They’re back… Raleigh City Council voted to reinstate Citizen Advisory Councils (CACs), whose members can vote to recommend or reject development projects throughout the city.
Bye, Bard—hello, Gemini! Google recently renamed its chatbot and introduced a $19.99/month subscription called Gemini Advanced that boasts a more powerful AI model.
Hey, Mr. President! President Joe Biden visited Raleigh in January to announce an $82 million investment from the American Rescue Plan that will expand high-speed internet to 20,000 North Carolinians.
There’s a meme going around about how “January is going to make sure you feel all 31 of her days”… and I couldn’t relate more. (Why didn’t I do Dry February with only 29 days to suffer through?!)
That said, I tackled Dry January for the first time—along with Whole30 which, in addition to alcohol, eliminated carbs, dairy, sugar and legumes—though I’ll admit I was pretty lenient on the sugar aspect—and, well, it was a roller coaster.
Like many, I ended 2023 eating my weight in cookies and drinking at holiday parties and other social events that typify the year’s end. And, so, I personally thought a nice cleanse would be refreshing. I also liked the idea of taking on a challenge—and, at first, I was definitely riding that high.
Luckily January was a pretty tame month for me. The first couple weeks I had few social engagements, so it was easy to hunker down and stick to my dry diet without any temptation—save the food-focused TikToks and Instagram posts I was constantly being teased with.
The second weekend in, I even went to Charlotte for a friend’s birthday celebration and managed to go out to dinner and drinks without breaking. I also DD’d for the first time ever (!) and actually thoroughly enjoyed being sober and people-watching at the bar. (Admittedly I almost cracked when I had to take my friends through the Taco Bell drive-thru at 2am. … What I would’ve given for a Crunchwrap Supreme!)
I will say I got pretty bored, especially on the weekends. I’m a “go out with friends and try new bars and restaurants” girl at heart, so I was grappling with what on earth people who don’t drink do in their free time. (For me, it was mostly watching Gilmore Girls and movies—and going to the gym.)
Naturally, I discovered Raleigh’s plethora of NA options at bars—and tried out the city’s first dry bar!—so I still was able to go out and socialize over spirit-free bevys. I have a newfound love for Phony Negronis. And Umbrella Dry Bar’s complementary zero-proof shots really saved my sanity. I 10/10 will return to keep trying all the delish bevs on the menu, with the Leo Sour being my personal fave at the moment.
Devil’s Foot Beverage Company x Burial Beer Co. NA Negroni at Whiskey Kitchen
Despite those NA bevs scratching the temporary itch, by the last week of my Whole30/Dry January journey, I’ll admit I was pretty over the whole thing. My social calendar geared back up, and I felt I was missing out by not trying a cocktail at a new bar I visited (hey, Wolfe & Porter—I’ll be back in February!), or not partaking during our annual Best Bars Awards Party—which is literally devoted to celebrating bars!
Ultimately, though, the break was really nice. Physically, mentally and emotionally I needed the 31 days free from booze and bad food. I can’t say I was brimming with energy (your girl needs her carbs!), but I definitely felt more clear-minded and conscious of all the decisions I was making when it came to consuming. NTM I was incredibly proud of myself for setting a goal and sticking to it. But the best part of the whole month, of course, was not waking up hungover. Now, time for me to grab a cocktail and cheers to that!
Raleigh bars and restaurants offer heated patios for sipping and nipping amid the chilly months.
Winter doesn’t exactly scream patio season… but that’s why we have outdoor heaters! Here, we round up local restos and bars with warm patios you’ll find us catching heat for dinner or drinks this winter. After all, alfresco dining doesn’t have to be reserved for the summertime!
For all of you longing for patio season amid the arctic blast we’ve endured, we feel you. Fortunately, Raleigh is lucky to have a host of bars and restaurants with heated patios across town—from former RM Best Bar Patio winners (stay tuned for the reveal of our latest class Jan. 30!) to hot dives serving up liquor blankets to cozy outdoor oases that channel a warm summer day and more. Here, where the Raleigh Mag team is warming our souls—literally.
“I was born for patio life. Find me poolside at Mulino, pinky out a la The White Lotus in Sicily—but swap the Aperol Spritz for a floral Hugo Spritz upgrade. Trust me—so fresh. Or East End Bistrot… the tiered-level tables dotted among dense lush greenery feels like a hidden urban jungle. Patio paradise.” —Melissa Howsam, Editor-in-Chief, @mahowsam
“With its massive tent and heaters, Mulino’s patio literally feels like a warm summer day—which is exactly what I daydream about when the temps hit below freezing.” —Lauren Kruchten, Associate Editor, @laurenn_nicol
“I am a Gringo A Go Go girly through and through—so their heated patio scores my pick! Enjoying a burrito alfresco in the winter? Pure bliss.” —Anna Beth Adcock, Editorial Assistant, @_annabethadcock
“My fave is Barcelona Wine Bar! It’s always much easier to get a table outside, and it’s also a great place for people watching!” —Heidi Reid, Contributing Writer
Your guide to the land of barbecue and live music.
Let me just start off by saying, this ain’t my first rodeo (!). I love Austin—it’s one of my favorite cities. In fact, if I didn’t absolutely adore Raleigh, I’d choose to live there (though, honestly, I don’t know if I could stand that scorching heat…).
