Raleigh is a sport-loving city, and so you’ll find no shortage of places to catch a game. In this guide, we share some of the best sports bars in Raleigh that have a lively atmosphere, great food, a variety of beers and drinks on ice, and of course, high-definition TVs to watch the game from.
As a long-time sports addict who played professional Rugby in my native Australia, one of the things I love about living in Raleigh is the sports bar scene – and we’ve got some fun bars here being a college town!
In case you don’t know, this is traditionally an ACC basketball area with NC State, UNC and Duke all within 45-minutes of each other. We also have the Carolina Hurricanes, the Durham Bulls baseball 30-minutes away, and of course our beloved college athletics teams, the Wolfpacks.
While my Rugby days are over, I’m a BIG lover of most sports (college football would probably be my favorite US sport), and I thoroughly enjoy a good craft beer, or whiskey, while watching a game with my mates and talking some friendly smack!
For those international readers, who may not be familiar with what exactly defines a sports bar, loosely put, a sports bar is where televised sporting events are shown continuously, and typically containing several televisions and often sports memorabilia. Sounds good to me! Now you know what to look for, here are my top Raleigh sports bars…
The Players Retreat
This is Raleigh, and this is the home of NC State University so let’s start with The Players Retreat, a tradition with NC State students and alumni for over 70 years.
If you can’t make it to Carter-Finley stadium, PNC Arena or Reynolds Coliseum to cheer on the Wolfpack, join the pack fans here to watch college football.
The Players Retreat (PR to the locals) is one of the storied sports bars in Raleigh and a true landmark in the city of Raleigh. In my opinion, the best NC State sports bars!
Established in 1951, it’s the oldest continuously operating tavern between Atlanta and Washington D.C. Located near NC State’s main campus, this is an old school sports bar with booths and bar stools, tables on the sidewalk, pool tables and lots of TV screens for sports.
With a focus on hamburgers and sandwiches, they serve up some of the best burgers in Raleigh. They also boast the largest collection of single malts in North Carolina.
This is the kind of local neighborhood bar I like to experience when we travel, and besides NC State fans you’ll also find an eclectic mix of people. NOTE: Kids eat FREE here on Sundays.
- Address: 105 Oberlin Road, Raleigh
- Website: PlayersRetreat.com
Sammy’s Tap & Grill
Sammy’s has been West Raleigh’s premier sports bar for just over 20 years. When we first moved to Raleigh in 2004, this was our local as we lived nearby on Lake Johnson and have fond memories of watching college and pro games with friends over a pitcher of Yuengling and serving of wings.
For college sports, this is still one of my favorite Raleigh sports bars and another NC State hangout considering its conveniently located next to campus on Avent Ferry Rd, plus Carolina Hurricanes fans frequent here too!
Pittsburgh Steelers fans take note. This is the home of the Steelers supporters club, but of course all fans are welcome and know that there’s a pleasant neighborhood and local feel to this sports bar.
Alabama Crimson Tide fans also have a home here, as this is where the Roll Tide Raleigh alumni group gather making it the best place to watch Alabama football games.
Huge amount of TVs and seats for all the games in the main bar area and in the outdoor enclosed porch area, and individual TVs at each booth. Whether it’s NFL Sunday or college on Saturday’s, Sammy’s has a fun atmosphere with a boisterous crowd. From the menu, the burgers and buffalo wings are good, plus there’s plenty of other typical bar food including tacos, pizza, sandwiches, and wraps.
With so many TV’s here, this is a place you can come with large groups and everyone can watch their own teams play at the same time! They have a good selection of drinks including weekly drink and food specials. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, they have ½ off nachos after 8pm, there’s a popular trivia night on Tuesdays, and occasional live music.
- Address: 2235 Avent Ferry Rd, Raleigh
- Website: SammysTapGrill.com
Brickhouse Sports Bar & Grill
Another west Raleigh favorite is Brickhouse, located off Hillsborough Street (directly across from Meredith College) and relatively close to NC State and Lenovo Center.
This sports bar is popular for NC State college games and Carolina Hurricanes fan. In fact, the Wolfpack Weekly radio show with Dave Doeren is held here offering fans the opportunity to attend each recording.
The radio show takes place every Wednesday during football season (except for the week of the Virginia Tech game, which will be moved to Tuesday) at 7:00 p.m.
