Where to Watch Football Around Raleigh and Durham

By Beth Shugg on 11/04/2015, updated on 08/23/2017
8 sports bars that offer great food, spirits and football in North Carolina.
Tabacco Road Sports Cafe, Raleigh North Carolina
These bars and restaurants are all about maximizing your game-day experience. (Courtesy Tobacco Road Sports Cafe)

Big game tonight? Enhance your football-watching experience with some Triangle culture by checking one of these popular sports bars in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill-Cary area.

The Players Retreat

Founded in 1951 by Bernie and Mickey Hanula, this Raleigh institution known for its popular black angus beef serves ice cold beer, wine and cocktails as patrons watch football and other sports via all Direct TV sports packages. A private room for up to 100 is available for reservation. 105 Oberlin Rd., Raleigh

Tobacco Road Sports Café

Locations in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill make this a favorite place to grab a quality bite to eat and watch the big game — no matter where you land. Named for the Tobacco Road college sports rivalry between nearby teams from Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University and other schools, the restaurant and bar draws fans from all corners of the Triangle. 222 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh; 280 S. Mangum Street, Durham; 1118 Environ Way, Chapel Hill

Tobacco Road Sports Cafe, Durham North Carolina

The Brickhouse

The Brickhouse offers eight 120-inch projection screen TVs, numerous LED and LCD screens, a full-service menu of American fare and four championship pool tables. Several alumni and fan clubs frequent the Brickhouse, which also hosts special events and trivia nights. Try a North Carolina Craft beer while you're there. 3801 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh

 

Carolina Brewery

Carolina Brewery in Chapel Hill offers a calmer alternative to Top of the Hill. Opened as a microbrewery by a third-generation University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill alumni, patrons can enjoy award-winning, handcrafted beers and a nice selection of burgers, sandwiches and wings. 460 W. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill; 120 Lowes Drive, Ste 100, Pittsboro

 Carolina Brewery is a popular game-day destination for UNC-Chapel Hill fans.

Four Corners

Named after famed UNC basketball coach Dean Smith's four corners offense—a strategy for stalling with a lead near the end of a game—this popular sports bar and restaurant features 20 high-definition TVs and plenty of Carolina blue traditions. Pack fans are welcome, but may be a bit outnumbered! 175 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill

Woody’s Sports Tavern & Grill

Claiming to have the “best damn wings in the Triangle,” Woody’s Sports Tavern & Grill is located in Cary and Raleigh and offers 30 HDTVs. The 4200 square foot, multi-functioning venue also offers semi private areas in addition to the main bar/dining area. 8322 Chapel Hill Rd., Cary; 205 Wolfe Street, Raleigh

 

The Wooden Nickel Pub

Located on Churton Street in the heart of historic Hillsborough, the Wooden Nickel offers a cozy spot to watch the game and chat with friendly bartenders about the town’s history. Sample craft beers and American fare, including wings with sauces ranging from mild to “Frickin’ Nickel Hot.” 105 N. Churton Street, Hillsborough

The Wooden Nickel Public House, Hillsborough North Carolina

Top of the Hill

A truly top place for locally-sourced foods and spirits, guests here can watch the game while enjoying a beer from the Top of the Hill Brewery beer. The brewery maintains three freshly tapped beers year-round: Kenan Lager, Old Well White and Rams Head IPA. Event spaces range from public areas to a private bar. The Great Room is perfect for parties and weddings. 100 East Franklin Street, 3rd Floor, Chapel Hill

 

Where to Watch Football Around Raleigh and Durham By Beth Shugg on 11/04/2015, updated on 08/23/2017