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
Don’t call it a comeback. … Once upon a time, fast-food behemoth McD’s dished that now-billions-served burger at a walk-up window—a concept popular in the halcyon days of the ’40s and ’50s. But now, it’s not so nostalgic. The resurgence of the old-school walk-up window is once again a thing (some incited by pivots, natch)—and one we see playing out around town. Here are 8 worth stepping up to.
Dose Yoga + Smoothie Bar
In uplifting news, helping us stay grounded is Dose Yoga’s fruitfulin-house smoothie bar—and walk-up window in the uber-hip Smoky Hollow and North Hills Innovation District developments. So whether you ~namaste’d~ a Dose class or you’re just passing through with your pup or pals, you can grab your daily “dose” of adaptogenic and plant-based protein ops to elevate mood or stay balanced. Positive side effects, guaranteed. doseyogaraleigh.com
Our rec: Pick your potion from smoothies, smoothie bowls and wellness lattes.
Videri
Who says you can’t have chocolate for breakfast?! The beloved bean-to-bar chocolate factory’s walk-up window fits right in with the brick exterior, vintage appearance and goodies. Treat yo’self to a cuppa joe, some handcrafted chocolate, a creamy hot cocoa or a scoop of soft-serve ice cream during your DTR stroll—or as a midafternoon pick-me-up. Now that’s pretty sweet. viderichocolatefactory.com
Our rec: BYO wine and cozy up on the charming light-strung patio.
Lawrence Barbecue
If you like *pig* butts and you cannot lie, head to Boxyard for Lawrence Barbecue’s bangin’ brisket, ribs, pulled pork, oysters and chicken—all smoked on-site—plus an array of side fixins’ that are just as mandatory. Snag all those smoky and savory flavors via the walk-up window; then chow down at a picnic table or back at home (dealer’s choice!). But you’ll want to get the whole crew in on this one—after all, BBQ is best enjoyed family-style. lawrencefoodco.com
Our rec: The brisket sando with a side of the three-cheese mac
Get a slice of the action at local fave Oakwood Pizza Box, a casual pizzeria known for its creative toppings and convenient walk-up window (regulars know to grab a pie—in traditional or square size—before heading next door to neighbor Willco for some potables-and-pizza action). Or swing by for a weekend lunch slice when you hit that midday slump—because ’za always makes everything better. oakwoodpizzabox.com
Our rec: Keep it simple with a slice of pepperoni pizza and a Mexican coke.
Bittersweet
A bittersweet symphony indeed, this chic one-stop-shop for coffee, cocktails and desserts also houses its own convenient walk-up window. Satisfy your sweet tooth with an ice cream sundae, or perk up with an afternoon espresso (we won’t tell if you add some liquor to it…). Seasonal specialties keep things interesting, while specials like Thursday Bubbles + Cake and Sunday Pie make a night out a piece of cake—literally. bittersweetraleigh.com
Our rec: A slice of the derby pie pairs perfectly with a boozy latte.
Ooh la la! Trade le rooftop for le walk-up window and settle in to a sidewalk seat like a true Parisian for primo “happy hour” selects like herb and truffle frites, spritzes, sparkling rosé, and wine by the glass offered Tuesday–Thursday from 5 to 10pm. restaurantjolie.com
Tacos at any time of day? Say less. Hit up this popular taco the town at Raleigh Iron Works for the perfect on-the-go snack—plus chips and queso, natch. And a meal here wouldn’t be complete with a marg, naturally. Look out for their monthly rotating featured taco in partnership with a local chef, with proceeds benefiting a different org each month. littlerey.com
Our rec: Brekkie dreams are made of breakfast tacos—and don’t sleep on the quesadillas.
“Take meat home tonight” via the Smoky Hollow ’cue spot’s to-go window dishing up smoky barbecue plates (think Carolina pork, brisket, smoked chicken and burnt ends)—plus fan-fave sandwiches, salads, and apps like nachos and wings. It’s great go-to for your next family BBQ sans the grill. midwoodsmokehouse.com
Our rec: Load up on the burnt ends with a side of cheesy broccoli casserole.
Turns out, NC really is a vacation destination. Breaking the state’s tourism record with over $36.7 billion in visitor spending in 2024, it continues to be the No. 5 most visited state.