But, that’s not all. It also happens to be the headquarters of the Ohio State Buckeyes alumni club, and New England Patriots fans. During college football season, you can get the OSU horseshoe home game atmosphere right here in Raleigh – they sing the fight song with every touchdown. Get there early to grab a seat for all big OSU games! Watch my video.
During NFL season, this bar fills up with New England Patriots fans cheering on the Pats – but once again, all fans are of course welcome – come in for some fun trash talk.
Featuring ten big 120″ projection screens that line the walls showing all the games, plus 20 LED TVs behind the bar area, and TVs outside on their large outdoor full-service patio, this is a top spot for sports fans!
With over 40 beers on tap and daily drink specials, good variety of above-average bar food (wings, chips, and sausage dip are popular), great friendly service, 4 regulation size pool tables, and a lively atmosphere, come see for yourself why they are a West Raleigh favorite!
- Address: 3801 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
- Website: Brickhouse-nc.com
Mitch’s Tavern
I love this iconic tavern. As I walk up the stairs to the second story bar area, the ambience and decor takes me back to our times living and traveling around the UK and Ireland.
Established in 1974, this is another of Raleigh’s true landmarks and favorite historic bars, especially for NC State students and alumni as it’s located on Hillsborough street directly across from campus – they have beautiful balcony windows overlooking the university.
Think old-school, wood-accent tavern that is well-known as the tavern in the 1988 Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon movie “Bull Durham.” And you can check out some great, quirky NC State memorabilia hanging around the tavern too.
Popular for great sandwiches (I enjoyed Mitch’s Reuben), hearty soups, chili and beers all at reasonable prices that you can enjoy while you take a trip down memory lane. It also made our top restaurants on Hillsborough St.
Although it doesn’t have dozens of TVs like the other Raleigh sports bars, with its cozy pub atmosphere and cool history (Mitch’s is the oldest place on Hillsborough St), it is a must for anyone visiting NC State. There’s nothing quite like this place around Raleigh.
- Address: 2426 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
- Website: MitchsTavernRaleigh.com
Carolina Ale House
If you love watching a game with your family, the Carolina Ale House is where to go. Strangely their downtown locatiion on Glenwood Ave recently closed, but their other locations will still be a place to watch sport.
It has dozens of TVs and ice cold beers on tap, and all their food is made from scratch. They also have seasonal cocktail menus and their chicken wings are said to be some of the best. On Tuesdays, kids eat for just $0.99 (10 and under) and during football season, they have a Fantasty Football draft party!
One of my favorite things about this pub is their homey, indoor space with wooden aethetics. It reminds me of my days living in England and Ireland.
With multiple large TV screens behind the bar and a solid beer selection on tap, plus mixed drinks, it’s one of my favorite places to watch a game in North Raleigh or Cary. Their Cary location will now be the place for the Carolina Hurricanes watch parties.
- Address: 4512 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh
- Website: carolinaalehouse.com/
My Way Tavern
Many people have mentioned this as one of their favorite Raleigh bars, so I’m taking that as a strong signal to get myself in there asap!
This is where the local Chelsea FC supporters club (RDU Blues) meet to watch matches (other fans welcome of course). So if you love the EPL, check it out.
The main focal point of the tavern is said to be their horse shoe style bar from which you can enjoy 22 draft beers on tap (15 brewed in NC), in addition to more than 50 bottles and a fully stocked bar.
The menu includes signature items like Braised Ribs and the My Way Cajun Chicken, plus great looking burgers, sandwiches, Mac-n-cheese, and one of the best fish & chips I’ve had in the Raleigh area. The wings are good too!
When you consider they have local beer, plenty of TVs to watch the games, inside and outside tables, and a relaxed atmosphere, they are at the top of my priority list. Plus football specials on Monday & Thursday Nights, and all day on Saturday and Sundays!
- Address: 522 St Marys St, Raleigh
- Website: MyWayTavern.com
Yard House
Here’s another of the more upmarket Raleigh sports bars located in the heart of the fantastic North Hills District. Yes, it’s a sports bar chain, but a far cry from, say, Applebees. We actually had our first experience in a Yard House in Honolulu during our Hawaii vacation several years ago and watched some March Madness college basketball which was fun!
The North Hills location is large, with TVs behind the bar and more screens positioned all around the restaurant with views from the high top tables and booths.
