Located just southwest of Chapel Hill is the bustling little town of Pittsboro, NC! And while the area is the epitome of the NC countryside, peaceful and green, there’s also a lot of good restaurants, bars, and things to do in the area. One unique development is the Plant off of Route 64. Take a winding road inland, and you’ll come across this eco-friendly, down-to-earth development showcasing interesting distilleries, restaurants, and retail stores. Founded by locals Tami Schwerin and Lyle Estill, the Plant is a testament to community-building in Orange County. Here’s what to expect when you visit!
Heading into the Plant, you’ll pass by some signage promoting the local businesses inside. The businesses change pretty frequently, but check out the list above from September 2026! Find a shady parking spot in the gravel lot, and it’s time to head on into the complex.
- List of food and drink vendors at the Plant – August 2026
- BMC Brewing (Beer)
- Fair Game Beverage Co. (Liquor)
- Kingston Kitchen 99 (Jamaican cuisine)
- Koshu Sake Bar (Sake)
- Little Havana Cafe (Cuban)
- Metal Brixx Cafe
- Starrlight Mead (Mead)
- Ta Contento (Mexican cuisine)
- Vortex Roasters (Coffee)
Starrlight Mead is one of the bigger businesses at the Plant and you can do a tasting flight of meads, made from local honey. The flavors are super interesting and a great way to get your visit started. It’s a fun way to learn how this ancient drink is made and to work through the wide range of flavors that can be imparted into mead. From apricot to blueberry, ginger and chai, enjoy the breadth of options here!
Another favorite stop of mine at the Plant is Fair Game Beverage! This long-time Triangle favorite is known for their spicy, pepper vodka, but they distill a wide assortment of liquors. They’ve been at the Plant for quite some time, and have expanded their digs over the years. Grab a beer or shot, wander around, and check out their retail area. It all feels quite festive with the red and white interior design and theming.
Further in, you’ll find the new Koshu Sake Bar! A fun little spot with a nice assortment of sake bottles in a zen-like bar area. Try a sake flight and taste how this fermented rice alcohol can present a variety of different taste profiles to a drinker. Carbonation, filtered or unfiltered, sake offers a lot of options to taste through.
In the back section of the Plant, you’ll find the venerable BMC Brewing. Known for its beers and spent grain dog treats, it’s one of the biggest vendors at the plant. After you grab your beer, hang out in their large open hallway or out on the front patio area to enjoy your drink.
And while the Plant has a great selection of drinks and beverage-focused businesses, don’t miss out on its food offerings! Choose from spicy Jamaican eats (Kingston 99) to Cuban sandwiches (Little Havana Cafe), along with excellent Mexican cuisine (Ta Contento). All have a home here in the Plant!
And after you’re doing eating and drinking, feel free to browse through an art gallery, hemp store, or other retail business at the Plant. Keep an eye out on their events and entertainment schedule, there’s usually something fun going down on the weekends.
So what can I say but I am definitely a huge fan of the Plant! Love their community focus along with their food and beverage options. While it’s a bit out of the way, if you’re heading out on Route 64 in Pittsboro, take that turn down a dusty road for all the unique options that the Plant offers locals and visitors.
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