On the Road

Durham

Wrangling the Bull City

Durham Hotel Interior
Written by Amber Chase

Rooted in both history and industry, Durham has become a cultural haven for diverse eateries, up-and-coming neighborhoods, and a rich, welcoming community. Durham has a robust international culinary scene that is ever-growing. Visit Zweli’s Kitchen, one of the few Zimbabwean restaurants in the entire country, for piri piri chicken and rice jollof. Or, for an unforgettable ramen experience, book an omakase experience at Dashi and its neighboring bar, Izakaya. Sample authentic Ethiopian fare at Goorsha or sneak away to Durham’s best kept secret, Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant, which transforms into an unexpected dim sum joint on weekends only.

For more classic offerings, try a King Burger from long-standing family favorite, King’s Sandwich Shop, or venture to Saltbox Seafood Joint to grab the fresh catch from Ricky Moore. From Fullsteam to Ponysaurus, craft beer lovers are never without a cold glass in hand, but if ciders are more your speed, you can’t miss Bull City Ciderworks.

Stay a night or a week at the enchanting Durham Hotel, with its notable mid-century design and ample options for morning coffee, small plates, and swoon-worthy cocktails. If you’d prefer breakfast out, wander downtown to Loaf for fluffy pastries and bread or Cocoa Cinnamon for some single-origin coffee. No matter where your Bull City journey takes you, adventure is certain.

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AK50966
On the Road

Snapshot: Durham, North Carolina

A renaissance is afoot in the Bull City, filling old tobacco warehouses and textile buildings with nationally-recognized restaurants, tech companies, artisan shops, contemporary hotels, and makers cut from every cloth.

West Building
In the Field

Our picks in the Triangle

North Carolina’s Research Triangle might be anchored by three major universities but this corner of the Piedmont offers much more than scholarly smarts; it’s got plenty of crave-worthy eats and an abundance of libations, too.

Dining Out

Ekhaya

Ekhaya is an elevated African-fusion dining experience with a curated menu that encompasses flavors from a variety of African countries.

Dining Out

Saltbox Seafood Joint

Saltbox Seafood joint may have single-handedly placed Durham on the map when it comes to fresh-caught seafood and down-to-earth fixings. 

Dining Out

Nanas Rockwood

Nanas draws from the concept of nanas, nonnas, and grandmas, invoking feelings of nurturing intentionality and effortless hospitality.

Dining Out

La Farm Bakery

La Farm Bakery, headed by Lionel Vatinet, is baking heirloom Southern grains into French legacies in Cary, North Carolina.

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Bottles of Conniption Gin by Durham Distillery and associated gin cocktails
In the Spirit

In the Spirit: Durham Distillery + Conniption Gin

TLP toured Durham Distillery with Melissa and Lee Katrincic to observe their methods and hear the story behind their iconic Conniption Gins.

LocalPalate 2
At the Table

Simple Recipes for the Fourth of July

Chances are your Fourth of July plans revolve more around food than fireworks—we’ve got simple recipes to kick off your holiday weekend.

Ricky Moore at the window at Saltbox Seafood Joint for Juneteenth
Roots

Ricky Moore’s Juneteenth Lunchboxes

With Juneteenth coming up, chefs in Durham, North Carolina, sought out a way to make sure no one shows up empty handed to this year's cookout.

AP Brined Wings with Duke's Mayonnaise and cilantro dip
Partnered
Recipes

AP-Brined Party Wings with Leroy’s ‘Bama White Sauce

Made with 10 pounds of chicken wings, this party wings recipe from Lawrence Barbecue [...]

Recipes

Lemon Spritz Butter Cookies

These butter cookies build on traditional recipes and are punched up with lemon to [...]

Drinks

In the Pink French 75

A sophisticated take on the classic French 75 that turns purple to pink with [...]

mac n cheese recipe showing mac n cheese in a bowl with spices and herbs on top
Partnered
Recipes

Nzingas’ Mac n’ Cheese

Buttery, spicy, creamy, and quick, is there anything better? This mac n' cheese recipe [...]

Ricky Moore's Fish Dog with Chunky Comeback Sauce
Partnered
Recipes

Crispy “Fish Dogs” with Comeback Sauce

Ricky Moore shares his recipe for crispy fish dogs with chunky comeback sauce. This [...]

CITY GUIDES
On the Road

Charlotte

Ingenuity paired with creativity is at the helm of the thriving restaurants and breweries expanding the Queen City’s culinary scene.

On the Road

Chapel Hill

From historic roots to cutting-edge restaurants, Chapel Hill is a quintessential southern destination.

On the Road

Raleigh

Raleigh has a lot more to offer besides great schools. As the capital of North Carolina, Raleigh has a booming culinary and cultural scene.