Hottest New Restaurants in Durham – Spring 2025 Update

Summer is in full swing and so are these new restaurants, cafes and bars around town. The Hub and Boxyard RTP is such a fun and relaxed place to hang out—it continues to get better as we anticipate several new expansions, including a steak and barbecue spin-off from a pitmaster and James Beard semifinalist. We were also thrilled to recently experience a completely new take on Indian dining at Barsa in downtown Durham from a chef who brings Michelin-star wisdom. For coffee and café vibes, Daughter’s Coffee & Books offers a great new place to sip and shop. These, and many more, are worth checking out during down time this season.

New & Forthcoming Openings

Barsa New Indian

105 W. Morgan St., Ste. 100

The space that currently houses Barsa New Indian was another Indian restaurant before (Indian Monsoon), but what makes Barsa different is that they’ve designed the menu with a modern, upscale dining experience in mind. You won’t find pages and pages of options but, rather, a concise and focused list of dishes so that everything can be made fresh and prepared with precision. Barsa grinds up their own spice mixes in house, creating a freshness you can taste on the rubs and in the sauces (Indian spices are even used in the cocktails). While you’ll find both modern and unique signature dishes like lobster moilee alongside classics like tikka masala, even the classics will taste like something entirely new due to the cooking techniques and spices. The kitchen is led by chef Vinod Kumar who previously worked at the Michelin-starred Semma in New York. As word spreads, so does its popularity, so reservations are a good idea.

La Buena Vida

4416 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd.

With the success of their first two locations in Raleigh and Cary, La Buena Vida decided to bring their upscale Mexican cuisine and fresh cocktails to Durham, inside the former Red Lobster along Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd. Known for its hip vibe and lively energy, La Buena Vida’s spacious new spot serves up modern Mexican and fusion dishes including queso fundido, Cubana tortas, tropical ceviche, fish tacos, wings, taco salad and even a selection of sushi, like surf & turf teriyaki and salmon lox rolls, after 3pm! Come in for the food, stay for the party.

La Taqueria by Katsuji

900 Park Offices Dr.

Celebrity chef, Katsuji Tanabe has opened his latest concept in Boxyard RTP. True to his roots, he’s showcasing Mexico-city style tacos complemented by mezcal-based cocktails in a casual setting. Drawing from his knowledge of producing incredible flavorful meat from a “hot tub”—a steaming, bubbling pot filled with lard, confit and spices shared with slow-cooked meats like chorizo, chicken and brisket. The result is authentic tacos featuring tender meat and a flavor-packed broth served on handmade corn tortillas and topped with homemade salsas.

Nanny Goat

3151 Elion Dr.

The latest venture from chef Preeti Waas and Amy Waas of Cheeni and The Bar Beej is a foray into retail with a corner store-style grab and go built to support other small businesses as they get their start. One of the first retail spaces in the new HUB RTP development to open, this shop offers convenience for local workers and residents and is worth a trip for everyone else.

Prime STQ

Horseshoe at HUB RTP

Opening later in 2025, Prime STQ (an abbreviation for “steak BBQ”) is a riff on pitmaster and owner, Chris Prieto’s, Prime Barbecue located in Knightdale, NC. According to Prieto, patrons experience an “Outback Steakhouse meets Ruth Chris” vibe. Here, however, the lines of steakhouse and barbecue joint are blurred. Guests can count on a hyper-focused version of the Knightdale menu, like brisket, turkey and house made sausage, but at RTP, they select their sides first then make their way over to the meat-cutting area, where they’ll find piles of meat from a block ready to serve. STQ’s signature steak will be cooked over a live wood-fired grill. This spot will be bringing something entirely new to RTP.

Baekho

900 Park Offices Dr., RTP

The creators behind Namu, Bulkogi and The Can Opener are at it again with a new craft coffee and ice cream shop, Baekho, located inside The Makery at Boxyard RTP. Specialty teas, handcrafted drinks and local ice cream (starting July 2025), give this destination additional appeal for those working or visiting this lively area of RTP. Bonus: Grab delicious Korean BBQ from Baekho’s sister spot, Bulkogi, upstairs, or any of the other local eateries in the vicinity.

