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Where to sip, savor and explore new flavors outside of Raleigh.
By Lauren Kruchten and Peyton Masilun
1. The Beach House by Tiki Brewing | Cary
Tropical ’tails—no plane ticket required. Yes, please! Sip away your responsibilities among The Beach House’s apropos beachy vibes—where every hour is happy hour, especially with a Blue Hawaiian (coconut rum, blue Curaçao, pineapple, agave), pineapple daiquiri or Tiki IPA in hand. Splayed out in a lawn chair on the patio promises to bring the salt-air-don’t-care energy—made all the more groovy with the hot spot’s regular bonfires and rotating on-site food trucks. Surf’s up! tikibrewing.com
2. Flight Tea Bar & Lounge | Carrboro
Tea flights and Zen feelings—found. Owner and lifelong tea connoisseur Jarrah Passanisi has personally sourced artisan teas from farms and companies all over the globe, with each sip transporting you to the tranquil gardens of Japan or the misty mountains of Taiwan. The serene weekend lounge located within the My Muses Card Shop doubles as a cozy spot to dish tea with your pals, or take part in one of the ongoing events and workshops (tea sampling, dried flower arranging, etc.). So, double the tea if you will (!). flightteabarandlounge.com
3. Urban Turban Indian Grill and Bar | Durham
This ain’t your standard Indian restaurant—in the best way. Bold flavors and energetic atmosphere sprinkled with cheeky Desi humor collide at this vibrant gem putting a fun modern spin on tradition—and serving up a mix of classic favorites and tantalizing contemporary takes that’ll take your senses on an adventure. Think rich Punjabi chicken curry, sizzling tandoori fish tikka and succulent lamb seekh kababs. An ample bar touting a lineup of colorful cocktails rounds out the experience—from a spicy Indian mojito to a tamarind margarita—altogether making for one spicy evening in stylish digs. urbanturbannc.com
4. Aaktun Coffee + Bar | Durham
Two-time James Beard semifinalist Oscar Diaz’s day-to-night dual-concept is a vibe—period. From the modern daytime cafe selects to the Tulum- and Tiki-inspired evening dining experience to an all-day Sunday “drunch” remix that “hits harder than your Saturday night” (!), the sip and sup destination delivers a full-court-press of fun flavors, high-energy ambiance, and oh-so-’Grammable eats and drinks. Pro tip: Get the viral BEC brekky sando and pork belly adobo—plus a colorful cocktail, natch. aaktun.info
5. The Flying Pierogi Delicatessen | Carroboro
If you’ve yet to experience the delight that is a Polish kielbasa, you’re in for a real treat. Inspired by street food the world over—from Chicago to New York to Poland and Germany—this European-inspired bistro/deli serves up bona fide classics that instantly elicit feelings of home. Go “on a roll” with a traditional Chicago hot dog (no ketchup!), bratwurst or Red Hot Carolina, or eat your fill of pierogies, stuffed with rotating flavors like potato mushroom, potato cheddar, or kraut and mushroom. A cold beer to pair is a borderline necessity. flyingpierogi.com
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