Things to Do in Cary (2025)
La Farm Bakery
Bakery · Cary
Master baker Lionel Vatinet’s French bakery anchors Cary’s food scene with artisan loaves and seasonal café plates. Recognized by the James Beard Foundation and praised by Southern Living and The News & Observer.
Bond Brothers Beer Company
Brewery · Cary
Downtown Cary’s lauded brewery pours sours, IPAs, and barrel‑aged releases, plus hosts block parties and live music at Eastside. Celebrated by local critics and tourism outlets for community programming.
Faulisi Caffè & Enoteca
Restaurant · Cary
Zach and Amber Faulisi’s wood‑fired pies combine locally milled and Italian flours. Frequently cited by Eater Carolinas and Visit Raleigh for thin, blistered crusts and seasonal toppings.
SideBar
Cocktail bar · Cary
A polished neighborhood cocktail bar that regularly wins Cary Magazine’s Best Cocktails. Classic builds, inventive house drinks, and a TV‑free room that encourages conversation.
RBF, Your Authentic Champagne Bar
Wine bar · Cary
A woman‑owned sparkling wine bar inside a historic house, spotlighted by The News & Observer and Axios for its inclusive vibe, living‑wage model, and globe‑spanning bubbles and mocktails.
Hank's Downtown Dive
Restaurant · Cary
From the team behind SideBar, this “bohemian bistro” draws Raleigh Magazine praise for chef‑driven plates and a lively bar program; a Cary Magazine date‑night favorite.
Bosphorus Restaurant
Turkish restaurant · Cary
Family‑run since 2006, Bosphorus brings soulful Turkish cooking—pide, kebabs, mezze—to Cary. Endorsed by Southern Living and covered by WRAL for community work with the Turkish diaspora.
Fortnight Brewing Company
Brewery · Cary
An independent brewery known for British‑style cask ales and community events; noted by Southern Living and regional calendars for runs, music, and cultural nights.
Esteamed Coffee
Coffee shop · Cary
A nonprofit café employing adults with disabilities, honored by Cary Magazine readers. Expect solid espresso, local art, and frequent inclusive community events.
Andia's Ice Cream
Ice cream shop · Cary
A family‑run scoop shop with national accolades from USA Today readers and the North American Ice Cream Association. Known for creative flavors like baklava and ube.
Herons
American restaurant · Cary
One of the world’s few Forbes Five‑Star restaurants, Herons showcases seasonal tasting menus inspired by local art and its culinary farm; a longtime News & Observer darling.
Garden Supply Company
Garden center · Cary
A locally owned nursery and community hub since the 1990s, repeatedly named Best Garden Center by Cary Magazine. Workshops, bee programs, and a genuine slice of Cary life.
