Wake County

AVA Rooftop Bar

Fenton is a destination for Cary locals and visitors alike – home to abundant entertainment and dining options. AVA Rooftop Bar is more than just a rooftop spot for small bites and sips; it’s a beacon with unmatched overhead views of the shopping center, perfect for evening get-togethers Wednesday through Saturday. Order a glass of red, white or sparkling wine, and pair it with delicious bites like the togarashi toffee popcorn or warm crab dip.

High Rail and Boatman Spirits Co.

Planning an evening in downtown Raleigh? Head to Seaboard Station and take a quick elevator ride to the top of the Hyatt House Raleigh Downtown to enjoy the capital city’s stunning skyline at High Rail. Order beer, wine or a cocktail, plus one of the bar’s signature bites – like the grilled shrimp tacos or cheese tortellini. 

A block away, savor hearty Mediterranean plates and crisp cocktails made with Boatman Spirits own house-distilled gin and vodka. We’re big fans of the amphora negroni, a fragrant cocktail aged in a traditional Roman pottery vessel.

Peregrine

Owner and chef Saif Rahman is serving “food without boundaries” at Peregrine, pulling inspiration from numerous cultures. Swing by Raleigh’s North Hills district and enjoy its chic dining porch, and prepare yourself for some of the best contemporary American cuisine the City of Oaks has to offer. Explore unique dishes like the grilled beef heart, crispy octopus or salt and vinegar potatoes, and finish it off with a relaxing stroll through the restaurant’s scenic and sustainable flower and herb garden.

Pimento Tea Room

Head to this Holly Springs eatery and bar, serving Southern-inspired lunch and dinner menus Tuesdays through Saturdays. Make a reservation for Sunday Funday tea, featuring special menu items like the seasonal bellini or the French toast martini, plus a small soup and salad, and a three-tiered service of sweet and savory bites. The restaurant’s indoor dining rooms offer a colorful and eclectic atmosphere, while the open-air back porch provides patrons with a vibe that’s equal parts cozy, comfortable and nostalgic – like having lunch with your grandma. 

Durham County

Gym Tacos

This local Mexican restaurant chain has been serving up mouth-watering tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more from its food truck since 2019 and opened its first brick-and-mortar in 2022. Now, Gym Tacos has six locations throughout Raleigh, Cary and Durham. We love to grab a bite at its Durham location and pull up a seat on the patio before a show at DPAC or a thrifting adventure at Durham Vintage Collective.

The Lenny at 555

The Lenny’s scenic rooftop restaurant and bar in downtown Durham is a dream come true for baseball fans, offering small and large plates, a raw oyster bar and creative cocktails, all of which pair perfectly with a panoramic view of the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Trade the peanuts and Cracker Jack for a plate of crabcakes, lobster scampi or curried cauliflower steak, sit back and enjoy the game!

Little Bull

Explore rotating seasonal menus at this classic eatery in downtown Durham’s Five Points district. Request a table in Little Bull’s ornate indoor dining room or out on its chic monochromatic porch, and treat yourself to unique, tapas-style small plates – blending Mexican flavors with Asian influences.

Namu

This Korean eatery, beer hall and coffee bar is as scenic as its menu is delicious – but with it comes an even richer story. Housed in Durham’s historic Straw Valley building, Namu’s indoor dining area and coffee bar offer a calm and cozy atmosphere for patrons seven days a week. But, its outdoor garden and seating area are where the restaurant truly shines. The outdoor space was originally a residence, owned and designed by queer artists and craftsman sculptors Ormond Sanderson and Robert Black. Seat yourself beside the wall of bamboo or by the koi pond and savor a bowl of bibimbap, gimbap, dumplings and more and enjoy an escape among the restful plantings and sculptures.

Ponysaurus Brewing Co.

Ponysaurus Brewing Co. has two locations in the Triangle, but its Durham location was a must for this list – because it offers almost exclusively outdoor seating! Order your favorite beer, wine or cocktail, pair it with a hot slice of Ponysaurus pizza and enjoy an afternoon in the sunshine any day of the week.

The Velvet Hippo

This woman-owned and operated rooftop lounge and cocktail bar has a stacked menu of small plates, signature cocktails, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages. Named for the owners’ beloved dogs, nods to pups are found throughout the space and on the menu. Any good Bull City girls night out starts here – with your favorite drink (or two) and few shareable bites for the table as you enjoy stunning views of downtown Durham.

Orange County

Carolina Brewery

This local favorite has locations in Chapel Hill and Pittsboro, each offering open-air patio seating, perfect for warm weather lunch or dinner dates. Choose from the brewery’s house lagers, kolsches or ales and enjoy a burger, sandwich or signature entree like the barbecue smoked pork mac & cheese.

El Restaurante Ixtapa

This family-owned Hillsborough Mexican eatery was featured in The New York Times, offering an expansive menu with fresh food made from scratch, including handmade tortillas, juices and “the Triangle’s best guacamole.” El Restaurante Ixtapa’s shaded rear patio offers a lush, green area to enjoy lunch or dinner, just steps from Hillsborough’s Weaver Street Market.

Franklin Motors

This Chapel Hill beer garden and gastropub offers almost exclusively open-air seating. Grab a salad, sandwich, sliders – or fish and chips on select days – and enjoy a meal with friends under the tent, by the bar or on the rooftop. 

The Carolina Inn

Stop by one of Chapel Hill’s most sophisticated historic hotels, home to Crossroads Restaurant and Barroom. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner – crafted from sustainable, local ingredients – seven days a week at Crossroads’ elegant dining room, or with friends on the patio around the firepit. Afternoon tea is available Saturdays and Sundays with a reservation.

Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery

TOPO is a staple in Chapel Hill, offering unmatched views of Franklin Street – arguably the most festive place to grab a bite on game day. Split an order of Franklin Street Nachos or “lizard chips” (beer battered pickles and jalapeños) and take in the views of “The Southern Part of Heaven” – the way it was always meant to be seen.

Chatham County

Fearrington Village

This English countryside-inspired destination is a must-visit for food lovers and shopping enthusiasts alike. Two of Fearrington Village’s restaurants offer relaxing outdoor dining areas – the ultimate Fearrington experience. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with a pastry or breakfast entree at The Belted Goat, or a local brew or wine with a signature wood-fired pizza from Roost Beer Garden (weekends only).

Mosaic at Chatham Park

Catching a movie or a concert at Mosaic at Chatham Park? Both Hops & Berry Taproom and Greek Kouzina offer patrons abundant outdoor seating and dishes the whole family will love. 

Looking for more must-visit Triangle restaurants? Follow us on Instagram for seasonal specials and grand openings!