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
Photo by Jenn Dunn
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
Durham Distillery pours a decade of know-how into its first bourbon.
“Civilization begins with distillation”—William Faulkner’s words refuse to age as the gin house that helped put the Bull City on the spirits map makes a “damn fine” foray into whiskey business.
“With our gins, every component has a purpose,” Durham Distillery co-founder Melissa Katrincic tells RM, “and Lee brought that same approach to blending this bourbon.”
And they didn’t rush it. More than a decade after launching, co-founder, President and Master Distiller Lee Katrincic is putting his name behind Damn Fine Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. At just 2,080 bottles, the limited first-batch eight-barrel blend draws on his distilling moxie, flavor-balancing prowess and years behind the still—plus a whiskey-blending education that includes a master class with one of modern American whiskey’s most influential figures: the late Dave Pickerell.
And the magic is in the mix. Distilled and aged in Kentucky, Lee handpicked six mature rye-recipe barrels for structure, depth and a lingering finish, then two wheated barrels for softness and approachability, developing the final rich, rounded blend at Durham Distillery.
“What feels distinctly us,” says Melissa, “is the thought put into the finished spirit: how the flavors work together and how it drinks, whether you’re enjoying it neat or in a cocktail.”
Aged a minimum of four years, that versatile result walks an intentional tightrope, with enough depth and personality to sip neat and enough spice to hold its own in a cocktail, adds Melissa. On the nose, warm vanilla, toasted oak and caramel meet an inviting pop of bright rye spice and crisp apple before giving way to butterscotch, brown sugar and soft milk chocolate. A high-rye backbone carries through to a lingering finish of warm cinnamon, cracked pepper, toasted nuts and oak. Lee’s preferred pour? A Damn Fine Manhattan riff (see below).
So why bourbon—and why now? “Gin has been such an important part of our story, but our curiosity about spirits has always extended beyond it,” says Melissa. “The right time came when we had a blend we were proud to put our name on.”
As for whether Damn Fine signals a bigger whiskey chapter, the distillery isn’t spilling that just yet. For now, it’s focused on giving those first eight barrels the attention they deserve—and hearing what drinkers think. But more whiskey isn’t off the table—“We’re definitely excited about expanding the lineup,” teases Melissa. We’ll drink to that.
Every great beer scene has an origin story. North Carolina’s traces back to Durham. Until 2005, state law capped beer at 6% ABV, a rule that kept the stronger, bolder styles brewers wanted to make off North Carolina tap lists entirely. Durham was ground zero for the fight to change that, home to the brewers, advocates and organizers behind Pop the Cap, the campaign that spent two years pushing lawmakers to lift the limit. When the cap came down on Aug. 13, 2005, it cracked the door open for the craft beer industry North Carolina has today, and Durham’s breweries have been at the center of it ever since.
That energy is still on tap. Today, the Bull City is home to more than 20 breweries and taprooms, each with its own personality. Some pour German-inspired lagers next to firepits. Some specialize in Southern farmhouse ales made with local grain. Some are tucked into old tobacco warehouses, others into strip malls that hide serious beer behind unassuming doors. Wander from one to the next and you’ll find a scene that still carries the scrappy, do-it-yourself spirit of the people who fought to make it legal in the first place.
This fall, the Bull City Beer Challenge from Discover Durham is giving you a reason to prove your NC beer chops. Now through Dec. 31, turn a weekend of brewery-hopping into a game with a payoff. Download the free Discover Durham app, check in at participating breweries and taprooms around the city, and once you’ve hit 12 stops, you’ll earn a branded Bull City Beer Challenge T-shirt, available starting Oct. 1 at the Durham Visitor Info Center downtown. Several fall beer events, including Oktoberfest celebrations at breweries around the city, count toward your total too.
Don’t want to drive? Take the train. Amtrak drops you right into downtown Durham, walking distance from a handful of check-in locations, as a stop on the NC Ale Trail by Rail.
Whichever breweries you try, you’re drinking in a city that helped write the rulebook for what North Carolina beer could be. The 6% cap is long gone, and Durham’s brewers have spent 21 years proving what’s possible without it.
Full steam ahead! Once home to a fire department, police station, town court, jail and library—all simultaneously (!)—the century-old landmark is accustomed to wearing many hats, now supporting multiple local businesses. Where food hall meets strip mall, the three-story spot recently transformed into a multitenant space—and it’s definitely on the right track. Start the day with breakfast at Rock & Roll Cafe, browse record stores and beauty shops, take an art class, then head to Crescendo for dinner. The building’s new act is its liveliest yet—with the cinnamon rolls alone worth climbing aboard for. Next stop: East Second Street.
Wake up and smell the coffee. Brews and community are in full bloom at this local microroastery in the heart of historic downtown. With beans from coffee-growing regions across Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala and beyond, the shop is committed to sourcing products that are both organic and Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance Certified—all in support of the environment and farmers who make our quiet mornings possible. A vibrant, full-scale exterior mural bursting with birds and florals turns heads before you step through the door, while matcha, specialty lattes and robust pours keep you lingering. Whether you’re dropping in for quick coffee and convo or staying for local baked goods and seasonal sips, locals and visitors alike have plenty of ~grounds~ for gathering.
Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. Bull City’s new entertainment hub is bringing 90K square feet of high-speed fun to the Triangle. The indoor megaplex is packed with climate-controlled electric Superkart courses, a two-story laser tag arena, and Hyperdeck and Hologate virtual reality experiences built for friendly competition—plus a mix of over 150 retro and current arcade games. When it comes time to refuel, Andretti ditches regular concession fare for habanero bacon jam burgers, loaded nachos and chorizo avocado flatbreads—with a full-service bar to boot. Even better? Every lap supports colorectal cancer prevention through the CheckIt4Andretti Foundation, giving playtime a purpose. In it to win it, indeed.
Photo courtesy of Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Durham
Here’s the scoop: The best gelato outside Italy is hiding right in Raleigh’s backyard—and it’s about time you sampled. Husband-and-wife duo Warwick Sheehan and Diana Diaz launched the creamery in 2022 after researching gelato across the country and honing their craft at the famed Carpigiani Gelato University in Bologna. The result? National acclaim for a commitment to Italian tradition and use of local flavors, from Homeland Creamery dairy to seasonal fruit from the State Farmers Market. Mainstay flavors like stracciatella and sweet cream are go-tos, while rotating weekly specials such as matcha coconut and labneh Meyer lemon up the wow factor—and for those who are dairy-free, a refreshing lineup of sorbets scratch the itch. The cherry on top? A signature waffle wafer for that extra crunch. Buonissimo!
Bookworms—start digging. After more than a decade of dreaming, former SAS leader Marcie Montague has begun a new chapter downtown—one that brings, well, beautiful things to the city. Named after one of Shakespeare’s greatest—yes, that Juliet—the independent bookstore’s shelves are stocked with bestsellers, staff picks, children’s classics and thoughtful knickknacks showcasing local creatives. And the literary therapy doesn’t stop there. Among Montague’s hopes for the book nook’s future are book clubs, author events, beer and wine service, story times with her dog Maisy—and ultimately giving Cary the happy ending it deserves.
Coastal fish shack meets city energy at Jean’s—no beach trip required. Taking over the old Durham Filling Station/Wimpy’s Grill outpost to much buzz, the seafood spot leans all-in on beachy decor, old-school booths and a big patio that channels peak seaside vibes (read: the kind of place you linger). It’s casual, a little kitschy and exactly the kind of place that turns a quick stop into a full night out. Dive into cold snacks like oysters, smoked fish dip and ceviche before moving on to Calabash baskets, peel-and-eat shrimp, and sandwiches. Not sure where to start? Go classic with a basket and work your way out. A cold beer—or colder marg—seals the deal, ensuring a shuckin’ good experience that hits just right on a warm night, especially when the patio’s packed.jeansbythesea.com
Photo by Forrest Mason
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Stylish Living | APEX
If your love language is a good find, this is your spot. The ever-rotating boutique and gift shop stocks a smattering of everything. Think clothes, jewelry, beauty, gifts, and home goods like mugs and candles—even snacks—with just enough local flair to make it feel personal. New drops keep regulars coming back, so no two visits hit the same. Perfect for last-minute birthday gifts, hostess saves or a little midweek mood boost. Consider it your go-to when you need something fast—but still want it to feel thoughtful. Translation? Easy gifting, zero overthinking—minus explaining how you popped in for a candle and came out with a full bag. But go ahead and treat yo’self—you deserve it (and yes, they’ll gift-wrap it). @stylish_living_apex
Courtesy of Stylish Living
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Matsumoto Craft Ramen | Cary
Slurp happens—and at this popular ramen resto, it’s practically encouraged. With decades of combined experience behind the counter, the ramen spot delivers rich broths and handmade noodles that have you checking you didn’t wake up in Asia—think flavorful ramens like tonkotsu, miso and curry, alongside black garlic chicken and fried tofu. The menu covers the spectrum, so whether you’re craving something rich and indulgent or lighter and brothy, there’s a lane. Apps like karaage, gyoza and edamame round it out, but the real draw is the depth of umami in every bowl, so when you come hungry, you’ll leave warm and fully satisfied—no late-night snack required. tasuasianbistro.com
Photo by Azy Foley Photography
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Market on Market | Durham
Three birds—er, brands—one stone. The Market Street retail incubator (hence the name) lets you shop—and support—three Black women-owned businesses all in one pass, from mod apothecary Be Well Co. to eco-minded lifestyle brand EKO and stationery-meets-gift shop BLNK SPCE Designs. It’s an easy way to discover new brands and a mix of practical and playful goodies without committing to a full day of shopping. Part boutique, part test lab for emerging brands, the program lets entrepreneurs experiment and grow while giving you the opp to get first dibs while they build what’s next—botanical facial toner, statement necklaces and cheeky stickers in tow. @marketonmarketstreet
Courtesy of Be Well Co.
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Baekho Coffee & Ice Cream | RTP
Coffee and ice cream—name a better duo, we’ll wait. Fuel up and cool down with a stop at the Boxyard RTP ~cool~ spot, where the crew behind Namu, Bulkogi and The Can Opener is turning out Korean-inspired drinks that go beyond your usual order and raise the bar on traditional coffees via playful well-balanced pours running the gamut from a creamy Butterscotch Candy Latte to the Berry Blush Matcha and Yuzu Citron Espresso Tonic that actually works. When it comes to dessert, scratchmade ops come by the cup, waffle cone, topped with matcha or in milkshake form. Basically, your summertime afternoon reset, post-work treat or casual date spot, handled. Come for a pick-me-up, stay because you turned it into a treat run. @baekhonc
