Hottest New Restaurants in Durham – Winter 2025 Update

A new year ushers in a new set of restaurants, bars and cafes to visit across the Bull City. Whether part of your New Year’s resolution is to be more adventurous, be more social, eat healthier, drink less, or try new things, this recap has you covered. I’m personally excited to see so many exciting expansions across the city—it’s always a good sign when businesses are growing, moving to bigger spaces or opening sister spots. These new locations are sure to make a mark in 2025.

New & Forthcoming 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?).

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.

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.

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.

LocoShop

600 Foster St., Ste. A

LocoPops has been a Durham favorite for years and, in that time, has expanded from a focus on handmade pops and ice cream, to a spacious brick and mortar with a gift shop, sundries and pastries. The latest move was opening an even more expansive shop in downtown Durham. LocoShop still sells the frozen treats that laid its foundation as a Durham icon, but also offers breakfast and lunch and stocks loads of items from local artisans and fellow restaurants, such Big Spoon Roasters, Guglhupf, Toast, Strong Arm Baking and many more. A perfect spot for shopping local.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Other Recent Openings

Aaktun

704 Ramseur St.

Brought to you by the same folks behind popular Mexican restaurant and bar, Mezcalito, and housed conveniently next door, is a new café and bar called Aaktun. It will be a coffee shop hangout during the day and a Tulum-inspired upscale tiki-bar at night. With neutral colors, natural wood décor and lots of greenery, the space will feel like a relaxing tropical oasis in the middle of Durham.

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.

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.

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.

Chibanga’s Neighborhood Market

506 N. Mangum St., #103

More than your average convenience store, Chibanga’s is locally owned and carries local goods as well, like Mad Popper’s popcorn, Carolina Kettle Chips and Everlou Coffee. You can also count on them to carry classic variety store must-haves, such as beer (including locals like Ponysaurus and Fullsteam), wine, soda, chips, cookies and soon, local veggies and frozen meat from a local farm, and frozen hatch burritos from Gocciolina. They are also dog-friendly and always open to suggestions about what you’d like to see added to their shelves.

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.

CO

8030 Renaissance Pkwy, Ste. 905

Durham is now home to Co’s seventh location across the Carolinas. The Southeast Asian menu has everything from sushi to ramen to rice bowls, bahn mi and poke. It’s a welcome addition to Southpoint Mall’s dining options along the outdoor promenade, with a comfortable front lounge, spacious modern interior and large covered patio that has an open-air bar counter opening into the restaurant. Dine-in happy hour specials from 4-7pm include $4-$6 bites Monday-Friday, $1 dumplings Mondays and Wednesdays and half-off select sushi rolls Tuesdays and Thursdays. The hand-crafted cocktails, mocktails and Asian fusion desserts (like yuzu cheesecake) are perfect for a refreshing summer treat.

Delafia Wine Bar

1103 S. Roxboro St.

Wine geeks that have been around for a while will remember Bar Lusconi, the divey East Main Street joint that was at the forefront of introducing the Bull City to natural wines (among other excellent selections). Well, good news — one of the founders has opened a new bar on the outskirts of Hayti. Delafia has all the dark, intimate vibes of Lusconi with updated offerings like an excellent chilled red on tap, a by-the-glass list that changes almost daily, and a pretty large retail wine section. It’s the newest entry to Durham’s wine scene and easily one of the most exciting.

El Tesoro

6118 Farrington Rd., Chapel Hill

While technically this new casual Mexican restaurant is just over the border in Chapel Hill, it’s still in Durham County and worth mentioning for its proximity to South Durham in the Falconbridge Shopping Center on 54. El Tesoro specializes in authentic Mexican stews, handmade tortillas, house made salsas, traditional Tex Mex dishes and recipes straight from mom’s kitchen. They have a breakfast-all-day menu, lunch and late-night bites full of comfort and flavor.