Daughters Coffee & Books

5410 NC-55, Unit AF

What’s more inviting than an independent bookstore/coffee shop combo? Get comfy with a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee and explore the curated bookshelves. Tables in the café section are perfect for plugging in to do some work or meeting up with a friend. They even have a family-friendly children’s nook. Along with a robust menu of coffee and tea, Daughters offers specials like a cinnamon bun latte and literary-themed seasonal drinks. Baked goods, like muffins and croissants from Ninth Street Bakery, add an even sweeter reason to stop and stay a while. Daughters’ is a welcome addition to Greenwood Commons, which is also home to longtime tenants True Flavors Diner and The Glass Jug Beer Lab.

Terrace Kitchen

2812 Erwin Rd.

Terrace Kitchen, next to Duke Hospital, has entered a new phase since its official opening last winter, now offering a brand-new brunch and lunch menu with expanded daytime hours. The menu focuses on Southern and comfort food staples (think French toast, eggs benedict and omelets) with many items, like biscuits and buttermilk pancakes, made from scratch. And featured brunch cocktails make this spot stand out from the average breakfast joint. Now, diners can enjoy breakfast and brunch all day (7 a.m.-3 m.) and lunch (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) in Terrace Kitchen’s sophisticated, yet charming atmosphere.

Ashleigh Bakes Daily

307 W. Main St.

There’s nothing more inspiring than the success story of a small, local businesswoman who’s worked hard to achieve her dream. Case in point: Ashleigh Ratchford, local baker/cookie connoisseur behind Asheleigh Bakes Daily. From home baking, to selling at markets and in local eateries, to opening a small pop-up shop in North Durham, to now running her own storefront in downtown Durham! Check out this sweet new spot for soft, thick, scratch made cookies chock full of cookie bits, chocolate chips and sprinkles, and a rotating list of other irresistible treats.

Lutra Bakery (Pop up in Cheeni)

202 Corcoran St., Ste. 100

Lutra Bakery recently announced their upcoming storefront in American Tobacco Campus. They’ll be joined by Durham classic, Fullsteam Brewery, as the latest additions to ATC. In the meantime, Lutra continues to sell their decadent sweet and savory buns at local farmer’s markets and other venues, and lately, began serving bunch every Sunday 8-11am at Cheeni in downtown Durham. Here, you can get a taste of Lutra’s specialties beyond buns, including fresh-baked granola bars, bowls, breakfast sandwiches and bread pudding—don’t worry, you can still order a sticky bun to go with it!

Bright and Early Vegan Bakery

321 E. Chapel Hill St., Ste. 100

A Black-owned, vegan bakery is slated to take Lutra’s place offering pop-ups at Queeny’s, beginning in late July, sharing all kinds of plant-based baked goods you’ll love! From flaky sweet and savory croissants to seasonal danishes, gooey cookies, cakes and more. You can also find them at area farmers markets (including North Durham), and at Omies Coffee and The Daily Beer Bar. Customers can also place orders for custom cakes online. We can’t wait to see this business continue to grow!

Primrose Bar & Louge

111 W. Main St.

A whimsical, modern lounge adorned with floral wallpaper, rose-covered facades and flower-covered glasses has opened in downtown Durham. Who knew bar vibes could be so beautiful? With a long bar and open space, there’s plenty of room to spread out and socialize. Primrose is already making a splash with their signature drinks, live music nights and events/celebrations. Add this to your next bar crawl list for a chic, electrifying vibe.

Zeitgeist Bar & Gallery

725 N. Mangum St.

If you love creative vibes, creative people and creative drinks, you’re going to love the vibe at Zeitgeist, a new gallery and bar space in Old Five Points. Connecting community through art, the space hosts partner events with food trucks, inclusive happy hours, cabaret shows, group drawing classes, gallery openings and more. If you see a piece of art you like, you can buy it and support the local artist whose work adorns the walls. Signature cocktails include house-infused liquors with layered flavor profiles like gin and green tea, whiskey and ginger, tequila and bay leaf with peppercorn, and more.