It’s family-friendly, and I was there with my crew recently for lunch on an NFL Sunday and enjoyed a great meal while taking in some of the games. It’s also a perfect place to gather with friends in North Hill for the game.
They have an extensive list of craft, local, seasonal and imported beers on draft and by the bottle, plus a cocktail menu and mixed drinks.
The food menu is also extensive and made from scratch daily. They are well known for their signature burgers (GF buns available). I loved my bbq bacon burger, and our daughter her Nashville hot chicken sandwich. And their salads are HUGE! They also serve steaks, pizzas, chicken and seafood dishes. And they are very accommodating to dietary restrictions and preferences.
Yard House is also known for their classic rock tunes playing in the background, and on busy game days it can get quite loud there, but overall an enjoyable atmosphere. Besides indoor seating they have a large outdoor patio area if you prefer to sit outside, also with screens to watch the sports.
Overall it’s a solid sports bar and restaurant to have a casual family meal, a date night, or hang out with friends and catch a game. Get there early if you want the best table for big games!
- Address: 4208 Six Forks Rd c110, Raleigh
- Website: YardHouse.com
Village Draft House
Another option for NC State fans being close to their Hillsborough Street campus is the Village Draft House. Pop in here for local craft beer tastings paired with games from multiple TVs behind the large bar.
This brick-walled tavern offers an impressive 100 beers on draft and over 40 North Carolina brews including Pilsners, lagers, kolsches, brown ales, porters, stouts, and IPA’s. No matter you preference, there is a flavor you can savor.
If you find yourself a little peckish, the Village Draft House has quality pub food including solid wings, tacos, and sandwiches.
The atmosphere is relaxed, and the games are always on as they have large flat screen TV’s everywhere and all the sports packages.
Extensive menu featuring award winning hand-pattied burgers, excellent sandwiches, and good spicy wing sauce – the Carolina Reaper Buffalo Hot sauce. Overall a good place to eat in the Village District area.
- Address: 428 Daniels St, Raleigh
- Website: VillageDraftHouse.com
Woody’s at City Market
While I have been to Woody’s at City Market many times over the years, to be clear it has been several years since I’ve been there so I can’t offer an up-to-date personal experience.
But this is a long running locally owned sports bar and watering hole in the heart of downtown Raleigh near Moore Square, and a popular spot to watch some sports on TV.
It’s your classic sports bar that feels like a locals’ corner bar with a good selection of craft beer and great lunch specials – many people say they have the best wings in the Triangle – plus signature burgers, subs, salads and other typical bar food. Two main rooms allow for a good amount of seating, with several TV’s to watch your favorite teams. They also have locations in Cary and Morissville.
- Address: 205 Wolfe St, Raleigh
- Website: WoodysSportsTavern.com
Hibernian Pub
When we first moved to Raleigh in 2004 (pre-kids), we used to frequent the Hibernian in Glenwood South almost every weekend. That was when it was a single-story pub, not the two-story establishment with a rooftop patio that it is now, and we’d mostly visit to drink with friends and not so much to watch sports.
But of course, being an Irish Pub, they show English Premier League Football (soccer matches), and 6 Nations Rugby games – plus American sports as well.
We love to come here on St Patrick’s Day which is also usually timed with a Six Nations rugby match so we watch either an Ireland or England game!
But it still gets busy, and if you’re craving some typical Irish fare like Shepard’s Pie, Corned Beef & Cabbage, Fish’n Chips and an Irish Breakfast (I need to go back at least for the food and Guiness), put it on your list.
- Address: 311 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
- Website: HibernianPub.com
O’Malley’s Pub & Restaurant
Located in the Oak Park Shopping Center on Glenwood Ave, O’Malley’s Pub is known as a classic tavern offering Irish-American comfort food and a full bar, plus live music nightly, and a patio.
Some call it one of Raleigh’s best kept secrets and a bit of a hidden institution, this neighborhood pub has been serving up refreshing pints, tasty cocktails, and savory meals since 1996.
Great selection of 20 beers on tap (including Guinness of course), lLots of table seating, cool decor and atmosphere, and their wings are said to be very good. Family-friendly with a kids menu.
