In December 2020, Eater Carolinas reported on the closure of Durham’s beloved Bar Brunello, but like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Esteban Brunello and his quirky, yet renowned wine list are back — this time as Brunello Wine Bar. He’s partnered with longtime colleague Sergio Ramos to bring a selection of funky reds (like a shiraz from India), unique whites, and of course orange wine back to downtown Durham. Located right on CCB Plaza in the former Jeddah’s Tea space, Brunello Wine Bar is open six days a week.

Sister restaurant to Raleigh’s La Santa, La Mala offers modern Mexican cocktails and street food-inspired eats. There is a large selection of margaritas and a list of mezcal drinks like El Chavo de Ocho (mezcal, lime, hibiscus, and agave). Bites like esquites, various ceviches, street tacos, and a Mexican spin on pigs in a blanket (mini hotdogs wrapped in a tortilla, fried, and served with lime) help sop up all that booze.

A combo of small plates and craft cocktails is the name of the game at the Waiting Room, one of the many new spots coming to American Tobacco Campus in the next few months. The project is co-owned by Nick Singh (of Hillsborough’s the Nomad) and Buddy Maynard. The Waiting Room is designed to be just that — a spot to grab a drink and perhaps a small bite before moving on to dinner reservations or a show at DPAC. The cocktails range from classics to rotating seasonal creations, and food offerings include a charcuterie plate and caviar deviled eggs.

Queen Burger was perhaps the Bull City’s most popular pandemic pivot, popping up in the parking lot behind Kingfisher as owners Sean Umstead and Michelle Vanderwalker tried to figure out how to survive. The simple menu of smash burgers and fries was an instant hit, and after taking a backseat for a bit as the pair reopened Kingfisher and opened Queeny’s, they are now available again at the new brick and mortar location on Blackwell Street next to the Durham Bulls stadium. In addition to burgers, there are ice cream sandwiches from Katie Meddis (Rose’s Noodles, Dumplings, & Sweets), as well as batched cocktails.

Local chain Mezcalito recently expanded to Durham with a fifth location on Ramseur Street near Ponysaurus Brewing. The menu is slightly more upscale on Mexican-American favorites like fajitas, tacos, and of course ACP (arroz con pollo). The highlight of the grill menu is El Mas Chingo (ribeye, shrimp, chicken enchiladas, and an optional crab leg add-on). There is an entire margarita menu, as well as inventive appetizers like the birria fries.

Finally, a reason to go to, or stay in, RTP after work hours. Glasshouse Kitchen opened last month on the AgTech Campus (check out Eater Carolina’s previous coverage) to great fanfare. Owners Sara Abernethy and Chris Borreson (of Raleigh’s Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing) scooped up chef Savannah Miller from Durham’s M Tempura to helm the kitchen. A seasonally rotating menu of small plates and sandwiches, like blistered shishito peppers, steamed mussels, pizzas, and the Glasshouse burger, can be paired with post-work beverages. Open for lunch Monday through Friday, dinner Wednesday through Saturday.

The long-awaited solo project from former Fearrington House beverage director and sommelier Paula de Pano has opened in Chapel Hill’s Southern Village. The modern space features terroir-driven wines that are high in acid (hence the name), with an emphasis on female-led wineries and female winemakers. It’s part shop, part wine bar, and part classroom, with regular classes (including de Pano’s popular caviar and champagne class) being held in the bright and modern space.

Charleston-based Indigo Road Hospitality opened a second location of its Italian concept Colletta (the first being in Atlanta) in Cary’s Fenton development at the end of August. Wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta dominate the menu. Standouts include a chicken parm that could easily feed four, tender beef and pork polpette, and a black truffle ice cream with chocolate-coated hazelnuts that is likely the only dessert of its kind in the state. For groups, check out the family-style three-course option for the whole table.