Other Recent Openings

Afters Dessert Bar

905 W. Main St.

Fear not, dessert lovers, Afters Dessert Bar only took a short hiatus to move into an even bigger space at Brightleaf Square this winter. With an ever-growing, seasonally-inspired menu containing both sweet and savory treats (including gluten-free options), Afters is a great downtown stop for satisfying your sweet tooth. For morning pastries, enjoy muffins and scones, or pick up a scratch made cookie cream pie or chocolate as an afternoon treat or after a meal (get it?).

AJ’s Cheesecakes

2506 Fayetteville St.

Looking for another way to satisfy your sweet tooth? This local, Black-owned business has both a small storefront of its own as well as a presence at many local grocers like The Durham Co-op and Weaver Street Markets throughout the Triangle. Drawing inspiration from favorite childhood desserts, this local baker puts her own spin on classic recipes, honing her skills to make the perfect cheesecake. You will even find a variety of vegan options.

A Little Gelato

4823 Meadow Dr., Ste. 114

What’s even better than a new ice cream shop? A new gelato, sorbetto and pastry shop! Gelato is an Italian-style ice cream that does not contain buttermilk and eggs – it’s more compact, but still airy and delicious—it’s impossible to look into a gelato display case and not start salivating. A Little Gelato is open Friday-Sunday and rotates their flavors consistently, so it’s good to check social media for updates. They also stock Italian cookies, macarons, pies, tarts and fresh baked breads.

Andia’s Ice Cream

205 S. Gregson St.

One of the exciting partners at The Can Opener is Andia’s Ice Cream. This family-owned local ice cream maker is known for trendy treats, unforgettable sundaes and seasonal flavors. Originating from Raleigh and expanding at a steady clip throughout the Triangle, this ice cream spot is the perfect way to cap off your experience at The Can Opener.

Anjappar Indian Restaurant

201 East Main St.

We’re excited for Cettinad Indian restaurant Anjappar to open in the Durham County Register of Deeds building. Anjappar has everything—and I mean everything—the menu is thick and filled with all the classics, but it also specializes in South Indian cuisine, which is harder to find. Items like dosa (they have over 20 varieties) and Parotta (Tawa breads) are headliners. The Biryani rice is cooked in curry, and its flavor and spice profile is off the charts. The original Cary location is very popular, and we’re sure the Durham crowd will love it as well.

Atomic Clock Brewing Co.

501 Washington St., Ste. A

A local brother and sister have teamed up to open a taproom and full-service kitchen in Durham’s warehouse district, with a nearby 20-barrel brewhouse. Their beverage program will include 20+ hand-crafted beers across a range of styles, rotating craft cocktails showcasing local distilleries and a boutique wine selection, coupled with a rotating menu of food intended to enhance beverage pairings.

Backyard BBQ Pit – reopened

5122 NC-55

After undergoing major renovations for eight months, this popular Black-owned Durham barbecue restaurant is back in action. From brand new equipment to floors, walls, ceilings and bathrooms, it received a complete overhaul, but one thing stayed the same—the comfort food Backyard BBQ’s been serving for the past 18 years. They have been anxiously waiting to get back on the grill to dish out your favorite pork chops, ribs, oxtails, pot pie and sides like stewed collards, mac and cheese, slaw and hushpuppies.

Baryo at DBCo

506 Ramseur St., back suite

Located directly behind Krill is a new gathering spot: Baryo—a coffee and espresso bar by day and craft beer and signature cocktail (including hemp-infused THC zero proof cocktails) lounge by night. Baryo means “village/neighborhood” and that’s exactly the vibe you’ll find here as this area of Durham continues to grow and flourish with local businesses.

Big Bad Breakfast

2608 Erwin Rd.

Later this month, a new breakfast joint will take over the space previously occupied by Another Broken Egg Café near Duke Hospital. This is the first North Carolina location for James Beard award-winning chef John Currence’s popular breakfast brand, known for its scratch-made menu with biscuits, French toast, skillets, omelets and even lunch items like po’boys and smash burgers. Of course, they’ll be serving fresh OJ and cocktails along with the breakfast and lunch menus.

