Fullsteam RTP in Durham – nctriangledining.com
When it comes to the OG of the NC Triangle beer scene, Fullsteam Brewery was one of the first along with Big Boss and Lone Rider Beer. When Fullsteam opened up its original location on Rigsbee Street in Durham, they transformed the entire neighborhood. Beer lovers and families would swarm Fullsteam Brewery on the weekends and warm nights, encouraging other businesses to set up shop in the neighborhood. Businesses like Geer Street Garden, Cocoa Cinnamon, and more. With the additions of Liberty Warehouse Apartments, Hutchins Garage and the Durham Food Hall, the growth just continues in that neighborhood corridor. So I was curious to see what Fullsteam with its new space out in Boxyard RTP. As the anchor tenant for Boxyard, I had high hopes, here’s what to expect when you visit!

Located on the right-hand side of the Boxyard complex, Fullsteam RTP covers two floors with the main bar and kitchen on floor one and a smaller events space (TopBox) above on floor two. Inside, you’ll find a neat, tidy, and modern space, albeit basic. The overall dimensions of the shipping containers it was built from, visible through metal panels in the floor and of course, the corrugated metal sidewalls. The bar in the back has a neat, wood inlay front face and a tight cluster of beer taps. Overall a very different feel than the old-school Fullsteam on Rigsbee!


Seating consists of some four-tops to the side and longer tables upfront, with access to the Boxyard courtyard through swinging glass doors. In warmer weather, I imagine this interior space will be quite open and similar to a covered patio. Mod, textured, white chairs match those outside placed neatly around the interior. And like the original, Boxyard RTP is offering up some food, in this case, fresh flatbread pizzas, and snacks (fries, breadsticks, peanuts, burrata).



The pizza I tried felt clean and tasty, the classic with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. They pre-bake the crusts and then top them and heat them up for service. It’s a light and airy bite with plenty of tangy tomato and fresh green, basil pop. I’m sure the menu will continue to evolve in the months ahead as the kitchen gets settled in. Overall, I’m pretty happy with what they’ve done here, just expect a Fullsteam experience that’s WAY different than what you would get downtown. And it makes total sense given how new and novel the Boxyard RTP development is. But great to see a Durham classic go beyond where it started and expand to new locations. Good luck Fullsteam RTP, you’re off to a great start!