In attempt to continue providing aid to those affected by the Hurricane Helene in WNC, Gov. Josh Stein is calling for an additional $891 million for recovery efforts, which would go toward addressing food insecurity, rehabilitating waterways, repairing damaged schools, promoting tourism and more.
Canada, eh? RDU is adding two new direct flights to its roster in June, Vancouver via Air Canada starting June 5 and Calgary via WestJet starting June 9.
RTP’s 19-acre mixed-use community Triangle Mobility Hub selected Hoffman & Associates as the master developer. In partnership with GoTriangle and the Research Triangle Foundation of NC, the project will integrate residential, retail and office space with transit options connecting the Triangle via bus service, bike and pedestrian pathways—plus future bus rapid transit and rail service.
World Cup winner and two-time Olympic champion Lauren Holiday—along with husband Jrue, a two-time NBA champion—are the most recent investors of the NC Courage. Score!
Wheels up! RDU recorded its two busiest days in airport history to date over graduation and Mother’s Day weekend, with over 31,500 passengers boarding flights on Sunday, May 11—aka the second-highest number of travelers RDU has ever served in a day. Monday, May 12, saw 30,600+ passengers depart from the airport, putting it at No. 6.
Life is a highway—but nobody wants to ride Capital Boulevard all night long. Commuters of the section dubbed U.S. 1 may see tolls in the future, either throughout the entire 10-mile section or for just one toll express lane, both with the potential of adding it to the Triangle Expressway system.
Hey… y’all? According to AP News, the Southern accent may be disappearing in some parts of the South as more people move to other regions of the country.
WHAT’S NOT
The light may be dimming on the state’s solar power. Republican state reps want to nix a property tax exemption for solar energy developers that would impose taxes on ~$5.9 billion of solar equipment.
Sometimes, less is more—which is precisely the case with La Taqueria: the latest from restaurateur Anthony Rapillo and celeb chef Katsuji Tanabe. Now open in the former Boxyard RTPLeroy’s space, the duo’s second concept—behind last year’s DTR Flour & Barrel—specializes in the simple yet flavor-filled authentic tacos Tanabe was raised on in Mexico City. No fussy elaborate ingredients—just really delicious, fresh tacos.
Aiming to answer the call as “the best, most authentic Mexican tacos in the Triangle,” the taqueria (aka resto specializing in tacos) features handpressed tortillas alongside four types of protein: chicken, chorizo, brisket and mushroom—plus myriad garnishes. Think homemade salsas, fresh and pickled onions, cilantro, and lime.
Choricero; photo courtesy of La Taqueria
While a sole food offering (save some specials Tanabe has in the works) may seem basic, Rapillo ensures they’re anything but. Marinated in a steaming bath of spices, broth and lard, the meats all get slow-cooked together in a “hot tub”-type pan (aka choricero). The result is tender meat and “a far more interesting broth that seasons everything cooked in it,” says Rapillo. “If you’ve ever sat facing a Chinese hot pot or Italian bollito misto, you are familiar with the effect.”
While Rapillo was initially skeptical about a taqueria, a taste of the Top Chef vet’s tacos flipped the script. “I came over for lunch, and I was like, ‘There’s no way I’m gonna make tacos in Durham,’” recalls Rapillo. “And then two hours later I was like, ‘I guess I’m going to make tacos in Durham.’”
Hydrating your hunger, La Taqueria will also serve pre-batched tequila- and mezcal-based mixed cocktails in its revamped space, complete with an expanded dining room, upgraded tables and chairs, fresh paint, and an ever-so-apt Mexican spotted owl mural by the same artist behind the Flour & Barrel masterpiece.
Put simply: It’s a fresh take on your typical taco joint—“a pure taqueria,” maintains Rapillo. “There’s no other rhyme or reason to it—just super authentic, super-fresh tacos.” It promises to be the ~taco~ the town (had to). @lataqueriaboxyard
Prime Barbecue’s Chris Prieto is bringing a combined BBQ/steak concept to Hub RTP.
“If you think Prime Barbecue’s good, just wait,” proclaims owner Chris Prieto, also of Primo Latin Cuisine. The author, TV personality, champion pitmaster, BBQ preacher and teacher is gearing up for his next venture: a meat mecca dubbed Prime STQ.