Box’d Café

4300 Garrett Rd., Ste. A

An adorable little café tucked in a plaza off Garrett Rd., Box’d offers all your favorite breakfast classics like bagel sandwiches, omelets, waffles – traditional and stuffed, smoothies, lattes and more. You can stop by or order from online food delivery services like DoorDash and GrubHub.

Canastas Chicken

5318 New Hope Commons Dr., Ste. 104

Durham is now home to this Virginia-based Peruvian chicken restaurant’s first North Carolina location. This new fast-casual spot specializes in fresh, all-natural ingredients, bringing traditional Peruvian recipes like polla a la brasa to your plate. They also feature accessible Tex-Mex items like Canastas burgers, burritos and tacos, along with various kinds of ceviche.

Clean Eatz

5320 McFarland Dr., Unit 110

Clean Eatz has 17 spots throughout North Carolina and aims to help people achieve their healthy lifestyle goals. They are breaking into the Bull City, offering healthy food and meal prep options for busy professionals, families and people on the go. They specialize in a rotating variety of portion-controlled, nutritionally balanced weekly meal plans, frozen meals you can easily take and heat up at home and fresh-made items from the café like smoothies and wraps.

Coupe & Stein Champagne Bar

800 Taylor St., Ste. 8-100

A chic and feminine champagne bar in Golden Belt is the latest addition to the family of businesses that also own Triangle Catering and The Cotton Room. Coupe & Stein is sophisticated and charming—a restored historic space that offers a pleasing atmosphere for a girls’ night out or a place to plan a special event/celebration. The menu, naturally, focuses on fancy bubbles, but also has an impressive selection of mocktails for those taking part in dry January. There’s food, too; including fun tinned fish plates, charcuterie boards, shrimp cocktail, and desserts like red velvet tiramisu.

Crank Arm Brewing

620 Fernway Ave.

A beer and bike-loving brewery that started in Raleigh a decade ago now has a second location on the ground floor of the Beckon Building in downtown Durham’s warehouse district. Crank Arm isn’t just a fun place to grab a quality craft beer, it’s also a place for people to connect with a community that likes to stay active through regular group bicycle rides, runs, dog walks, yoga classes and more.

Fare & Fellow

4001 NC-54, Ste. 2150

Currently open off Highway 54, Fare & Fellow café will be opening another location soon in the NC Mutual Building downtown at 411 W. Chapel Hill St. The menu transcends ordinary coffee shop bites, offering entrees like a cornmeal waffle with brûléed seasonal fruit, crispy pancetta and whipped mascarpone cream; Reuben and BLT sandwiches on Union Special bread, and homemade pastries, such as seasonal scones. There are also seasonal drinks like lattes and lemonades and, of course, tea and coffee from Raleigh-based roasting partner, Jubala.

Fizzwerks

618 Ramseur St., Ste. 103

Not a big drinker, but still looking for a place to socialize and sip something delicious? Fizzwerks, upcoming craft-brewed seltzer bar, is the perfect alternative. Brewed hard seltzers, kegged cocktails and no/low ABV craft beverages made with fresh fruit, botanicals, teas and mushrooms, provide the same flavors of your favorite cocktails. There is a gorgeous roof patio and a kitchen onsite, serving veggie-focused bowls, sandwiches, dips and even munchies like fries and chicken tenders.

Gym Tacos

102 City Hall Plaza

Gym Tacos has gained a lot of hype in Raleigh since opening in 2019; lucky for us, they’re bringing their tasty tacos (made with handmade corn tortillas), tortas, tostadas and burritos to the center of the Bull City. Losing longtime former tenant, Pompieri Pizza, was a hit for the area, so it’s nice to see another small local business picking up where they left off. Gym Tacos’ bright, fun and casual atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for happy hour meetups or family-friendly gatherings.

HERitage Wines

5107 NC-55, Ste. 102

HERitage is a new wine brand with a mission to help include Black women and people of color in wine spaces through education, exposure, access and community. Along with a private wine label, HERitage offers a monthly membership, wine-inspired apparel and events like intimate wine tastings and paint and sip classes.

