Sycamore and Suffolk Punch are dominating the Rail Trail, but don’t forget about these 5 original players

It’s dog-friendly, baby-friendly, runner-, walker-, biker- and scooter-friendly and is home to plenty of art and play installations along the route. It’s a city staple.

You know its go-tos like the back of your hand: Sycamore Brewing, Hyde Brewing and Suffolk Punch, Atherton, South End Station, Zeppelin, Bang Bang Burgers South End, the 1616 Center and Design Center in their entirety, just to name a few.

As they each gain speed, it’s the group of the 4.5-mile trail’s early-day originals that often get overlooked in favor of the new and shiny.

Futo Buta

The city’s first dedicated ramen house, from Chef Michael Shortino (also the mind behind the new Lincoln’s Haberdashery), opened its doors in 2015 with space for 80 diners and $7-$18 bowls on an “authentic but not traditional” menu of Japanese favorites. See the full menu, which includes some of the best soft serve you’ll ever have, here.

[Related: What’s the scoop on South End’s ramen house Futo Buta? 8 questions with Chef Michael Shortino]

222 East Bland Street
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Good Bottle Co.

This bottle shop with a neighborhood bodega feel has also become home to HEX Coffee, which makes it a one-stop-shop for all your vices. Owner Chris Hunt grew up in Asheville, so you can trust the shop’s selection of local, regional and national craft beer is up to par. Keep up with its calendar of tastings, tap takeovers and more here.

125 Remount Road
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Pike’s Old Fashioned Soda Shop

Pike’s opened its doors in 1931, making it not just a current favorite but one of the neighborhood originals, too. It’s known for its classic diner decor and menu that will both throw you right back to the 50s and keep you there with a milkshake or malt. See it here.

1930 Camden Road
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Triple C Brewing Co.

Triple C was part of the city’s first wave of breweries, alongside OMB and NoDa, and it’s found its footing in its Griffith Street home and in what feels like a cult following for its beers like Baby Maker, Golden Boy and, of course, the Light Rail Pale Ale. Placed just beyond the rail trail, across from Suffolk Punch, it feels almost hidden away, but it’s a spot worth finding again.

2900 Griffith Street
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Vin Master

The small wine bar behind Atherton is a literal hidden gem and those who know, know. With a vast selection of boutique wines from all over the world, as well as craft beer and local pantry items to choose from, the small space is brimming with possibilities. Stop by every Thursday for a flight to get the full effect.

2000 South Boulevard
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