Make the most of late summer and early fall weather by hitting up these hip outdoor hot spots
By Leah Berry | Photography by John Michael Simpson
A Room with A View
Downtown’s bar scene now bridges the gap between the laid-back dives and upscale cocktail establishments with the arrival of The Velvet Hippo. Expect a friendly neighborhood bar from this latest addition to the city’s skyline, one that aims to offer an engaging experience with its imaginative cocktails and mocktails, locally brewed beers, wine selection, refreshing slushes and delectable light bites prepared by chef Regina Jones.
Taking center stage in the vibrant venue is an indoor/outdoor bar with seating on both sides. Inside, patrons can savor their beverages at central standing tables or cozy banquette nooks nestled around a charming vintage fireplace. Or take your bevvy outside to the two-level deck with covered tables, bar seating and stadium-style stair seats on the lower level, and enjoy panoramic views from couches, tables and banquette seating under café lights and umbrellas on the upper level.
The bar derives its name from one of the owners’ dogs (and other endearingly nicknamed pit bull-type dogs), collectively referred to as “Velvet Hippos.” Embracing this connection, the establishment hosts “Yappy Hours” on the roof deck every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
The Velvet Hippo is the brainchild of a partnership among five women: two pairs of sisters – Sarah Matista and Leslie Matista, and Claire Lyons and Amy Lyons Floyd – and a longtime friend who “might as well be a sister,” Alison J. Domnas, all with deep affection for the hospitality industry, the Durham community and their canine companions. They wanted to cultivate an inclusive place where it “feels like you can show up any day after work and hang with your favorite bartender, or get a little dressed up and come on a date,” Sarah says.
The face you’ll see behind the bar most often is managing partner Leslie, who has garnered a loyal following of regulars at establishments throughout the Triangle over the years, including The Bar Durham. Her expertise and charisma are sure to contribute to The Velvet Hippo’s appeal. So, prepare yourself and your furry friends, “velvet hippos” or otherwise, for a memorable and lively time at this forthcoming hot spot.
Distillery Delights
Choose your own adventure at Weldon Mills Distillery – embrace the dimly lit, craft cocktail lounge vibe inside or take your drink out to its patio, a hidden gem in the heart of downtown. Imbibe in a selection of specially curated, quirky drinks that utilize the distillery’s own spirits – such as sweet potato whiskey and bourbon barrel-aged gin.
The original distillery is located, naturally, in the town of Weldon, North Carolina, a little more than an hour and a half northeast of Durham. This offshoot just celebrated its five-month anniversary in Durham and recently unveiled a brand-new patio, which staff went the extra mile to ensure was ready for the summer, putting in additional hours to assemble patio furniture and enhance the area’s aesthetics. It now exudes a charming ambiance with enchanting string lights, lush greenery and tables and chairs. As daylight fades, the view of First Presbyterian Church adds a majestic touch as it peeks over the hedge-lined wall.
The distillery also features an equally whimsical small bites menu to complement its cocktails – think a “Jala’ Board” with jalapeños covered in a cheddar cheese blend and harissa aioli or “Green Eggs and Ham” with basil-filled deviled eggs topped with baked prosciutto. A separate cocktail and food menu exclusively for the patio is in the works, promising lighter, fruitier and more refreshing choices that capture the essence of summer.
“We don’t have any intention of competing with the Durham food scene,” says bartender Dezarae Churchill, but instead aims for guests to pair their craft libations with thoughtful fare. Exciting plans lie ahead for this establishment, with live music performances and special events in the pipeline for the outdoor area. Your furry companions are invited, too; while they can’t show a proper ID to try a cocktail, they can cool off with the water bowls nearby.
Tropical Treats
Islands in the Alley, a nostalgic alleyway pop-up with a special summer menu, is back by popular demand at Alley Twenty Six. The limited-time offerings include faux tropical dishes and drinks that highlight the alcohol produced in island nations like Scotland and Japan. Through Sept. 10, enjoy poke nachos, coconut shrimp and the fan- favorite Big Kahuna Burger.
The Islands in the Alley drink menu offers an extensive selection of hand-crafted cocktails like Livin’ La Vida Cocoa, Tropic Like It’s Hot and the Japanese-inspired Camellia Japonica. For dessert, don’t sleep on the affogato, which features The Parlour’s coffee ice cream and Durham Distillery’s Damn Fine Mocha Liqueur.
The name Alley Twenty Six originated from the alleyway itself, and the upscale cocktail bar breathed new life into the space by offering alfresco dining. The brick archways, string lights and current playful tropical decor make for a charming spot to indulge in a meal. “In North Carolina, we’re incredibly lucky to have a significant portion of the year be perfect for outdoor dining,” owner Shannon Healy says. “Our alley is a unique urban setting that feels very European and incredibly Durham.”
Sky-High Vibes
The Roof at The Durham is another lounge boasting skyline views with the added ambiance of mid-century modern style. The elevated space invites visitors to indulge in seasonal, shareable plates and a thoughtful cocktail, beer and wine menu.
