I'm heading down to Durham (from the Detroit area) in mid-June and was wondering if there's anything specific I should be looking for? I've been browsing the forum and have found some good information, but was looking for specific recommendations, such as: a) Any bottles I should keep an eye out for. b) Can't miss bottle shops and breweries, even if they are a bit of a drive from Durham. c) Best places to grab a bite and a beer. d) Any other recommendations you care to make! Thanks for any info - greatly appreciated! Cheers!
Wish I could make it - looks like an awesome event! Unfortunately, I have a wedding to attend Saturday afternoon and not sure I'd make it (on time/upright) after this event. Thanks for the heads up though. Looks like Sam's Quik Stop is the top bottle shop, and looking to stop by Fullsteam and Trophy at least. Also sounds like The Pit, Hog Heaven, and Hillsborough top the bbq list?
Sounds about right. I'll throw in Backyard BBQ or Bull City Burgers (great burgers, decent beer). Maybe catch a Durham Bulls game if you can.
Sam Quick Shop is a must. Sam's Bottle Shop is pretty great too, if you have time. Less inventory, but more taps. I think their staff is a bit friendlier too (not a slight on the other staff, by any means).
If you don't mind a bit of a drive out into the country, Haw River Farmhouse Ales in Saxapahaw is one of the bright up-and-coming breweries in the state. If you plan to go to Haw River, you can make a loop from Durham: Go west on I-85 to hit Mystery Brewing in Hillsborough, go southwest to Saxapahaw for HRFA, go east on 54 to stop by Steel String in Carrboro (essentially Chapel Hill), then back up 501 to Durham for a nightcap at Fullsteam.
Hell if Allen & sons bbq is open I highly recommend stopping there for a bite. Beer Study in chapel hill is better spot for bottle selection imo. Sams bottle shop is always low on inventory but the quik shop is a MUST. Skip Fullsteam and go to trophy and subnoir in Raleigh
Steel String is legit. Al's Burger Shack next to Beer Study is ridiculous & was just mentioned in N.Y. Times 36hrs
We'd love to have you at Fullsteam...let me know if you do indeed swing by. I second the Allen & Sons recommendation -- the one between Hillsborough and Chapel Hill relies on wood and is generally more memorable. Cheers, Sean