Emmy Squared

905 W. Main St.

We have a lot of great pizza in Durham, but we didn’t have Detroit-style pizza until Emmy Squared opened in Brightleaf Square this spring. Whether you like soft or crispy crust, this deep square pizza provides the best of both worlds with a fluffy center and crispy, cheesy edges. The menu even offers a gluten-free option that holds up well against the original. This prime corner spot boasts a family and pet-friendly patio where you can savor the flavors of house-made sauces, appetizers like garlic sticks, waffle fries and wings and refreshing cocktails.

Flying Bull Beer Co.

300 Morris St., Ste. 103

This local craft beer and cocktail bar and kitchen just celebrated the grand opening of its second location, this one in downtown Durham on Morris St. The new spot features a full-service bar, a view of their in-house brewery and outdoor seating. During the day, order elevated snacks from the “Bull Bites” menu and, in the evening, enjoy inventive Mediterranean-American dishes. You will still find the original location of Flying Bull on Ninth Street.

Fonda Lupita

905 W. Main St., Ste. 21A

Also coming to life in Brightleaf Square is a second location for popular Sanford, NC Mexican restaurant, Fonda Lupita. For those who’ve visited the original location, you know how lucky we are to have this gem now a short drive or walk away. In 2021, the Sanford spot appeared on Eater’s “11 Best New Restaurants” list, and it’s easy to see why. Fonda Lupita is the real deal—homemade Mexican food in a welcoming and modern, yet unpretentious atmosphere. Traditional Mexican recipes include stews, gorditas and slow-cooked birria beef alongside tacos and burritos rolled in fresh homemade corn tortillas.

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.

High Dive

101 W. Main St., Ste. Lo2

In the former home to Quarter Horse Arcade and Glori, a new tenant, High Dive, brings a fresh take on a fun, “stylish dive bar” experience, which is no surprise given it’s owned by the same people behind Bar Virgle and Annexe. It’s easy to make yourself at home surrounded by Durham memorabilia as you munch on free, freshly popped popcorn, shuffle through the vintage jukebox, catch a game on TV, order some melty cheese nachos with a cheap beer, or play a round of pool darts, foosball or pinball. There are also non-alcoholic beers and cocktails on the menu.

It's a Southern Thing (Ellis Crossing)

1051 Yunus Rd., Ste. 110

Speaking of expansions, this locally owned Southern restaurant with roots in downtown’s West Village opened a new location in Research Triangle Park's growing Ellis Crossing area. It’s a Southern Thing is known for generous portions of comfort food, classics with a modern twist, like crab dip, catfish sandwiches, mac & cheese, bacon and beef meatloaf and shrimp & grits. Its full bar offers creative cocktails and classic spirits, and the brunch menu is just as filling—the perfect atmosphere for sharing mimosas with your pals.

Joe Van Gogh SouthCourt

3211 Shannon Rd., Ste. 106

Joe Van Gogh, known for adorable local coffee shops, has expanded once again. The new SouthCourt branch is in the back of the building complex off Shannon Rd. Not only does this new spot have your favorite JVG hot and cold drinks and pastries, but it also has its own bakery in the suite next door. This means extra special treats and sneak peeks at some of their fresh-made goodies. Hang out on the spacious seating out front, inside with board games, or grab a cup to go.

Kale’s Kitchen

2504 Fayetteville St.

Kale’s Kitchen is doing something right—this business specializes in catering, meal prep, and cooking classes, and anytime their pop-up restaurant opens, a long line weaves through the lobby and out the door. To stay in the know, follow them on social media where they announce when their pop-up will be open for walk-in service and what you’ll find on the menu. Expect hearty Southern plates with options like baked turkey wings, pot roast, salmon, shrimp; sides like mac and cheese, yams, green beans and desserts like strawberry crunch cake.

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.

