Bhavana nirvana—extended. DTR-based dim sum den Brewery Bhavana is now loading its first additional location, slated to unfold at Fenton April 18.
“Fenton was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up,” says Patrick Woodson, co-founder and now sole owner of Brewery Bhavana, which bowed in DTR in 2017 and quickly rose to national recognition—from being named one of Bon Appetit’s 10 Best New Restaurants to a James Beard semifinalist nod a year later, to name but a few. “And it’s going to have a different design and feel.” Less moody bibliotheque-meets-flower shop and more casual verdant and vibey, the sophomore space will send you almost quite literally to heaven as you slurp the standouts selects and dip your way through dim sum among utopian-like greenhouse vibes.
Awash in natural light, the space leans lush via abundant live greenery—anchored by a captivating, handpainted bar mural of the Garden of Eden and under a canopy of hanging plants that’ll feel like you’ve unearthed the uncanny experience of dining in the world-wonder Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Even the address of the panoramic glass-walled vibrant dim sum den is Lower Garden Lane—which, for situational awareness, is across from the Arhaus furniture store and adjacentto The Allison luxury apartments.
Extending the botanical energy into outdoor beer garden vibes—and taking advantage of the sip-and-stroll district—see the sprawling 60-seat patio space with bar. “Having [that] to help serve everyone in Fenton… is very exciting and different for us!” Woodson tells Raleigh Magazine in an exclusive preview chat of the program that will include a range of to-go brews (including exclusive limited-edition selects) and draft cocktails.
Or, for more Edenic reverie, the courtyard-adjacent alfresco affair makes for the perf perch to post up for dining or drinks—from its diverse cocktail program to fare from a menu that mimics the DTR darling dishes with a dose of lighter, healthier fare to boot. “We feel like this version of Brewery Bhavana is going to be a great fit for Fenton,” maintains Woodson. “While we’re still focused on offering a high-quality hospitality experience, we’re excited with how the Cary location will be different.” So, basically, all that and dim sum indeed.brewerybhavana.com
Thank you, next. Believe it or not, 2024 is officially coming to a close. As we ready for the City of Oaks’ next chapter, we tapped our team for their 2025 Raleigh resolutions—aka what they want to see for the city next year. Let’s hope it’s an era to remember!
“A pro sports team” —Melissa Howsam, Editor-in-Chief, @mahowsam
If you’ve already sleighed your way through our holiday pop-up coverage, you’re just in the nick of time, as a handful of holiday hooch spots add to the spirited roster.
Through Jan. 13, Clockwork is throwing its Santa hat in the ring with their annual Nutcracker pop-up with, you guessed it, a plethora of nutcrackers adorning every available surface. And mixing up festive drinks (hey tiramisu martini!) for all the jingle ladies—and gents—is recently crowned people’s choice winner at The Cocktail Classic, Kellie Corcoran.
If you’d rather hurry down the chimney in Durham, Corpse Reviver is here for it—until Dec. 31. “With nostalgic flavors, over-the-top holiday décor, and, most importantly, our signature warm and welcoming atmosphere, we transform into a whimsical Winter Wonderland in the heart of downtown Durham,” emphasizes co-owner Melissa Katrincic. Top off your white Christmas with spirited concoctions like Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, Poinsettia 75 and Glen Cocoa (you go, Glen Coco!) served in a winking take-home Santa mug.
And lighting the way in Cary through Jan. 12, The Side Door’s “Christmas on Kildaire” pop-up decorations would make even Clark Griswold tear up. Christmas aficionado and owner Anthony Rapillo helped in hanging over 1,200 feet of garland and over 1,000 Christmas ornaments to bring North Pole vibes south. “We believe [our pop-up] rivals any Christmas pop up in Raleigh,” Rapillo says—sounds like an excuse to see if he’s right.
Also through Jan. 12 and under Rapillo’s decorating tutelage is Flask Cocktail Bar who is lighting up the season. Rapillo recommends sipping on the christmas cookie Negroni, saying it’s “somehow exactly what you’d think it tastes like while remaining super balanced and not overly sweet.” Time to drink up, grinches.
At a time when in-real-life socializing is surging, longtime City Club Raleigh has made the tough decision to shutter for good after 45 years as a beacon of community and connection in the Cap City at the conclusion of its current lease Dec. 31, with a Farewell Holiday Party and a final NYE Early Dinner scheduled for Dec. 20 and Dec. 31, respectively.
Positioned proudly on the penthouse levels of 150 Fayetteville (aka the former Wells Fargo Capitol Center) for more than a decade, CCR has made an indelible impact—not to mention created infinite memories via meals, events, unions, receptions, celebrations, gatherings and beyond.
Now, the Triangle’s largest law firm and longtime 150 Fayetteville tenant Smith Anderson has doubled down on Downtown by reupping its five-floor lease (save a half-floor they are relinquishing) while garnering the two top floors and signage rights of the iconic 30-story tower.
“We want to help Downtown continue to revitalize post-pandemic,” says Smith Anderson Managing Partner Byron Kirkland, “and as one of the largest private employers in the Downtown area, we are excited that we can play a significant role in doing that.”
About far more than office space, the lease extension is a boost for the city core via a block of Main Street—and a tower—that are already big talkers of late with openings of 150 Fayetteville ground-floor Birdie’s Barroom and Kitchen, as well as adjacent Diced, and soon bowing Insomnia Cookies and PrimoHoagies.
“Keeping Smith Anderson is a massive win for Downtown’s continued upward trajectory,” says Downtown Raleigh Alliance President and CEO Bill King, “as we add a flurry of new storefront businesses and build momentum for North Carolina’s Main Street. Not only are we keeping a major employer in the heart of Downtown, but we are keeping a company that consistently has participated and led in efforts to elevate Downtown Raleigh.”
“Smith Anderson’s reinvestment in downtown Raleigh shows the confidence one of our city’s long-standing business leaders has in keeping our urban core thriving,” Raleigh MayorJanet Cowell said. “Downtown’s success depends on everyone working together – the city, businesses, institutions and the community.”
Having called Fayetteville Street home for over a century, Smith Anderson will begin renovations to all seven of its floors this March, with a completion slated for mid-2026. Expect the reno to significantly modernize the space, establishing a striking two-story window topping the tower in the firm’s lobby and serving stunning skyline views, as well as huddle rooms, hoteling/flex offices, wellness areas on each floor, elevated tech, expanded conference room areas and a leveled-up firm cafe.
“We were deliberate in making the move ourselves Downtown in 2022 to 150 Fayetteville Street,” says Ted Klinck, president and CEO of Highwoods Properties, which owns 150 Fayetteville. … “We believe Fayetteville Street is North Carolina’s Main Street, and we very much appreciate the opportunity to serve as Smith Anderson’s workplace partner. In partnership with the city and the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, we’re committed to making Downtown the most commuteworthy Best Business District we can.”
Having already received recognition for its business savvy, “North Carolina is one of the best states to do business in the country,” acknowledges Kirkland. “Raleigh is one of the best places to do business in North Carolina, and Raleigh deserves a resilient and lively Downtown. We’re thrilled to be part of that vision.”
And that commitment, says King, “is a critical step in bringing Downtown back.”
