Food trucks, beer and the outdoors. This combination is sure to bring all Durhamites to the big red barn on Chapel Hill Street. County Fare opened April 18, and it is just what this area of Durham should have. The atmosphere is open and inviting. The vibe is cool and hip but with Southern flair sprinkled throughout. As soon as you walk in, you’ll notice the beautiful, custom, family-style table and a huge, hand-crafted American flag hanging on the wall.
I attended its soft opening and can honestly say that this place is awesome. There is a fence around the whole area, so bring the kids and their friends, and let them run wild and play corn hole. That feature is huge for you parents who enjoy getting out for a beer and good food while the kids can run around with no worries of them getting in the street. There are tons of seating options: indoor and outdoor, along with outdoor covered seating. There are also plenty of TVs to fill every sports-watcher’s needs.
Thirty beers are on tap for your choosing along with a selection of wines if beer isn’t your thing. And if neither beer nor wine are your thing, there is a soda fountain to quench your thirst. Let’s talk about the cups. Have you heard of Bottoms Up? It’s a draft system that fills the cup from the bottom, up. There is a magnet at bottom that seals the plastic cup. (You can also find this system in use at The Bullpen.) When you visit County Fare, know that you are visiting the largest Bottoms Up establishment in the world.
Food trucks, as we all know, are everywhere these days. It’s a treat that you can visit one establishment and choose from three different food trucks. Grab a taco from this one, dumplings from that one and then top it off with a pizza cone. Check out the website for their calendar and find when your favorite trucks will be on site. You also have your choice of food from the County Fare kitchen. This is where the “county fare,” (think state fair food) really comes into play. Carnivores can chow down on a huge turkey leg and then indulge in a fried Twinkie.
You get a country farmhouse vibe without all the farm animal waste and smells. I am sure I’m not alone when I say I love a farm, but the smells of food truck fryers and manure just don’t jibe. Before or after you spend a few hours at County Fare, you can head to one of the many farms in the Durham area for a tour to see all the barnyard animals you’d like!
Next time you are heading out for dinner and a drink, consider County Fare. You won’t be disappointed with this unique concept. Follow them on Instagram for the latest information, @countyfaredur.