Legs for Days

2022 Chapel Hill Rd.

The annex connected to the Lakewood building currently home to Lula and Sadie’s has always offered an additional space for casual culinary creativity. The father/son team behind the restaurant is using the spot for their latest culinary venture: Legs for Days, which offers something different than your classic wing shack. The deep-fried, crispy lollipop chicken drumsticks are tossed in a variety of signature wet and dry rubs ranging from mild to spicy, with dipping sauces to suit your liking. Sides include fresh-made rosemary fries and classic cole slaw or potato salad.

Localicious Caribbean Ice Cream

3600 N. Duke St., Ste. 16

Speaking of ice cream, there’s a new Caribbean ice cream shop in North Duke Crossing. Localicious makes their ice cream in house and the flavor board is full of Caribbean creativity ranging from island pound cake and banana grape-nut to fruity summertime sorbets and even some vegan and sugar-free options. Plus, several rum-infused flavors to transport your tastebuds to the tropics.

Lutra Bakeshop – pop ups

Pick up at Queeny’s and Cocoa Cinnamon Hillsborough St.

In preparation for their upcoming brick and mortar shop, Lutra Bakeshop has been holding Sunday morning pop ups out of Queeny’s takeout window in downtown Durham, and preorder pickups from Cocoa Cinnamon on Hillsborough Road on Fridays. If you can’t decide between a sweet or a savory bun, why not order one of each? They also have giant chocolate chip cookies and soft pretzels on Sundays. Flavors rotate weekly—snag your favorite before they sell out!

Milkshake Factory

359 Blackwell St., Ste. 120 D

My sweet tooth was ecstatic to hear about Milkshake Factory’s expansion to American Tobacco (ATC)—adjacent to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Does it get any better than a heaping handspun milkshake made with homemade ice cream? Well, at Milkshake Factory, it does. The store also sells gourmet chocolates made with sustainably sourced cocoa, dairy-free shakes and sundaes. Some varieties are available for a limited time, like their peanut butter and jelly shake, so watch for seasonal additions, but the signatures and classics are here to stay. Treat yourself to this new dessert destination the next time you’re downtown.

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.

Night School Bar

719 N. Mangum St.

It’s not your typical bar, and that’s what makes Night School so intriguing. Founder Lindsey Andrews is committed to democratizing education and wants to provide curious and creative types with a place to socialize and drink with purpose. Night School is a faculty collective that offers evening classes in the arts and humanities on a sliding-scale donation basis. Instructors are trained in literature, art, music, philosophy and history, as well as race and gender studies and class analysis. For each “term,” you can find approximately a dozen offerings that include classes organized around exploring a specific topic, such as writing workshops, theory seminars and reading groups.

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.

Nosh

717 Broad St.

Nosh is not new by any means, but its location on Broad Street gives a new face to the Durham classic since 1999. Nosh has officially moved from its original Erwin Road location this summer and the new digs have exciting features like a covered rooftop patio with a large-screen TV. Serving Southern-inspired comfort food for breakfast, brunch and lunch, Nosh has it all from chicken sammies to fried green tomatoes, biscuits, grits and shakes. Family-friendly fare in a relaxing atmosphere is what it’s all about.

Patty Boy

530 Foster St., Ste. 1

Now officially open inside the Durham Food Hall, Patty Boy is serving up 100% beef smash burgers, chicken tenders, tater tots and big gulp fountain drinks. It’s brought to you by the same team behind already popular Food Hall vendor, Ex-Voto, so you know it’s got to be good.

Pistachio Ice Cream

2708 Chapel Hill Rd.

If you’re tired of the same old ice cream flavors, plan your next visit to a new shop in town, Pistachio, which specializes in aromatic and savory Persian/middle Eastern ice cream flavors like ginger rosewater, lavender, mango, saffron pistachio and sour cherry. You can order scoops or ice cream sandwiches on light wafer cookies to enjoy in the fenced-in garden. They also serve coffee and tea. Friendly staff is happy to allow you to sample or answer any questions to help you find the perfect scoop.

Playa Bowls

744B Ninth St.