Opening at Hub RTP spring 2025, the restaurant will transition from a stripped-down version of Prime Barbecue by day to a new-meets-old steakhouse by night—think “regal with a touch of Angus Barn” or “Outback Steakhouse meets Ruth’s Chris,” says Prieto.
The renowned “barbecue nerd” notes STQ (the abbreviation for steak, like BBQ to barbecue) was always the goal, with his passion for the meat blossoming from his childhood spent eating affordable cuts into adulthood cooking competitions (“I learned a lot about how to push flavor into a steak,” he recalls) and frequenting steakhouses with fellow chefs.
Fast-forward to now, and he’s been in talks with Hub RTP for over a year—while Prime served as an incubator concept allowing him to, ahem, prime his own signature style of ’cue by studying how people consume. “I’m going back to the OG way of how I think barbecue should be done,” he maintains.
At STQ, expect a highly focused version of the Knightdale location’s menu: think the same brisket, turkey, housemade sausage, pork ribs and Puerto Rican-style whole hog (aka lechon) the area has grown to love—and travel miles for. Only, at the RTP locale, Prieto is also locally revolutionizing the way barbecue is presented, having guests select their sides first before making their way to a “more impactful meat-cutting experience” of a “multiple-cutter scenario” in which there’s a meat-cutter selling piles of meat from a block while the cashier listens in and rings everything up—similar to how Texas’ Terry Black’s BBQ and Salt Lick BBQ function.
“Barbecue is an old tradition, you need to give that reverence, but also what we’re doing is presenting something completely new,” explains Prieto, adding: “There will be nothing like the original location. They’re completely different concepts.”
While one might be wary of that barbecue-to-steak changeover, Prieto says there’s actually lots of overlap—and he’ll even use some of his same barbecue techniques for the steak and other dinner menu meats.
“I remember the first time I actually had steak. … It had that charcoal flavor, dripped the right amount of juice—and that is what I’m trying to replicate within STQ.” —Chris Prieto, owner, Prime Barbecue and Prime STQ
To wit, STQ won’t be like your average modern-day steak haven—in fact, you may as well throw all your standard expectations of a traditional “steakhouse” out the window. For one, there will be a sole signature steak on offer, a specific cut STQ hopes to become known for. The edgy decision was inspired by Peter Luger Steak House in NYC—in an effort to surpass the intimidation factor that comes with choosing from a plethora of different cuts sourced from various farms and served in different ways at myriad temps.
“I want to be perfect at cooking that [one] steak,” Prieto emphasizes. “Who cares what the steak is—just make it really good. That’s what people want.”
That steak, sourced from Creekstone Farms in Kansas, will be cooked over a live wood-fired grill using Prieto’s own unique blend of oak, mesquite and pecan wood—and served with a house chimichurri, a nod to his Puerto Rican roots.
STQ’s evening menu will also boast a 1.5-pound beef rib over French-style mashed potatoes and green beans verts, an elevated chicken-fried steak, two fish dishes (smoked salmon and grilled tuna), an “enormous ridiculous” wedge salad, and a custom-blend burger with the op to add a big slab of housemade smoked pastrami bacon on the side.
Baby got back! Chris Prieto’s award-winning Prime Barbecue was recently named the No. 2 top Texas-Style BBQ Joint Outside the Lone Star State by Texas Monthly.
When it comes to drinks, STQ will offer a thoughtful, concise selection of wines and proper tableside wine service. “My goal with this restaurant is to be Michelin-level when it comes to hospitality and service,” says Prieto.
Altogether, Prime STQ fulfills yet another passion of Prieto’s—and in an area with strong personal ties to him as well. A former nine-year IQVIA (formerly Quintiles) RTP employee—or “badge-wearer,” as he calls it—Prieto always said that if he were to do a second Prime it would be for them.
“I have such a passion for people in that area, and I know them so well,” he adds. “I want there to be a place [in RTP] you can bring your families back to—but in addition you can bring your corporate clients to, or you can go after work with a group of people and have a deep, rich experience.”
And Prieto stresses it will be “the best experience that side of the city has ever seen.”