- Address: 5228 Hollyridge Dr, Raleigh
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/omalleys.raleigh
Sharky’s Place
Sharky’s has been known as one of the top neighborhood sports bars in Raleigh for over 30 years (why have I not set foot in here yet?) Described as a casual bar and pool hall offering standard bar fare, sports on TV, darts and outdoor seating.
LSU fans take note; one of the co-owners was born and bred in the Big Easy, which is reflected on their menu with Cajun cuisine, and is possibly the only Saints bar in Raleigh.
With 22 large screen TV’s, 6 pool tables, a dart area, and a great beer and whisky selection it sounds like a fun sports bar and a great place to watch the game. Who’s coming with me?
- Address: 5800 Duraleigh Rd, Raleigh
- Website: sharkysnc.com
Sports Bars near Raleigh
Sports & Social (Cary)
Located in Fenton in Cary, the huge two-story Sports & Social is a top spot to watch a game on the HUGE 42-foot LED display where guests can watch multiple games and sporting events at once.
This is a fun place with arcade games including skee-ball, table tennis, shuffle puck, air hockey and a golf simulator. And, you can expect elevated food including made-from-scratch game-day favorites like wings, loaded nachos, and burgers.
- Address: 301 Fenton Gateway Drive, Cary
- Website: sportsandsocial.com/cary/
CrossTown Pub (Cary)
The cozy and welcoming neighborhood pub, CrossTown in Cary – and it’s sister Albatrass Bar nextdoor- is an official Carolina Hurricanes bar (guaranteed to show all Canes games). This is a family-owned pub in the heart of downtown Cary with an inviting Irish pub-style atmosphere.
It’s a casual place for all occasions: a relaxing spot to catch a game over a pint, catch up drinks with friends, a family meal, or a date night. Good selection of fine wines, craft beers and spirits. Great burgers, tacos, and fish & chips!
- Address: 154 E Chatham St, Cary
- Website: crosstowndowntown.com
Salem Street Pub (Apex)
Looking for a local neighborhood pub in downtown Apex to catch a game, head to the Salem Street Pub (SSP). This family owned and operated pub is a local’s favorite hangout.
Popular for their tasty burgers, gravy fries, wings, Buffalo cauliflower, and their specialty moonshine cocktails! Bring the whole family for some of the best pub fare in the Wake County area!
- Address: 113 N Salem St, Apex
- Website: salemstreetpub.com/
Tap Station (Apex)
A converted garage, Tap Station in Apex offers cool decor on both levels, a fun pub-like atmosphere with a good bar, ample outdoor seating, and a kids play area adds a nice touch for families!
Popular for their burgers, hot dogs, tater tots and their BIG pretzel. 20+ rotating beers on tap made onsite and at their other brewery, Mason Jar, and an impressive Bourbon selection.
- Address: 320 S Salem St, Apex
- Website: tapstationapex.com/
Norse Brewing (Wake Forest)
As a Scandinavian themed brewery, Norse Brewing offers a unique vibe with tasty beers and elevated brewery food the locals love in downtown Wake Forest!
Nice range of craft beers including Wit beer to pilsner to sours and stouts, plus a few ciders and seltzers. Inviting atmosphere with both inside and outside seating, and ample TVs to catch the game!
- Address: 203 Brooks St, Wake Forest
- Website: wakeforest.norsebrewingco.com/
Strike & Barrel (Wake Forest)
While the main focus of Strike & Barrel in Wake Forest is bowling and it’s not a typical sports bar, this is downtown Wake Forest’s premier entertainment destination with 24,000 square feet of fun including traditional bowling, duckpin bowling, axe throwing, sports simulators, cornhole, shuffleboard, and arcade games.
Take in a game on one of the many TVs and order a bite to eat from their chef driven full-service kitchen. Perfect for families, couples, or large group events.
- Address: 413 S Brooks St, Wake Forest
- Website: strikeandbarrel.com/
Final thoughts
So, if you don’t have tickets to an NC State or Carolina Hurricanes game at Lenovo Center (formerly PNC Arena) or are searching on your phone for the “best sports bar near me” to cheer on your out-of-state team, you can still enjoy game day in Raleigh at one of the happening bars.
This is my personal list of top sports bars in Raleigh to catch a game at, but it’s not every sports bar.
Did you visit one of the bars on my list? What did you think? Or perhaps you found one that I missed and should check out next? Leave a comment below.
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