Hope Café

4711 Hope Valley Rd., Ste. 1c

We loved hearing that a new Thai restaurant opened in Woodcroft’s South Durham shopping plaza this winter as it brings another option for convenient carry-out and delivery of some of our favorite dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Kha soup, Thai curry noodles and Pho. The menu is not overwhelming, offering just the right variety of dishes to choose from in a few forms, such as salads, soups and noodles. There is a section for dine-in as well, where you can use a tray of sauces to customize the spice level of your particular Thai dish to please your palate.

Kiichi Ramen Izakaya

730 Ninth St.

A dedicated ramen shop and izakaya is a welcome addition to Ninth Street. This cozy, local joint has a vibrantly decorated dining room and bar where you can pull up a stool for a filling meal with some sake, Japanese soda or tea. Kiichi’s kitchen specializes in Japanese staples like hibachi bento boxes, snacks such as fried squid, gyoza, chicken karrage and a variety of ramen, including tonkotsu, shoyu, curry and seafood.

Krill

506 Ramseur St.

Under new ownership, Krill has a revamped concept, brand and food program centered around new culinary leadership, a husband-and-wife team with Filipino roots. The menu has evolved to include a modern take on their family recipes, including rice and noodle dishes, seafood, short rib, oxtail, lumpiang (spring rolls) and Filipino desserts like Ube tiramisu and cassava cake. Krill’s tropical atmosphere makes it a unique place to enjoy weekend brunch and weekly events, such as street food and sake tastings on Thursday nights.

Ment Beverage Co.

312 Blackwell St., Ste. 103

Honeygirl Meadery got a major “glow up” at the end of 2024 by moving and expanding their facilities and offerings under new parent name: Ment Beverage Co. Along with continuing to craft the Honeygirl meads you know and love, the expansion allows them to bring even more tasty sips to the table, including cider, beer, sake, Delta 9 drinks and non-alcoholic options. The sake is the first produced in Durham and is made with rice grown in Eastern NC. You’ll find Ment’s new digs and tasting room at American Tobacco Campus in the heart of Durham’s social district. They have indoor and patio seating, games, a retail section and regularly host fun events.

Mirchi's Indian Kitchen & Bar

105 W. Morgan St.

When one door closes, another opens, quite literally, with the closing of Indian Monsoon restaurant quickly replaced by another Indian restaurant, Mirchi’s. With an original location in West Cary already, Mirchi’s decided to extend their modern Indian menu to Durham. Popular items include Butter Chicken Masala, Lamb Tikka Masala, Goat Fry Biryani and a rotating selection of seasonal, classic and Indian-inspired cocktails.

Nan Xiang Express & Tsaocha

1605 Erwin Road, Ste. 50

An exciting new dining option near Duke for those who love dumplings, dim sum and boba. A small chain established in New York and Boston, Nan Xiang Express brings their popular Shanghai-style dim sum, including crab and pork soup dumplings, crispy bottom buns, braised beef noodle soup and shredded beef and pepper noodles to the ground level of Durham’s Blue Light Living Apartments. In addition, Tsaocha, which has locations across the country, is on site with a robust menu of milk tea, fruit tea and boba made with natural tea and fresh fruit ingredients. The interior is spacious and modern, as is ease of ordering with the dedicated mobile app helping you rack up rewards.

Nautical Bowls

620 Rigsbee Ave.

Another healthy option is Nautical Bowls: Plant-based, gluten, soy and dairy-free acai and smoothie bowls made with organic and natural ingredients. These bowls are as beautiful as they are tasty and nutritious. Some fan favorites from the menu include the classic “Nauti Bowl” with acai, peanut butter, bananas, granola and cacao nibs and the “Paddle Bowl” with tropical layers of coconut and mango.

