Explore the best of downtown’s DIY District with bakeries, unique shops, craft breweries and lively nightlife, all in one vibrant area
By Renee Ambroso | Photography by John Michael Simpson
8 a.m. – Start the day with a freshly brewed coffee or tea from Cocoa Cinnamon – which roasts its own beans as best artisan food product award winner Little Waves Coffee Roasters – or Foster Street Coffee. Round out your breakfast with a treat from Little Barb’s Bakery (we’re partial to the poptarts and s’mores bars) located inside the nearby Durham Food Hall.
8:30 a.m. – The Durham Farmers Market brings a bustle of activity to Durham Central Park on Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. Stroll through the pavilion to stock up on artisan goods from several of our readers’ favorite vendors: handmade ravioli, pasta and sauces from Melina’s Fresh Pasta, a baker’s dozen from Isaac’s Bagels and body care products from Lo & Behold at the adjacent Durham Craft Market.
11 a.m. – Nourish your body and mind during a vinyasa or mat pilates class at Virge Yoga, which opened at 200 Morris St., Ste. 140, in February 2025, then recharge with a smoothie from the studio’s &Exhale Bar. Virge was named by readers as one of Durham’s best new businesses as well as a best place to get in shape and best yoga/Pilates/barre center.
Noon – Head to Hutchins Garage at 402 W. Geer St. for lunch. This pizza joint occupying a circa 1948 former auto supply shop and warehouse has a sizable patio perfect for enjoying its beloved “Grandma-style” pies with a thick crust shaped in a distinctive rectangle. Try the mojo beef and potato pizza, which features an olive oil base piled high with mojo-braised beef and red onion, plus housemade chimichurri, crispy potato sticks, pecorino cheese and parsley.
1 p.m. – Cool off with a sublime scoop or pop from LocoShop on Foster Street, where you’ll find LocoPops treats – including cakes and pies – and a variety of sundries such as locally crafted home goods, grocery items and more.
2 p.m. – Venture to Welcome Tattoo, where you can walk in each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Choose a flash design, or try your luck at the “Get What You Get” machine, which provides a surprise tattoo design for the price of $150.
3 p.m. – Head on over to LouElla Wine, Beer & Beverage, a bottle shop, bar and intimate event space on Geer Street that highlights curated selections from family-owned vineyards as well as local craft beer. Take your favorite sip to go while you stroll through The Bullpen – the social district extends throughout most of the DIY District.
All the Best
DIY District readers’ faves:
Artisan Food Product
Isaac’s Bagels (Durham Farmers Market)
Little Waves Coffee Roasters
Melina’s Fresh Pasta (Durham Farmers Market)
Brewery
Atomic Clock Brewing Co.
Cocktails
Conniption Bar & Lounge (formerly Corpse Reviver Cocktail Bar & Lounge)
Coffee Shop
Cocoa Cinnamon
Foster Street Coffee
Craft Alcoholic Beverage
Durham Distillery – Conniption
Desserts/Pastries
Little Barb’s Bakery
Durham-Made Product
Lo & Behold (Durham Craft Market)
Frozen Treats, Artisan Food Product
LocoPops
Group Outing
Boxcar Bar + Arcade
Hemp/Cannabis Store
Heal Tree
Sherlocks Glass & Dispensary
New Business, Place to Get in Shape, Yoga/Pilates/Barre Center
Virge Yoga
Pizza
Hutchins Garage
Retail Beer Selection, Brewery, Draft Beer Selection
The Glass Jug Beer Lab
Seafood
Locals Seafood
Tattoo Shop
Welcome Tattoo
Venue for Live Music (Large)
Durham Central Park
Venue for Live Music (Small)
Motorco Music Hall
Wine Shop
LouElla Wine, Beer & Beverage
4 p.m. – Stock up on CBD- and THC-infused products from Foster Street‘s Heal Tree and Sherlocks Glass & Dispensary on Broadway Street, both of which garnered Best of Durham nods.
5 p.m. – The DIY District is home to two of Durham Magazine readers’ favorite craft breweries: newcomer Atomic Clock Brewing Co. and established institution The Glass Jug Beer Lab.
7 p.m. – Return to the Durham Food Hall to dine at Locals Seafood, named one of the best spots to find seafood in the Bull City. The menu varies depending on the availability of North Carolina-based ocean fare, though you’re sure to find both fresh and roasted oysters in addition to its delectable smoked fish dip available any day you drop by.
8 p.m. – Conniption Cocktail Bar & Lounge‘s art deco-inspired underground watering hole serves award-winning Conniption gins crafted at the Durham Distillery space that occupies the floor above it. Order one of its six signature martinis – the “Subzero Purple Rain” features Conniption’s popular Kinship Gin, which imparts a lavender hue – or a cocktail from the seasonally rotating menu, plus beer, wine, bubbly, spirits, small bites and desserts.
9 p.m. – The DIY District lights up at night: rock out at Motorco Music Hall or rack up points playing arcade games, air hockey, pingpong and more at Boxcar Bar + Arcade.
