The old Jack Tar Motel at the center of downtown Durham isn’t just breathing new life, it’s bursting with energy. Durham’s new Unscripted Hotel officially opened last week and features 74 guest rooms along with a large modern lounge/eatery, doubling as the “lobby,” and a very cool rooftop bar called “The Studio” which serves drinks and bites poolside. There will be movie screenings, DJs, and other events taking place here. It’s a great place to catch the sunset and mingle, just don’t expect it to be quiet and tranquil. It’s pretty clear this is going to be Durham’s fun new hangout.
Because the hotel’s lounge/coffee bar/eatery, patio, rooftop and pool deck are open to the public, I encourage you to go check it out for yourself sometime.
Since we’re all about the food and drink here at Bites of Bull City, we’ll give you a recap of what we liked best from our tasting menu and also share a look at the first business to open on the ground floor: Pour Taproom. Two other restaurants are slated to open on the property this fall.
From the rooftop patio menu, which doubles as a nifty fan, the appetizers and drinks stand out. You can get pork belly buns with an exclusive “Unscripted” beer created by Fullsteam. We also loved the Carolina Popcorn — crispy pork belly bites with a side of vinegar dipping sauce. Also, pictured below is the refreshing Mystic Lemonade made with Mystic bourbon and fresh strawberry lemonade.
We love seafood, so naturally we gravitated towards the sushi rolls (we had the crab, but I’d definitely go with the ahi and salmon for the same price), and the land and sea salad with delicious ahi tuna, mango and white miso dressing.If you want to try even more local brews, you can start of end your visit at Pour Taproom, which is open on the ground level and has access to the large patio/plaza outside.
North Carolina has more breweries than any other state in the South, with many in the Durham and greater Triangle area, so it’s a natural place for a taproom that features a selection of 63 craft beers, wines and ciders with a pay-by-the-ounce cost ranging from $0.35 to $0.75 per ounce, on average.Pour Taproom Durham is modeled after the Asheville-based flagship store, and is independently owned and operated by four friends with local roots. The group spent the past decade working as aid workers among refugees and communities affected by war and disaster in places like Darfur, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda. Providing assistance to refugees and affordable housing are two causes close to their hearts. The taproom plans to have an ongoing relationship to support local charities.As for the food, Pour Taproom will collaborate with the owners of Pizzeria Toro and Littler, who are opening the adjacent Jack Tar Diner, a food menu consisting of snacks and sandwiches is set to compliment wine and beer choices. Experienced “beer tenders” will be on hand to help guide customers to a unique tasting and food pairing experience.
Local breweries highlighted on their taps, include Durty Bull, Fullsteam, Ponysaurus and Trophy Brewing Company. You can always expect at least 20 North Carolina brews on tap at any given time.We can’t wait for The Jack Tar Diner and Neomonde to join the ranks here at the hotel. Whether you’re a guest, visitor or local, you’ll have plenty of options on this revamped square of the block.
In celebration of Unscripted’s grand opening, locals can take advantage of a special staycation package, including 10% off a room, free parking, and late check-out, by using code LOCALS when booking. Now through September 5, 2017 travelers can also enjoy 10% off a room bookings, as well as two complimentary drinks at The Patio, bike rentals for two and late check-out with code OPENING.
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