Nectar Café

620 Foster St.

The owners of Nectar Café know how create a cozy and welcoming café vibe because they’ve successfully done so for years with their first spot, Foster Street Coffee. Nectar, which is located on the ground level of the new Geerhouse apartments and has access to a beautiful patio oasis in front, offers more than just a good cup of coffee. There are matcha lattes, lemonades, wine by the glass, beer and pastries like frangipane and macarons from Lucettegrace in Raleigh.

North Durham Coffee Lab

5120 N. Roxboro St.

Need a little pick-me-up after your workout? This new coffee station is a true hidden gem, located inside Body Games Gym. North Durham Coffee Lab has limited hours for now: open Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings from 6-11am. It’s a great option for folks in North Durham who want to start their day with a local cup of coffee, or fuel up after feeling the burn at Body Games.

QueDogs

2020 Chapel Hill Rd., Ste. 37

In a continuously growing section of Lakewood, a once vacant stand is now full of friendly vibes, serving the community classic and creative beef or pork barbeque hot dogs. QueDogs, a minority-owned, family-run business, began operating as a pop up during the pandemic. They now have a permanent spot for folks to enjoy. Taking a nostalgic treat, QueDogs ups the ante by topping it with their award-winning chopped Que, slaw and chili. They also have pulled pork sandwiches and combo plates. It’s the perfect fast-casual place to grab a bite as you shop or drive through the area.

Redhead Hemp

413 E. Chapel Hill St.

Downtown Durham has its first Canna Cafe. The bright, comfortable space is equal parts shop, bar and homey hangout offering hemp-infused products and community events. After building a following out of a small shop in Raleigh, the Durham location is an expansion of both the space and the experience offered. Here, you can shop packaged drinks, gummies and personal care products or order a drink from the bar, with or without an added hemp-derived infusion, and enjoy house-made baked goods. If you’re new to the hemp world and want to ease your way in with guided expertise, the helpful budtenders at Redhead Hemp are ready to share their knowledge and recommendations.

Redstart Foods Takeaway

2825 N. Roxboro St.

If you feel overwhelmed with all the national meal kit delivery services out there, why not go local? Redstart Foods formed in 2015 as a scratch made, local meal delivery and catering service offering farm-forward fare to the Triangle area. The best part about their food is that it’s fully prepared, requiring no extra prep or cook time in the kitchen. Now, even better, you can shop at their new physical storefront located in North Durham, adjacent to the Redstart kitchen. Grab a meal to go from the retail fridge; order breakfast, lunch or weekend dinner for dine-in or take out; grab a cup of coffee and a fresh pastry, or shop for beer, wine and pantry goods in the market section.

Reno's Cheesesteaks

4711 Hope Valley Rd., Ste. 6A

From the folks behind the popular True Flavors Diner comes an entirely new concept with equally good food! If you’re looking for a fully-packed cheesesteak sub in the South, Reno’s has you covered. These cheesesteaks are anything but bland, with your choice of onions, mushrooms, cheese and different flavored mayo. Other items on the menu, like in-house roasted turkey and vegetarian chopped wild mushrooms, are equally delicious. Get an order of hand-cut fries to go with your sandwich. This fast casual spot, tucked in Woodcroft Shopping Center, is an easy place to grab a filling meal for lunch or dinner.

Tacos Number Juan

910 Martin Luther King Pkwy.

If you’re looking to add a little more spice to your life this winter, check out the new fast casual Mexican restaurant Tacos Number Juan located in Hope Valley Farms. With an affordable menu, including deals like .99 cent Taco Tuesdays, it could become a regular haunt. If the flavors taste familiar, it’s because it’s owned by the same restaurant group behind Fonda Lupita, which has a strong reputation for quality Mexican food. There are tortas and quesabirrias, ACPs, burritos and bowls, not to mention signature sides like chorizo queso dip, chicken rolls and loaded fries. Wash it all down with a homemade margherita or a classic Mexican beer.

TaTaco

620 Foster St.

Chef Oscar Diaz, owner of Little Bull in Durham, is at it again with the opening of a new taco shop, TaTaco, on the ground floor of the new GeerHouse apartment complex. Inside this casual taqueria, you’ll find tacos and sopes with rich Mexican flavors and handmade tortillas that are best enjoyed with Mezcal and friends.

