave a lasting impression thanks to fresh, seasonal dishes honoring Mexican heritage and culinary techniques—not to mention its bar partnership with Clase Azul, statement ’tails (looking at you, black margarita!) and ’Grammable surrounds. Indulge in traditional dishes such as enchiladas, burritos, fajitas and tacos made from recipes passed down for generations, or branch out via eccentric dishes like the Langosta Rellena, aka lobster stuffed with marinated shrimp over pasta. There’s even a selection of handrolled sushi, birria dishes and brunch. Everybody wins! aypordiosnc.com

Missy Lane’s Assembly Room
DURHAM

If you’re still looking to soften the sting after the closure of C. Grace (RIP), look no further. This coffee-by-day, cocktails-and-jazz-by-night establishment joins the few Black- and women-owned music venues in the Triangle. Stacked with performances from talented jazz artists every week, the space prides itself on expanding the local jazz audience and community by giving them a spot to perform, socialize and enjoy. Spring for the Club Deluxe Membership to reap exclusive benefits, and swing by every Tuesday for Eloquent Soul open mic night, or the last Wednesday of each month for Old Havana Nights. Let’s get saxy! missylanes.com

Soul Cups
CARY

Good for the soul, indeed! Transport overseas via authentic Korean desserts that “tell a delicious story” with every bite. Bingsoo, a traditional milk-based shaved ice dessert, is the star of the menu, with myriad flavor offerings available—think almond, fruit, black sesame and classic red bean, each topped with tasty toppings like mochi, fresh fruit, condensed milk, whipped cream and more. But the deliciousness doesn’t stop there. … Sweet tooths will also want to dig into mochi doughnuts and croffles (croissant dough pressed into a wafflemaker #genius), while savory lovers can get behind the trendy Korean hot dogs traditionally made with potatoes and cheese. It’s giving a whole new meaning to the term Seoul—er, soul—food. cafesoulcups.com