Game on and eat up at these hot spots a short jaunt outside city lines.
Tap It Social House WENDELL
Tap into fun at this “pour, roll, play” entertainment destination offering a plethora of ways to get social. Gather your crew for a round or two of duckpin bowling, or take a trip down memory lane via 40+ arcade games with ticket winnings for lucky ducks to trade in for sweet prizes. Naturally, bevvys are only a tap away thanks to the self-pour wall (NTM housemade cocktails at the bar), and when hunger strikes, hit up the self-serve candy station or cotton candy robot (!)—or snack on the likes of burgers, paninis, flatbreads, shareable snacks and locally sourced ice cream. Ready to duck and roll out tapitsocialhouse.com
Photo courtesy of Tap It Social House
Sweet Talk Cafe APEX
Oh how sweet it is, indeed! This locally owned coffee + dessert shop turns on the charm via traditional espresso bevs, teas and specialty drinks like the Sugar Crunch Latte sprinkled with Korean-style golden toffee, or the iced Vietnamese-style Cafe Sua Da topped with sea salt cream (it’s giving pandemic flashbacks). Upping the sweet factor even more are Belgian-inspired croffles in flavors like strawberry, churro and matcha; and Bingsoo, aka milk-based shaved ice—the Choco Dream made with brownies, Oreos, chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream is, well, a dream for those with a major sweet tooth. sweettalkcafenc.com
El Tesoro CHAPEL HILL
Mexican food for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Say less. The newly bowed Mexican grill prides itself on diverse comfort recipes made by the owners’ mothers, from authentic takes on pozole, enchiladas, quesabirria tacos and tacos al pastor to classics like ACP, quesadillas and burritos. Breakfast is available all day, so you don’t have to worry about setting an alarm (#Bless). Choose from hearty ops like huevos con chorizo, jalapeno relleno tacos, chilaquiles, and a loaded breakfast burrito that doesn’t stand a chance against a serious hunger strike—or a grueling hangover. Um, two, please. eltesoromex.com
Photo by Sebastian Herrera, courtesy of El Tesoro
State of Golf DURHAM
Tee up a good time sans weather stress via this modern indoor golf and sports simulator bar and lounge boasting top-notch tech—read: Full Swing multisport simulators feat. realistic countrywide golf courses, not to mention baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer and more. Less sports ball, more spirited fans can post up in the lounge seating and dunk into the fully stocked bar for craft cocktails, beer and the like—making for an ideal outing of sippin’ and swingin’ (or batting, balling, shooting and scoring…). Go sports-tainment! stateofgolfnc.com
The Can Opener DURHAM
Bull City’s first food truck park is already on a roll. The aptly named hot spot located next to the Can Opener Bridge is a mecca for casual food and bevs, with on-site Chick-N-Que, Bulkogi, Gussy’s, Queen Eggxpress and Andia’s Ice Cream churning out chicken sandos, wings and tenders; Korean BBQ; Greek street food; Seattle-style breakfast selects; and cold sweet treats, respectively. Not to mention ample indoor and outdoor seating just waiting for you to while the day away, plus a bar serving coffee, wine and 30 brews on tap. Think of it like an all-day choose-your-own-adventure definitely worth truckin’ out to Durham for. @thecanopenerdurham
Where to get your beer, sweets and jazz fix this month
Courtesy of Pistachio Ice Cream
Pistachio Ice Cream DURHAM
Take it from Selena Gomez: “Baby, you deserve a treat!” Taking your dessert game to new heights (see ya, Ben & Jerry’s), this Persian-inspired ice cream shop sets itself apart with exotic flavors made from authentic recipes and fresh ingredients—think matcha green tea, lavender, sour cherry, ginger rosewater and saffron pistachio, natch—that will make your brain freeze beyond worth it. Choose from a variety of toppings (nuts, syrups, fresh fruit and more) for an unlimited number of mouthwatering flavor combos—best served on a homemade waffle cone with a cold brew or latte to boot. It’s ice cream chillin’ at its finest. pistachiodurham.com
Courtesy of Norse Brewing Longhouse
Norse Brewing Longhouse ZEBULON
Gather your tribe and put a brave face on for Norse Brewing’s second outpost, where good ole beer and comfort food with a Scandinavian/Southern twist collide within an apropos historic building dating back to the 1920s. Eat like a true Viking via Nordic-inspired cuisine like Frikadellar (housemade beef and pork meatballs), elk sausage, loaded pork belly and beer cheese tots, duck fat fries, and more. And, naturally, wash it all down with a perfectly paired brew, cocktail (The Old Norse with Elijah Craig, maple syrup, black walnut bitters, orange peel and cherry is calling our name) or wine on draft. Skål! norsebrewingco.com
Courtesy of Ay Por Dios
Ay Por Dios CHAPEL HILL
“Oh, my God” is right (!), as this elevated Mexican restaurant is sure to leave a lasting impression thanks to fresh, seasonal dishes honoring Mexican heritage and culinary techniques—not to mention its bar partnership with Clase Azul, statement ’tails (looking at you, black margarita!) and ’Grammable surrounds. Indulge in traditional dishes such as enchiladas, burritos, fajitas and tacos made from recipes passed down for generations, or branch out via eccentric dishes like the Langosta Rellena, aka lobster stuffed with marinated shrimp over pasta. There’s even a selection of handrolled sushi, birria dishes and brunch. Everybody wins! aypordiosnc.com
Photo by Chris Charles, Courtesy of Missy Lane’s Assembly Room
Missy Lane’s Assembly Room DURHAM
If you’re still looking to soften the sting after the closure of C. Grace (RIP), look no further. This coffee-by-day, cocktails-and-jazz-by-night establishment joins the few Black- and women-owned music venues in the Triangle. Stacked with performances from talented jazz artists every week, the space prides itself on expanding the local jazz audience and community by giving them a spot to perform, socialize and enjoy. Spring for the Club Deluxe Membership to reap exclusive benefits, and swing by every Tuesday for Eloquent Soul open mic night, or the last Wednesday of each month for Old Havana Nights. Let’s get saxy! missylanes.com
Photo by Adrian Etheridge, Courtesy of Soul Cups
Soul Cups CARY
Good for the soul, indeed! Transport overseas via authentic Korean desserts that “tell a delicious story” with every bite. Bingsoo, a traditional milk-based shaved ice dessert, is the star of the menu, with myriad flavor offerings available—think almond, fruit, black sesame and classic red bean, each topped with tasty toppings like mochi, fresh fruit, condensed milk, whipped cream and more. But the deliciousness doesn’t stop there. … Sweet tooths will also want to dig into mochi doughnuts and croffles (croissant dough pressed into a wafflemaker #genius), while savory lovers can get behind the trendy Korean hot dogs traditionally made with potatoes and cheese. It’s giving a whole new meaning to the term Seoul—er, soul—food. cafesoulcups.com