ThaiAngle

200 N. Mangum St., Ste. 101

What used to be a popular downtown Mexican restaurant (Dos Perros) has taken on new life as ThaiAngle, serving rich and masterful Thai dishes. Of course, you’ll find your favorites like panang curry, spicy beef, drunken noodles and fried rice, but you’ll also be delighted to try their Chef’s choice entrees and seafood dishes utilizing traditional cooking methods and flavors. The interior is warmly decorated with art from the family’s homeland, and large windows overlook the buzz of downtown.

The Bean Flower

4015 University Dr., Ste. J

With a name derived from their signature dessert, dou hua (Chinese homemade silken tofu pudding), Bean Flower is an adorable new Asian-owned dessert and drink café near Durham’s South Square. The shop specializes in authentic scratch-made dessert jellies/puddings and classic floral, fruit, and milk-based teas, along with limeade and fizzes made with locally sourced product as much as possible. Whether it’s to find flavors that remind customers of home, or something entirely new people want to try, Bean Flower is worth visiting.

The Can Opener

205 S. Gregson St.

When local food truck owners come together to create a permanent place to park, it’s like being able to go to a mini food truck rodeo every day. Right next to Durham’s iconic “can opener” bridge, this new group and family-friendly destination is super fun—with plenty of covered patio space and picnic tables, outdoor games, an indoor beer and coffee bar, and of course, the food. Vendors offer an awesome variety from Gussy’s Greek Street Food, Chick-N-Que, Bulkogi, Queen Eggxpress Breakfast and a double-decker ice cream bus carrying Andia’s Ice Cream. The Can Opener is an easy walk from the Brightleaf District, but if you're driving, look for parking in the paid lot across the street or streetside on the gravel section of Pettigrew, which parallels the train tracks.

The Lenny

555 S. Mangum St.

Durham has welcomed another rooftop bar and restaurant – this time overlooking the Durham Bulls Athletic Park and all of downtown from the eleventh floor. This brasserie-style spot offers spacious indoor and outdoor areas to *slams laptop shut* enjoy golden hour cocktails, slurp oysters from the raw bar and share snacks or sit for a full dinner from the globally-inspired menu. Stop in on weekends for brunch with a view.

Urban Noodle

4104 Surles Ct., #4

Ramen has become a growing trend for good reason – nothing beats the comfort of a filling bowl of noodles swimming in a rich, creamy broth. Even in a fast-casual setting, Urban Noodle leaves a lasting impression thanks to the attention to special ingredients like the bone broth in the Tonkotsu ramen made from the chef’s family recipe, and the fact that they sear the pork belly on each order, adding just the right amount of char. You will also find an array of Asian-fusion items on the starters menu, like well-portioned steamed buns and kimchi fries. Their convenient location on NC Hwy 54 makes it an easy stop for those in RTP or commuting from Raleigh.

Virge Yoga

200 Morris St., Ste. 140

With the intention to encourage people to slow down, relax, and connect before, during and after their yoga classes, Virge Yoga in downtown Durham includes a beverage bar known as “Exhale & Bar.” In their new 3,000-square-foot space, Virge hosts hot power vinyasa, heated sculpt vinyasa and non-heated gentle vinyasa. The wellness-focused bar offers coffee, smoothies and other non-alcoholic beverages like zero sugar energy drinks.

Wheels Durham

715 N. Hoover Rd.

Along the lines of staying fueled while exercising and having a good time, Wheels Skate Park has officially reopened with a full-service café for snacks and beverages. (No outside food or drink is permitted.) While a roller skate park is a stretch for “dining out,” it’s a great place for families and friends to meet up for a fun outing and classic snacks like pizza, nachos, pretzels, slushies and cotton candy.

This is a great season to slow down and spend time exploring what’s right here in our own backyard: perhaps it’s enjoying an evening of music while trying a new restaurant in RTP, stopping by a new storefront for a fresh-baked cookie with your kids, or grabbing a nightcap with friends at a new local bar and gallery. Whatever your style, these local Durham spots will make your summer special.