Nevertheless, it’ll be easier than ever to pop over for a long weekend getaway thanks to Delta’s extra added flight to ATX taking off in April.
Similar to Raleigh in many ways, Austin and its “weirdness”—or quirkiness, if you prefer—is exactly what makes it so attractive. Each hip sector of the city boasts its own distinct vibe—from Sixth Street’s (aka the famous entertainment district) lively bar scene to South Congress Avenue’s kitschy shops and restaurants to East Austin’s diverse cuisine and culture.
NTM the Live Music Capital of the World is, well, a mecca for music lovers (see, namely, South by Southwest and ACL Fest that attract top talent every year) and food and bev fans alike, what with its ever-growing cast of sip and sup spots gaining national attention. In the same vein as our own City of Oaks, ATX is also home to a variety of green areas and outdoor activities.
A sister city of vibrance, entertainment, excitement and all around fun, Austin promises to be a weird—er, exhilarating—getaway. Here, a few spots to set the soundtrack of your trip.
Rowing Dock
DO
Rowing Dock Row, row, row yourself gently down Lady Bird Lake via kayak, pedal kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard rentals as you feast your eyes on Austin’s skyline—and get a pic for the ’Gram, natch. Relax and meander through the water, or BYO bait to try your luck at catching a fish or two. Bonus: You can even paddle with your pooch via canine-friendly SUPs. rowingdock.com
Barton Springs Pool Splish, splash! One of Austin’s crown jewels, this natural spring-fed watering hole remains at a cool 68–70 degrees, making it ideal for a year-round dip. Located within Zilker Park, its teal waters are surrounded by grassy embankments for those itching to soak up some rays, while various trees offer shade for when the sun becomes too unbearable (it’s bound to happen).austintexas.org
Bat Bridge Kayak Tour The 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bat colony that emerges from under the Congress Avenue Bridge nightly is quite the sight to see—and even cooler from a POV on the water. Observe the natural wonder by kayak as your tour guide schools you on the nocturnal creatures, all while enjoying a beautiful Austin sunset and superior skyline views. #GoneBatty! lonestarkayaktours.com
EAT
Granny’s Tacos I could write an entire dissertation on Austin’s breakfast taco scene (So. Many. Great. Options.), but Granny’s Tacos might be my favorite. Served out of a simple food truck on East 7th and East Caesar Chavez streets, these bad boys are the real deal thanks to family recipes passed down by generations and scratchmade salsas, marinades and seasonings. My go-to is a bacon, egg and cheese brekkie taco, but the migas is also delicious. Taco ’bout a great way to start the day!grannystacosatx.com
Gabriela’s Downtown For immaculate brunch vibes, look no further than this happenin’ Mexican spot boasting locations in East and South Austin. Post up on the spacious outdoor patio and groove to the beat of a live DJ while chowing down on authentic fare (pro tip: Order the choriqueso) and sippin’ on elaborate drinks (see: the signature “Sparklers” served in a literal blender). It’s giving clubby Miami resort—and I’m here for it. @gabrielasdowntown
Terry Black’s Barbecue You can’t go to Austin without eating at Terry Black’s. Period. The inevitable long line is beyond worth it for the legendary Central Texas pit-smoked meats and housemade sides. For the full experience, order the melt-in-your-mouth brisket, juicy sausage, and creamy mac and cheese. But really the best way to do it is to bring a crew and try it all. terryblacksbbq.com
Ramen Tatsu-Ya It’s not all tacos and BBQ in Austin—the city’s ramen game is also strong, and one visit to this noodle haven touting five ATX locations is all the proof you need. The “Japanese soul food” spot is a collab between local chefs/DJs Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto—and you can bet their heart-warming bowls put that 10-cent grocery store ramen to shame.ramen-tatsuya.com
DRINK
Flat Track Coffee Roasters Rise and grind with a visit to this industrial biker-themed coffeehouse and cafe serving up all your fave coffee and espresso bevs made with freshly roasted beans and custom house blends. The cute and quaint patio is the ideal perch for enjoying a cuppa, along with baked goodies like croissants, cookies and kolaches. flattrackcoffee.com
Cosmic
Cosmic An escape within an escape, both Cosmic locations are nationally recognized wildlife habitats showcasing local art, music, purveyors and craft beer in a lush outdoor-focused setting. Backdropped by serene water features, flora and fauna, and various vibrant art, the all-day oasis makes for the perf gathering space to enjoy a coffee by day, or something a little stronger by night. cosmichospitalitygroup.com
Upstairs at Caroline Where my rooftop bar lovers at?! You could—and should—spend the whole afternoon whiling away at this “urban backyard party” above Caroline Restaurant offering comfy lounge spots, colorful picnic tables and games galore (think giant Jenga, foosball, cornhole and checkers) in a secluded yet funky AstroTurf-covered terrace. NTM refreshing drinks and snacks that are a perfect match for day (or night) drinking. carolinerestaurant.com
Low Down Lounge I’m a dive bar gal at heart (cheap drinks FTW!), and luckily Austin has no shortage of them. This retro-esque East Sixth drinking den has it all: decently priced cocktails, shots (they make a mean pickleback), beers and seltzers; pool; a hangworthy patio; and a plethora of pop-up events with food, music, comedy and more. The lowdown? No matter what’s going on, you can always expect a good time. lowdownlounge.com
