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An Evening in Chapel Hill

Southern Living, Mid-Apr 2005 by Frazier, Jennifer Mckenzie

Don't miss these hot spots on your next visit to North Carolina.

I thought I was cool. Boy, was I wrong.

When The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill undergraduates kept calling me "ma'am" during my last visit, it dawned on me that I no longer look like them. Still faced with the daunting task of uncovering spots to hang out in this young college town, I questioned, probed, and pleaded with students to help me. Here are the see-and-be-seen bars and restaurants as well as a coffee haunt you won't want to miss.

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Top of the Hill Restaurant and Brewery. This eatery's location, overlooking downtown Chapel Hill from a vast third-floor patio, is the best in town. Order something simple, such as a hamburger or pizza and one of the microbrewed beers, and skip the fancy entrées. 100 East Franklin Street; (919) 929-8676. Entrées: $7.95-$29.95.

La Residence Restaurant & Bar. Called "La Rez" by locals, this spot wins as a favorite place to eat from the folks I queried. With inside dining on white tablecloths and a weatherproof patio, the atmosphere is romantic and charming. Try the fennel seed-rubbed filet mignon with celery root mashed potatoes. 202 West Rosemary Street; (919) 967-2506. Entrées: $19-$28.

West End Wine Bar. This swanky bar features around 100 wines by the glass, plus imported beers. Roam the three floors of stylish surroundings filled with overstuffed sofas, or hang out on the rooftop patio. The wine-inspired menu includes cheese and meat plates, as well as olives and salted almonds. 450 Franklin Street; (919) 967-7599. Appetizers: $4-$9.

four eleven west. Students told me this Italian restaurant is the place to go when you want to celebrate something special, say passing an exam. I agree. Known for homemade pastas, crispy-crust pizzas (cooked in a wood-burning oven), steaks, seafood, and its famous dill rolls baked every morning, this small venue has successfully brought Italy to North Carolina. 411 West Franklin Street; (919) 967-2782. Entrées: $12.95-$ 19.9 5.

Carolina Coffee Shop. This cozy Java joint serves as neighborhood hangout by day and mellow meeting bar by night. The better-than-expected lunch and dinner menus feature sandwiches and salads as well as daily specials, such as shrimp and grits on Wednesdays and fish and chips on Fridays. 138 East Franklin; (919) 942-6875. Lunch specials: start at $7.95. Dinner specials: $12.95-$16.95.

He's Not Here. Opened in 1973, this evening joint is one of the oldest in the area with live music played throughout the week April through October. The big draw? The classic 33-ounce Carolina blue cups that you can take home after you finish your beer. 112 ½ West Franklin Street; (919) 942-7939.

JENNIFER MCKENZIE FRAZIER

An Evening in Chapel Hill

Southern Living, Mid-Apr 2005 by Frazier, Jennifer Mckenzie

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