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 gameday atmosphere, quality food, a variety of drinks, and of course, high-definition TVs to watch the games 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 sports town and home of the Carolina Hurricanes.
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 and the Durham Bulls baseball 30-minutes away. And of course, all the beloved college teams from NC State. Now, let’s dive into my list of the top Raleigh sports bars.
The Players Retreat
- Address: 105 Oberlin Road, Raleigh
- Website: PlayersRetreat.com
As mentioned, 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 to cheer on the Wolfpack, join the pack fans here to watch college football. The Players Retreat (PR) 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, the PR is 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.
The PR is the kind of local neighborhood sports 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!
The Brass Tap Craft Beer Bar
- Address: 16 N West St, Raleigh
- Website: www.brasstapbeerbar.com
Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, The Brass Tap is easily one of my favorite sports bars with everything you need to make it a great gameday venue; plenty of large screen TVs, excellent bar food, 45 craft beers on tap plus full liquor bar, and a fun atmosphere. With its industrial-chic look and bright, modern space with floor to ceiling windows and a nice outdoor patio, this is one sports bar you’ll find me often!
Considering it’s the home of the Raleigh Liverpool supporters club (LFC Raleigh), it’s a popular spot to watch the English Premier League soccer games, and this was my headquarters for the recent World Cup. I’ve also watched several Carolina Hurricanes games here, college football, and it’s a big NFL bar – the owner (Niraz) is originally from Nepal, but a Rams fan (and a great guy).
Brass Tap has excellent bar food menu including burgers, pizzas, wings, tacos, sandwiches, salads, plus a brunch and lunch menu. I’m a big fan of their White Caprese Pizza, the Steak Nachos, and their large buttery pretzels are a must order. If you’re looking for a sports bar in downtown Raleigh with all the games on, The Brass Tap is hard to beat.
Sammy’s Tap & Grill
- Address: 2235 Avent Ferry Rd, Raleigh
- Website: SammysTapGrill.com
Sammy’s has been West Raleigh’s premier sports bar for 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. This is still one of my favorite Raleigh sports bars and another State hangout considering its conveniently located next to campus, 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.
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, Sammy’s 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.
My Way Tavern
- Address: 522 St Marys St, Raleigh
- Website: MyWayTavern.com
The main focal point of My Way Tavern is their horseshoe 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. This tavern is popular for all sports, and during the English Premier League soccer season, 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 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!
Brickhouse Sports Bar & Grill
- Address: 3801 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
- Website: Brickhouse-nc.com
Another west Raleigh favorite is Brickhouse, located off Hillsborough Street (directly across from Meredith College) and relatively close to NC State and the Lenovo Center. This sports bar is popular for NC State college games and Carolina Hurricanes fans. But that’s not all. It also happens to be the headquarters of the Ohio State Buckeyes alumni club, and on NFL Sunday, the New England Patriots fan club of Raleigh..
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!
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! 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.
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!
Ruckus Pizza & Bar
- Address: 5 locations
- Website: www.ruckuspizza.com
Ruckus has been part of Raleigh’s game-day scene since 1999, when it opened near NC State with a simple aim: to be “a place for great food, great music and great times.” That first spot in Mission Valley on Avent Ferry Road near main campus is still going and packed with students, alumni and regulars.
Since then, Ruckus has grown into a local chain with a second Raleigh location at Leesville Towne Centre plus locations in Cary, Apex and Morrisville. The food is a big reason people keep coming back. Ruckus is known for great pizzas and huge slices, so big that you may need a second plate.
The menu includes pastas, wings, burgers, subs, tacos, salads and, surprisingly, a full sushi menu. Weekend brunch adds chicken and waffles, breakfast burritos and skillets, which is handy before a noon kickoff.
At the bar you’ll find a solid tap list that mixes local craft beers with the usual domestics, plus a full liquor lineup. For sports fans, Ruckus is a relaxed, crowd-friendly place to watch rather than a hardcore sports-bar temple. It has TVs throughout, a lively bar and plenty of room for groups, so it works well for a big Saturday watch party, a youth team after a tournament, or a family that wants the game on during dinner.
Carolina Ale House
- Addresses: 5 locations
- Website: www.carolinaalehouse.com
Currently with five locations in the area including North Raleigh, Brier Creek, Cary, Garner and Wake Forest, the Carolina Ale House has been a popular Raleigh sports bar for over 20 years.
