Just Down the Road: What to do in Durham

We’re hitting the road to Durham — here’s what you need to know about the Bull City ahead of a Broadway show, baseball game, or just a day trip to our neighbor.

A booth inside Kingfisher cocktail bar.

Take a load off in Kingfisher’s plush lounge.

Photo by Stacey Sprenz

The Triangle’s got a lot to offer, so we’re taking a break from Raleigh today to head just down the road to see what Durham has to offer.

If you’ve been to Durham, chances are you’ve walked the paths of American Tobacco Campus for a Durham Bulls Game, a show at DPAC, or another activity. Let’s think outside the box today.

What to do:

saltbox ricky moore_credit baxter miller-2

Dine with 2022’s Best Chef: Southeast winner Ricky Moore at Saltbox.

Photo by Baxter Miller

Where to eat and drink:

  • Cocoa Cinnamon | These three eclectic shops are inspired by churrerías. Don’t miss the Dr. Durham and the al mokha made with, of course, cocoa + cinnamon.
  • Kingfisher | This James-Beard nominated lounge is the perfect spot for a moody craft cocktail in a vibrant basement setting.
  • Nanas | After a brief hiatus, the Rockwood staple is back with a menu inspired by matriarchs, local produce + meals made with love. Whatever you do, don’t miss the tiramisu.
  • Pizzeria Toro | This eatery is in the heart of downtown with inventive single-serving pizzas, a bustling atmosphere, and wood-fired eats.
  • Saltbox Seafood Joint | Headed by James Beard Award-winning chef Ricky Moore, this elevated seafood shack has a menu that changes daily + seasonally to keep up with the freshest NC seafood.
More from RALtoday
In case you hadn’t noticed, Raleigh’s growing in a big way, and some mixed-use developments are set to transform downtown + Midtown in 2026 and beyond. Here’s what you need to know about three major developments.
Discover the top Raleigh business podcasts, voices, and local resources our readers are tuning into — from must-listen interviews to expert insights.
Visit The Magic of the Fourth Ward: A Journey Through Time and Culture at the Martin Marietta Center to learn more about this vibrant neighborhood destroyed by urban renewal.
Microsoft, the world’s No. 4 most valuable company, will bring a data center to a large parcel in Person County.
Explore all 308 acres of Dorothea Dix Park and its top landmarks, history, and more.
The long-awaited Texas burger chain will make its debut next month in Wake Forest, and Raleigh’s location will open two weeks later.
The Canes sent five players to Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics, and five of them are coming home as medalists, including one gold medalist.
From curling to ice hockey, you can train just like the world’s top athletes without leaving the 919.
Songbird will open later this year with local produce-driven cocktails, mocktails, and bites.
With flavors from chef + co-owner Saif Rahman’s culinary journey, this fast-breaking meal offers new tastes for Ramadan.