The Roof also hosts special events throughout the year, like its Sweet Social Series, which features a signature sundae from Bold Batch Creamery in August and Auntie’s Ice Cream in September. Don’t miss out on Jazz on the Roof – a longtime signature event presented by trumpeter Al Strong – and Views from The Durham, a stargazing event in partnership with Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, both running once a month through September.
Soak up the last few weeks of summer with an order of the burrata with tomato carpaccio, balsamic pearls and chili oil, or a Cuban sandwich with smoked ham, slow- roasted pork shoulder and gruyere. The drink menu offers refreshing sips with seasonal ingredients, like the Doble O Nada with jalapeño-infused tequila, or the Monarchs in Watercolor, featuring watermelon, cucumber and lime. The staff recommends pairing the For the Skipper – gin, Dolin Blanc, Old Bay-spiced vinegar, celery bitters and pickled onion – with a round of The Roof ’s North Carolina oysters.
Picture Perfect
This retro rooftop transports guests to a vacation state of mind with its colorful decor, vintage-inspired furnishings and inflatable pool floats. Located on the third floor of Unscripted Durham, The Patio showcases the building’s 1960s architecture and offers a perfect poolside escape with seasonal food and drink menus and picturesque views of downtown.
“Enjoy a sunset while overlooking the city for cosmopolitan vibes, or dip your toes in the pool while sipping on a frozen cocktail to feel like you’ve traveled to a tropical paradise,” says Chelsea DeMark of Hyatt Hotels. “At The Patio, you can do both for the best way to recover from a long day.”
Keep the vacation vibes going with an order of mahi-mahi tacos and a Cadillac margarita, or Chelsea suggests pairing the Patio Burger with a classic painkiller cocktail. Don your favorite dressy outfit for an evening visit, as this spot provides an ideal backdrop for some Insta- worthy sunset pics. Or stop by for brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday for a fried green tomato and egg BLT, and wash it down with a Durty Bull Brewing Company Amateur Hour hard seltzer smoothie.
Funky Town
Colorful lanterns and a lush bamboo and shiso garden create a lively outdoor oasis at Krill – a signature aesthetic of Giorgios Hospitality Group restaurants. The fanciful decor pairs well with Southeast Asian street food-inspired plates, creative beverages and an extensive sake collection to create an immersive alfresco dining experience.
Executive chef Jason Lawless utilizes fresh, seasonal ingredients to craft the fun and funky menu. He says the family-style whole fish served with pineapple ensalada and the barbecue skewer sampler are wildly popular orders during summer. Smaller dishes are perfect for sharing, too, like the refreshing green papaya and mango salad.
Overseeing the beverage program at Krill is general manager Mustafa Ramadanovic, who diligently curates a drink selection that harmonizes flawlessly with the spices and flavors found in Asian cuisine. “We want to have a program that is equally fun and creative, but balanced and elegant,” he says. In addition to an array of Asian-inspired cocktails like the Lychee Spritz and Fen-Tam Sour, Krill strives to become the go-to sake destination in Durham. Presently, the inventory includes 11 distinct varieties of the Japanese alcoholic beverage, with occasional special offerings of rarer selections.
“Sake is [simultaneously] the simplest [and] most complex thing ever,” Mustafa says. “It’s not only a drink; it’s a part of tradition. I truly appreciate how sake not only brings flavors together in cuisine but also how it brings people together.”
Krill is conveniently situated near the Durham Performing Arts Center and adjacent to The Fruit, making the patio an ideal setting to fuel up before a show. Before venturing outside, soak in the indoor dining area’s youthful ambiance and captivating murals by local artist Arianne Hemlein, and savor the unique “Far East funk” at this new addition to Giorgios Bakatsias’ culinary repertoire.
Thinking Inside the Box
A complete dining experience awaits visitors at Boxyard RTP, a vibrant example of “cargotecture” in which businesses operate out of repurposed shipping containers. Start your morning off with a cappuccino and breakfast burrito from Beyu Caffé, head to Fullsteam for a refreshing brew, a cocktail and/or some square pizza, stop by Lagoon Bar to sip on a tiki drink or michelada, indulge in Korean fusion cuisine at Bulkogi, visit Lawrence Barbecue for pulled pork, ribs or locally harvested oysters, try the signature smoked brisket birria and sliced carne asada from Leroy’s Taco Shop, nibble on a gourmet charcuterie board from Meat and Graze (we recommend pairing it with a glass of wine from RTP Uncorked) and satisfy your sweet tooth with a cupcake from Buzzy Bakes.
The diverse range of food options spans from street food to gourmet cuisine, but the space also offers a wide array of experiences: fitness pop-ups centered on workouts including yoga and high-intensity interval training sessions; a quarterly craft market that showcases the handmade creations of local artisans; and weekly entertainment and events like game nights, book clubs, adoption events, improv shows and more.
Strolling through Boxyard provides a true taste of local culture – live music sets the mood four days a week and creates a lively backdrop as patrons enjoy their food and drinks on Boxyard’s expansive pavilions. The outdoor seating options are abundant, and a giant fan helps to alleviate the summer heat. Seek refuge in the shade on the first level of the patio, or head to the second floor for more seating, sunshine and a place to watch all the activity below. Relax, socialize, dine, drink or all of the above at this amply appointed destination.
