Some call it Midway; some call it Chapel Boro; we call it cool. It’s in and around Graham Street, and for those who haven’t been there already, make up for your mistake as soon as possible, and those who have been, go back! College town’s have a little bit of everything. They’re a dash of gritty, a splash of preppy, and a serving of hipster all at the same time; Midway offers the latter. Think about it: where else can you hang at a jazz/hockey bar, play outdoor corn hole while enjoying an Acai fruit bowl, followed by a go at it nostalgic arcade game — Pacman! Space Invaders! — while having a cold brewski. And if that’s not your scene, you can delight in a New York-style bagel, browse a thrift store, then take a left or right and you’re either in Carrboro or downtown Chapel Hill.

Afterall, you are halfway from everywhere in Midway.

Line of People Waiting at Brandwein's Bagels ShopBrandweins' Bagels / Jackie Helvey

Let’s take a deeper dive into Midway’s offerings. There’s Brandwein's Bagels, where New York native Alex Brandwein has created something extraordinary. He remains dedicated to authenticity. One bite of these hand-rolled beauties and you will understand why locals line up for them.

Bartender Mixing Drink at Lapin Bleu on Graham St.Bartender at Lapin Bleu / Mike Benson

Just steps away, Lapin Bleu emerges as the neighborhood's beating heart. This is not your typical sports bar — it is a sophisticated fusion of jazz club, hockey haven, and art gallery that somehow works. Owner Mike Benson has crafted a space where you can catch live jazz almost any night of the week, cheer on the Hurricanes with passionate hockey fans, or simply soak in the monthly rotating art exhibitions. No cover charge means there is no excuse to miss what local’s call "the jazz bar with a hockey problem."

Person Playing Trivia at Baxter Bar & Arcade

Trivia at the Baxter / Donn Young Photography

The Baxter Arcade is right next door. Its atmosphere provides the backdrop for over fifty vintage and original arcade games along with a priceless collection of pop-art, TV/movie props, and toys. There is a full bar, outdoor patio space, and two indoor lounge areas. Kids and young adults are welcome every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm, or during the week from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm, as long as they’re accompanied by someone over the age of 21.

For vintage clothing and thrift store lovers, there’s Rumor's Boutique. “We offer many different styles from Size 0 to 5x,” said co-owner, Casey Longyear, in an interview with Chapel Hill Magazine. “Rumor’s is affordable and attracts people who want to feel comfortable just being themselves but still need budget friendly options.”

The block's evolution continues with the expansion of the beloved Al's Burgers into the former Quantum Soul Shop which sadly closed last year. Burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and delicious sides fresh-to-order, all served with a hefty dose of Southern hospitality. Oh, and their beers are ice cold.

People dining and getting takeout at Italian Pizzeria III in Chapel Hill 

IP3 / Donn Young Photography

There’s a cult-like following that packs Italian Pizzeria III (IP3 to locals). Think southern Italian authenticity with a surprising twist: their Philly cheesesteak is a top seller, a recipe perfected during the family’s time in Philadelphia. And there’s always a European soccer match on the television. Now that is Italian.

And if you’re in the market for a new ‘do give Syd’s Hair a look. It’s been a bedrock of Graham since 2001, so you know it has to be good.

And speaking of hair, you have a few other options here: Midway Barber Shop, 707 W Rosemary St Carrboro, “It's an old school place where you can get a great cut and shave for a very reasonable price.” Stephanie’s African Hair Braiding, 109 N Graham St and B'Unique Hair Studio which designs hair and sells wigs, bonnets, and head wraps. 

Family Picture of Owners of The Purple Bowl

The Purple Bowl Family

Just across from IP3 is one of the hippest and healthiest restaurants we’ve seen in an awhile. It’s called Purple Bowl, new on Graham street since September. You can order an açaí bowl, toast, even espresso, and get lost in an outdoor game or your own laptop.

And Franklin Street Motors is right across the street if a garden pub beckons you. And this one will.

So get thee to Graham Street, where Midway offers that rare combination of history and hipness that makes it impossible to visit just once.

 

(Photo Credit Top Image: Mural; A nod to the Late Dex Romweber, Sara Romweber, and Danny Mason | Mike Benson, Owner Lapin Bleu)