Where to Dine at ATC
After winning over fans across the Triangle, Lutra Cafe and Bakery opened its doors June 26, 2026, bringing chef Chris McLaurin’s beloved sweet and savory creations to a permanent home seven days a week. The new cafe serves up a breakfast and lunch menu – from the oh-so-dreamy sweet buns and crispy 100-layer hash browns to crave-worthy breakfast and deli sandwiches – elevated by Chris’ fine-dining experience. The 2,600-square-foot space on the north side of the campus and next door to Ment Beverage Co. features a colorful mural by Durham artist Samantha Castrovinci, a vivid neon “Hot Buns” sign and 36 seats indoors with an additional 20 seats on the patio.
Owned by brothers Brad Weddington and Graham Weddington, along with Brad’s wife, Megan Weddington, who serves as director of operations, NanaSteak and Seraphine are two of American Tobacco Campus’s standout fine-dining destinations, with the latter earning a Michelin recommendation in 2025. More than a decade after opening beside the Durham Performing Arts Center, NanaSteak continues to build upon what makes it one of Durham’s favorite steakhouses: impeccable service, thoughtful sourcing and an experience that feels equal parts celebration and escape. In 2023, the family expanded their footprint with Seraphine, bringing the flavors and spirit of Louisiana to Durham through its lively atmosphere and executive chef Christopher Garrett’s polished menu inspired by the Gulf South. Together, the sister restaurants reflect the Weddingtons’ shared passion for exceptional hospitality, memorable meals and creating places guests return to again and again.
East of Texas – a Winston-Salem favorite for Tex-Mex and house-smoked barbecue – opened a new location in the historic Reed Building this summer. The 5,579-square-foot space features a private event area, garage doors opening to outdoor seating near the Lucky Strike water tower, and a market with grab-and-go family meals and retail offerings.
Coming Soon
Fullsteam’s chief executive optimist Sean Lilly Wilson
launched the brewery’s original taproom on Rigsbee Avenue in 2010, followed by an expansion to Boxyard RTP in 2021. After closing the Rigsbee location in October 2024, Sean is preparing to open Fullsteam’s new 9,000-square-foot taproom in the Power Plant building at ATC later this year.
Shopping & Entertainment in Downtown Durham
Parker & Otis is part cafe, part gift shop and entirely charming – perfect for a casual breakfast or lunch (nearly everyone in Durham knows their favorite P&O sandwich number … you’ve got to try the No. 29), a coffee break between meetings or browsing its carefully curated selection of specialty foods, books and home goods for unique gifts and gourmet treats.
Duke Arts performances returned to the Lawn at ATC this September with a free Wednesday-night concert series curated by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Tift Merritt. This year’s programming highlights the powerful lineage of women singer-songwriters whose storytelling and creative influence continue to shape
generations.
Locally known as DPAC (pronounced “dee-pack”), the Durham Performing Arts Center is the city’s largest live entertainment venue. The brightly lit contemporary glass structure features spectacular sightlines, state-of-the-art sound and legendary red carpet customer service. The theater presents some of the biggest shows and stars in the world in a 2,700-seat setting, hosting up to 600,000 guests annually at 250-plus performances, which include touring Broadway productions, the very best of concerts and comedy, family shows and special events of all kinds.
Health & Fitness at ATC
Yoga Off East is a welcoming 2,300-square-foot studio where approachable, thoughtfully led classes meet a community-driven vibe – a calm, idyllic setting whether you’re rolling out a mat for the first time or deepening an established practice. The schedule offers a wide range of styles, from gentle, restorative sessions like Stretch + Restore and Mellow Flow, to more energizing options such as Warm Balanced Flow and strength-building vinyasa classes combined with modalities like meditation, yin, myofascial release or infrared heat.
Experience the world’s most prestigious courses without leaving downtown Durham at State of Golf, a modern indoor golf and sports simulator lounge. Don’t miss the full-service bar with craft cocktails, beer and wine, plus a unique setting perfect for team bonding and celebrations. Not a golfer? Challenge your friends to 30 other sport simulations, including baseball, soccer and darts.
Making weekend plans near Raleigh? Check out our guide to can’t-miss spots in Cary’s Fenton entertainment district!
