Norse Brewing opens location in Zebulon

Norse Brewing, a Wake Forest staple known for its beer selection and Nordic-inspired cuisine, now has a second location in downtown Zebulon.

The Norse Brewing Longhouse opened its doors just prior to the new year at 120 N. Arendell Ave on the town's main drag. The 3,400-foot space lives up to its name by blending old-world Nordic dishes and traditional southern cooking to create a dining experience that stands apart from the crowd in Wake County.

"We are excited to become part of Downtown Zebulon, extending our unique blend of culture and flavors to this vibrant community," Chris Jorgensen, the venture's co-founder, said.

The brewery is headed up by Brad Wynn, a Raleigh craft-brew trailblazer who started the region's first craft brewery decades before the beer boom that would follow. Wynn created the brewer program at Wake Tech, and local beer aficionados say he consistently crafts some of the best beer in the Triangle.

In addition to beer, Norse produces its own ciders and seltzers. The drink menu is constructed on a rotating and seasonal basis to make good use of local, in -season ingredients. However, the two flagship beers, Phat Thor Stout and Fo{u}r Friends IPA, will be available throughout the year.

To eat, the restaurant offers its own brand of "Southern Scandinavian" fare. Highlights include Frikedeller, Chris' grandma's meatballs, and the Viking Burger, a distinctive blend of elk, bison, boar, and wagu beef topped with glazed onions and Danish blue cheese. Another standout is an elk sausage infused with cheese and jalapeños.

The "longhouse" concept draws from Viking tradition. The structures served as communal living spaces where communities would gather to eat and stay warm. Those objectives are shared by Norse Brewing's leadership.

"Our mission is to create a local gathering place that celebrates diversity, where everyone feels at home," Jorgensen said. "Zebulon, with its warm community spirit, felt like a natural fit for our expansion."