Playa Bowls is a popular acai bowl and smoothie franchise that flourished on the Jersey Shore and now has a presence on Ninth Street. With a laid-back beach vibe, these storefronts are committed to serving healthy ingredients to every community and choosing sustainable practices. The menu features acai bowl staples, including the option to customize your own, fruity smoothies, as well as seasonal specials. During winter, try the North Pole Acai Bowl topped with mint and crushed peppermint, a gingerbread smoothie, or a peppermint mocha sweet cream cold brew.

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.

State of Golf

318 Blackwell St., Ste. 240

A high-class bar with high-tech entertainment—everything you need to create the perfect outing with friends and co-workers. That’s exactly what State of Golf offers at its brand-new venue at American Tobacco Campus. The fully stocked bar offers cocktails, beer and wine while three full-swing simulators offer a lifelike golfing experience. Whether you’re a pro gamer, golfer, sports fan or you just want to hang out in a comfortable environment with your pals, State of Golf’s indoor golf and sports simulator lounge is a vibe everyone can appreciate. You are welcome to bring your own food, and there are plenty of options to choose from at ATC.

Szechuan Mansion Hotpot

746 Ninth St.

Attention hotpot fans: A Cary favorite has expanded, opening a second location close to Duke. A warm and welcoming interior features rows of hotpot tables where you can share an interactive dining experience with a group or on a date—each person dips and cooks their own thinly sliced meat, chopped vegetables and seafood in a delicious, seasoned broth. This location also has a few tables outside. And for even more filling and flavorful Szechuan dishes, check out their take-out menu with appetizers, soups, spicy dry and boiled pots and traditional Szechuan desserts.

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 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.

Topgolf

4901 Topgolf Way

Conveniently situated between Durham and Raleigh, the newest location for this restaurant/bar/entertainment venue promises to be a hole in one. With three different levels, there is plenty of room for groups and crowds looking to have a good time in their 100 climate-controlled outdoor hitting bays, each with their own HDTV, on the rooftop terrace with fire pits, or inside with a cocktail and bar bites watching the 28-foot video wall. This is Topgolf’s third location in the state, with the first two North Carolina locations in Charlotte.

Torero's Mexican Restaurant

604 Fernway Dr.

Torero's Mexican Restaurant, a beloved, family-friendly Durham staple for authentic Mexican cuisine since 1993, reopened in the Warehouse District/West Village apartment building following a move from its original location on the corner of Main and Duke Street in the Brightleaf area. You’ll have to visit often to make your way through their huge menu with equally large portions.

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.

Will & Well

900 Park Offices Dr., Boxyard RTP

There’s a lot of great food at Boxyard RTP, and now, you can add fresh customizable salads to the list. Will & Well is minority-owned and prides itself on a passion for giving people the “will” to live “well.” That’s easy to do with their signature salads and fresh juices. No need to worry about not being satisfied after a healthy meal from here—their bowls are packed with hearty, vibrant ingredients sources locally when possible, and you can always add in some protein too. Customers can expect even more added to the menu in coming months, like smoothies and smoothie bowls.

Zweli’s Kitchen

905 W. Main St., Ste. 19C

Zweli’s has been on the move this year—from opening a brand-new Zimbabwean restaurant in American Tobacco (Zweli’s Ekhaya, which appeared on Yelp's "Top 25 Hot & New Black-Owned Restaurants to Celebrate and Support," earlier this year) to moving their flagship restaurant from a strip mall off 15-501 to the center of Durham as part of Brightleaf Square’s revitalized foodie transformation. If you’ve missed Zweli’s classic dishes during their move, you will be thrilled to get your hands on more Piri Piri chicken, vegetarian samosas, braised oxtails, and their addictive dovi peanut sauce that brings simple sides like collards and rice to the next level.

To see just how many places have expanded and opened second locations in Durham is a promising sign for the year ahead! And you can start your new year off by visiting the many new cozy cafes, casual restaurants, and unique bars that have opened doors this season.