Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill make up the Research Triangle in Eastern North Carolina, but don't fret, it's more than nerds doing computer science! There is a fantastic beer scene here as well
Triangle Tips:
This area is pretty large, so be sure to plan ahead for your adventures.
Chapel Hill is all centered around UNC’s campus, so keep in mind the college vibe and throngs of students as you plan.
If you only have time to visit one of the cities definitely go for Raleigh, but each area has it’s own vibe so I’d recommend visiting all 3 if you have the time!
Adventures & Ales Top Recommendations—Raleigh:
Burial Brewing: Burial is based in Asheville, NC and opened their second taproom in downtown Raleigh at Transfer Co. Food Hall. Burial has incredibly phenomenal beers, not visiting their taproom and bottle shop would be a mistake!
Funguys Brewing: Some of the best Sours in the state! They’ve got a small little industrial taproom but their Fruited Sours and Juicy IPAs are worth the trip!
Trophy Brewing and Pizza: Delicious pizza and a sweet brewery, what more do you need?
A Place at the Table: A great spot for breakfast sandwiches and you can support others through their pay-what-you-can model. Extremely delicious + doing good!
The Morning Times: A super cute newspaper themed coffee shop that is the perfect way to start your morning. However, the bagels here are not great FYI.
If you’re looking for bagels in particular I would definitely recommend Benchwarmer’s Bagels located at Transfer Co. Food Hall. Be aware that it can be packed on weekends though!
State of Beer: Owned by Trophy Brewing, this is a nice beer bar with a solid tap list and a large outside patio.
Crank Arm Brewing Company: A bike themed brewery with lots of board games, a small patio up front, and quite a large beer list to choose from. I’d recommend a flight to try as many beers as you can!
North Carolina Museum of History: I had low expectations for this museum but was pleasantly surprised. Extremely good exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement in particular. Free to enter!
Boulted Bread: Delicious breads and pastries in a cute little bakery!
Heyday Brewing: A new brewery in Northeast Raleigh with Louisiana vibes. They’ve got impressive beers, a great outdoor space, and yummy food.
Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing: A great spot for brews, food, and a view! Their patio overlooks downtown and their food is absolutely delicious.
Altered State Brewing: A new brewery in central Raleigh. Don’t be scared off by their tiny taproom they have outdoor seating as well and the beers are worth it!
Stay at The Origin! This boutique hotel is conveniently located right downtown and is super cute. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure you are happy, they are super dog friendly, and they have a great onsite bar and restaurant Good Day Good Night that I would highly recommend!
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences: Dinosaurs and hands on activities galore. Perfect for kids. Free if you just want to pop in and wander for a bit!
Fullsteam Brewing
Adventures & Ales Top Recommendations—Durham:
Fullsteam Brewing: Fullsteam has incredibly delicious food and a large variety of beers to choose from. They’ve got a large taproom and some outdoor space as well. I’d definitely recommend one of their North Carolina-shaped flight boards to try a few of their brews.
Ponysaurus Brewing: Ponysaurus has a massive outdoor beer garden definitely worth checking out!
Barrel Culture: Barrel Culture’s original taproom is in Southeast Durham. They specialize in Sours and Wild Ales and have a small patio as well.
Hi-Wire Brewing: Hi-Wire is based in Asheville, NC and has a wide variety of beers to choose from. Their Stouts are my personal favorite style that they make!
Adventures & Ales Top Recommendations—Chapel Hill:
Steel String Brewery: Yummy beers, a cute outdoor patio, and super friendly beer-tenders
Stay at: The Carolina Inn—it was amazing. It was like traveling back in time to the 1920's. Highly recommend!
Carolina Brewery: The traditional UNC brewery and restaurant, pop in for a UNC themed beer like the Sky Blue Golden Ale
Top of the Hill Restaurant and Brewery: Plan ahead if you are thinking of checking out Top of the Hill, it is definitely the most popular spot in town so be sure to go during off-peak hours or make a reservation if you'll be visiting while school is in session
Breakfast Sandwich from A Place at the Table
Other ideas—Raleigh:
Raleigh Brewing Company: Your standard brewery with average beers. That have a lot of special events here though so be sure to check out their calendar!
Clouds Brewing: They have several locations in the Triangle area, but I wasn’t super impressed with their beer or their food unfortunately.
Lonerider Brewing: Average beer in a cowboy-themed space. The Shotgun Betty is solid.
Gizmo Brew Works: Located right near the Northwest border of Raleigh and Durham, Gizmo did not live up to the hype. I found their beers to be mediocre at best, but their patio is nice, though it is in the parking lot.
Humble Pie: A popular restaurant with a large patio in downtown Raleigh, but I found their food to be below average and the service to be mediocre at best.
Other ideas—Durham:
Durty Bull Brewing: They’ve got a large patio space and are in walking distance from Fullsteam!
