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Five reasons to venture beyond city limits
Geo’s Tavern & Oyster Bar
CHAPEL HILL
The world is your oyster indeed at Geo’s. Centered around North Carolina seafood and other familiar tavern fare, the Giorgios Hospitality Group restaurant is led by chef Daniel Jackson, who draws from his experience at Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park to shape the elevated neighborhood gastropub. Start with raw bar offerings like oysters, crab claws or a loaded seafood tower before leaning into the Southern-comfort selects ranging from jalapeno-cheddar hush puppies to the Heritage Farms pork chop and shrimp and grits. Post-meal, settle in for a nightcap at the grand wood bar to cap off a coastal getaway sans the drive east. geostavern.com
Photo by Mariana Morales
Reserve
CARY
Indian fine dining is finally getting the local attention it deserves—and Reserve is adding another seat at the table. Rooted in the belief that Indian cuisine belongs among the world’s greatest food cultures, the resto honors tradition while pushing it forward. Inspired by mudra—a sacred hand gesture expressing meaning, balance and intention—the menu from two globally recognized chefs features standouts like tomato-orange sunlit rasa and slow-cooked mountain goat shorba, plus ’tails tailored to complement the seasonally driven plates. The result: a meal that celebrates the depth of Indian cuisine without treating tradition as something static. reservenc.com
The Arcane Books and Speakeasy
CARY
It’s the greatest plot twist ever written: a bookstore that’s also a bar. Tucked inside Cary’s historic Williams House, Arcane pairs page-turners with all-day coffee, craft beer, wine and literary-themed cocktails (read: the Luna Lovegood with dark rum, pineapple and orange blossom). Browse romance, mystery, thrillers, fantasy and classics with a latte in hand—then push through the stacks to reveal a speakeasy hidden behind the bookshelves for a different kind of ~tail~. Order a Shadow Daddy old-fashioned and settle in—or return for best-selling author events, release parties, trivia nights, live music and more. Consider this your invitation to keep turning the page on a new adventure. arcanebookbar.com
Joyfully House
APEX
Consider this your warning: You’re not leaving with just a cup of Joe. Sparking joy with a side of retail therapy and Turkish coffee, the downtown Apex social hub, shop and cafe pairs caffeinated bevs with curated goods—from unique jewelry and accessories to gifts and seasonal home decor—while workshops and community gatherings give locals even more reason to make themselves at home. Come for a kitschy fall find, stay for a cuppa and easy conversation—and walk out feeling a little more joyful, natch. joyfullyhouse.com
M Hansik
DURHAM
Bring an open mind and an empty stomach to M Hansik, chef Michael Lee’s newest M concept. Built for play but rooted in Korean tradition, the menu gives familiar flavors an imaginative spin: Jjajiang becomes a two-sheet lasagna layered with black bean sauce, minced pork, bechamel and Parmesan, while Korean paella brings together assorted meats, seafood, masago and toasted sesame. And every meal should start with the housemade sourdough paired with signature kongaru and caviar, and end with bingsu, a shaved frozen milk with mango and rice cakes. At M Hansik, heritage is neither forgotten nor rewritten—it’s reimagined, one unexpected plate at a time. @mhansik_durham
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