Their motto is “Great Sports deserve Great Food,” and the kitchen takes the second part seriously. Everything is made to order from scratch. Excellent wings, fish & chips, and burgers, plus ribs, Philly cheesesteaks, salads and crowd-pleasing starters like the cheesy dip. And you can wash it all down from a lineup of craft and domestic beers plus full bar menu.
For sports fans, Carolina Ale House is as close to a sure thing as Raleigh has. TVs cover nearly every sightline, so whatever game you want to watch, it’s probably on. It’s also the official sports bar partner of the Carolina Hurricanes, which makes it a natural home for Canes fans on road-game nights and during playoff runs. It’s family-friendly, easy for big groups, and there’s a location close to wherever you live. If you want a sure bet on game day, this is the one to count on.
Sharky’s Place Sports Bar & Grill
- Address: 5800 Duraleigh Rd, Raleigh
- Website: sharkysnc.com
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?
Bru’s Public House
- Address: 5433 Wade Park Blvd, Raleigh
- Website: bruspublichouse.com
Located just a five-minute drive from Carter-Finley stadium and the Lenovo Center (or 20-minute walk), Bru’s Public House is the closest thing to a pregame headquarters for Canes and Wolfpack fans and has plenty of large TVs with all the sports on and is a lively atmosphere on game days.
The food is a big part of the draw. This is elevated pub-style food – their pizzas are especially popular. Plus, typical menu items like wings, nachos, burgers, salads, fries. At the bar, a rotating tap list sits next to a strong bourbon and craft cocktail program, which sets Bru’s apart from most game-day spots in town. Bru’s makes for a good pre-game or post-game hangout.
Buffalo Brothers
- Address: 5 locations
- Website: www.buffbrothers.com
Buffalo Brothers really does come from Buffalo. In 1997, two brothers still in college bought a pizza and wing shop in Buffalo and in 2002 they moved south and opened their first location in Cary. They’ve since grown with Raleigh locations on Capital Boulevard and Lake Boone Trail plus spots in Garner and Wake Forest.
One of the area’s go-to places for Western New York-style bar food. Wings are the centerpiece, and the brothers call them and their tenders “our calling card.” You get them the way Buffalo intended: crispy, saucy, and served with blue cheese. The pizza comes built however you like it. Beyond the two headliners, the kitchen smokes its own ribs in-house and serves half-pound burgers, plus sandwiches, wraps, salads and a long list of appetizers.
TVs everywhere, a laid-back crowd and a menu made for game day. It’s an easy place to get a big group together for a Sunday slate or a Canes playoff run. The Buffalo Bills Backers of Raleigh watches the Bills games at Buffalo Brothers in Raleigh at the Capital Blvd location. And there is a KC Chiefs Fan Club of North Carolina, and currently they watch the chief’s games at Buffalo Brothers in Cary.
Bowstring Pizza Bar & Brewyard
- Address: 1930 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh
- Website: raleigh.bowstringbrewyard.com
Bowstring on Wake Forest Road has become one of Raleigh’s most popular hangouts. It sits in a restored garage building that’s about 100 years old, just across from Snoopy’s. Bowstring is part neighborhood sports bar and part live music venue, spread across four gathering spaces with three full bars. The standout is “The Yard,” a 10,000-square-foot turf lot with fire pits, yard games and a covered stage. On a nice fall afternoon, it’s hard to find a better place to spend a game day in the city.
The pizza has a following of its own. It comes out of Bowstring’s pizza bus, and it’s New York-style, made with a 30-year-old scratch dough and sauce recipe and topped with Grande mozzarella. You can get it by the slice or the pie. The rest of the menu sticks to game-day staples like Philly cheesesteaks, baked wings, mozzarella sticks and garlic knots. The drinks match: 20-plus rotating taps of beer, cider and non-alcoholic options, plus handcrafted cocktails, wine and rosé.
For sports fans, Bowstring has become a favorite place to watch NC State and the Carolina Hurricanes. There are plenty of TVs spread across the bars and outdoor spaces, and on big game days the whole place turns into one large watch party. The size is part of the appeal. With room for a crowd inside and out, Bowstring works equally well for a few friends catching a Canes game or a group of 30 taking over the Yard for a Wolfpack Saturday.
Mitch’s Tavern
- Address: 2426 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
- Website: MitchsTavernRaleigh.com
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 Mitch’s Tavern 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.
Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant
Just 2-miles for the belltower, Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant is yet another classic NC State bar and boasts the largest display of wolfpack sports memorabilia in Raleigh which is like a walk down memory lane of Wolfpack history. Founded by Amedeo (Dick) DeAngelis, a former NC State football player whose love for the game and great food inspired what has become a beloved Wolfpack gathering spot near campus.
At Amedeo’s, you’ll find students, staff, alumni, coaches and NC State fans all eating among themselves. In fact, sitting at the table next to us was Wes Moore, head coach of the women’s basketball team! Since 1963, they’ve been serving up authentic Italian flavors in a casual restaurant and pizzeria vibe, with the excitement of a sports-bar feel.
With its casual, pizzeria-style atmosphere, Amedeo’s exudes the quintessential sports bar vibe, complete with games on TV and Wolfpack fans sharing beers and lively conversation. It’s a fun spot to immerse yourself in the vibrant student life of Raleigh. NOTE: they have gluten-free pasta and pizza bases and other GF items. Kids 10 and under eat FREE with purchase of adult entree on Monday evenings.
Woody’s City Market
- Address: 205 Wolfe St, Raleigh
- Website: woodyscitymarket.com
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. For NFL games, a large group of Eagles fans meet here.
It’s your classic sports bar that feels like a locals’ corner bar with a good selection of craft beer and great lunch specials – they have some of the best wings in Raleigh – plus signature burgers, subs, salads and other typical bar food. Two main rooms allow for a good amount of seating, with several TVs to watch your favorite teams.
Hibernian Pub
- Address: 311 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
- Website: HibernianPub.com
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.
Yard House
- Address: 4208 Six Forks Rd c110, Raleigh
- Website: YardHouse.com
Here’s one 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, Applebee’s. 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.
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!
Overtime Sports Pub
- Address: 1030 N Rogers Ln, Raleigh
- Website: overtimesportspub.com
Some sports bars are built around gameday. Tucked away in east Raleigh, this locally run pub is a true neighborhood spot rather than a chain or trendy destination. Its walls are covered in sports memorabilia, the bar is long, and its regulars keep coming back. Overtime has earned a loyal following among Raleigh fans who want a sports bar and a good night out.
For sports fans, there are flat-screen TVs on every wall. Saturdays are for college football, Sundays belong to the NFL, and the place has a reputation as a home base for Pittsburgh Steelers fans in Raleigh. There’s plenty going on beyond game day too, including trivia nights during the week and karaoke and live music on weekends. If you like a loud, friendly, old-school sports pub, Overtime is the real thing.
The kitchen serves hearty pub food made to order. Wings are a fan favorite, and the potato skins, fried pickles and onion rings are also popular, as are the burgers and tater tots. At the full bar, local favorites like Red Oak and Sweet Josie are on tap next to familiar names like Hoegaarden.
The Pickled Onion Restaurant & Bar
- Address: 8511 Cantilever Way, Raleigh
- Website: thepickledonionrestaurant.com
The Pickled Onion is one of North Raleigh’s go-to sports bars. Locally owned and operated, it strikes an unusual balance: it’s a true sports bar that’s also family friendly. The TVs are everywhere, NFL Sundays draw a crowd, and outdoor seating means you can catch a game on the patio on a nice fall afternoon.
It’s a place where you can bring the kids for an early kickoff and still have a lively crowd for primetime. The menu goes well beyond standard bar food. The Loaded Brisket Fries are a regulars’ favorite, the “Chicken Crack” Buffalo chicken dip and the Philly cheesesteak egg rolls also make great game-day starters, wings come by the 10, 20 or 40, the Hangover Burger lives up to its name, and it’s one of the best spots for fish & chips in Raleigh. The rotating tap list keeps things interesting at the bar.
Sports & Social (Cary)
- Address: 301 Fenton Gateway Drive, Cary
- Website: sportsandsocial.com
Located in Fenton in Cary, the huge two-story Sports & Social is a top spot to watch all the games on the HUGE 42-foot LED display plus wall-to-wall TVs where guests can watch multiple sporting events at once. Catch all the college and NFL games, no matter the team, no matter the game, they’ll have it on.
Large menu with all your sports bar classic dishes including made-from-scratch game-day favorites like wings, loaded nachos, and burgers. This is also a fun place with arcade games including skee-ball, table tennis, shuffle puck, air hockey and a golf simulator. This place gets busy, especially on NFL Sunday so best to reserve a table.
Village Draft House
- Address: 428 Daniels St, Raleigh
- Website: VillageDraftHouse.com
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.
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.
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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