short list winners

The votes are in and it’s official, the winner of July’s Chapelboro Short List for “The Best Place to Dine Outside” in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area is Weaver Street Market!

weaver street market short list

When it comes to outdoor dining, Weaver Street Market tops the Short List. On East Weaver St. in Carrboro, the “community-owned grocery” and its famous outdoor lawn are located within the Carrboro shopping district where patrons can stroll the shops or just enjoy the pedestrian and dog friendly walkways after a great bite to eat.

Offering produce, goods and beverages that are local, fairly-raised and ecological is the philosophy of the Weaver Street Co-op as they stand for more than just a grocery store, but a place for community. Staffed by passionate and engaged employees, there is an innate sense of fun and joy around the market. Open air seating beneath tall trees on a sunny day couldn’t make for a better relaxing meal, especially when local musicians perfume the air with musical notes ranging anywhere from the blues to bluegrass.

The co-op also makes healthy education a part of their shopping experience. Couples, friends, family and children alike can enjoy learning and reading about their food — not to mention give first-date couples something to talk about while enjoying their meal.

Weaver Street Market is not just a linear experience of getting your food and leaving; it is a place where you hand select your food from the local bounty, learn interesting facts from excellent staffers, and of course, you always have the option of dining outdoors in the beautiful and famous Weaver Street Lawn. Check out Weaver Street Market and see for yourself!

Also on the Short List

The Station at Southern Rail

The Station’s beautiful and spacious outdoor patios are set on an active railway and built around restored vintage railroad cars. Just like any great downtown Carrboro location, they offer live music from well-known acts and a full menu often packed with local produce. Check out one of four unique bars throughout the “station” to watch games or enjoy drinks.

Top Of The Hill

With their outdoor balcony famously overlooking N. Columbia and Franklin Street, Top of the Hill is often considered the “social crossroads” of Chapel Hill. There is no better view of Franklin Street after a Tar Heel win! Open from 11am-2am every day of the week, the full menu showcases locally-sourced food choices and one-of-a-kind appetizers like Polynesian Calamari and Franklin Street Nachos. And if you’re not in the mood for food you can always check out the Top of the Hill Distillery for locally-made Organic spirits.

Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe

Few restaurants can claim to be as unique as Vimala’s Curryblossom on West Franklin Street. With their farm-to-fork philosophy and revolving menu of ultra-fresh, local produce, you can feel as though you’re supporting your community as you also support your own health and well-being on Curryblossom’s relaxing green patio. From Vimala’s family recipes to their cutting-edge techniques, you haven’t tasted Chapel Hill until you’ve tried Vimala’s!

Weathervane at Southern Season

Weathervane’s famous patio opened its doors year-round in 2003 shortly after Southern Season moved to University Mall. The layout is flush with beautiful gardens and spacious seating. It’s the perfect place for formal parties or relaxed dinners. Be sure to check out the hip coffee and wine bar, as well as the cozy mezzanine loft after strolling through Southern Season’s locally-owned shop!