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U.S. Open Guide: Where to party in Pinehurst

Where to eat, drink and party in and around Pinehurst during the U.S. Open.

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Cameron and Co. in Pinehurst sells these signs.
By
Kathy Hanrahan
PINEHURST, N.C. — Headed to the U.S. Open? We have your guide to where to dine, party and possibly have a beer alongside some golfers.

Where to party

The Pine Crest will be holding block parties Thursday through Saturday so that is going to be a hot spot in Pinehurst. Look for it to kick up after 9 p.m. after the U.S. Open Experience events wrap up at nearby Tufts Park.

The U.S. Open Experience is free and open to the public. There will be food for sale on site from uPro, Sweet Birch and Cold Stone Creamery.

Note: The Village of Pinehurst has opened its open container laws. You still can't take a beer out of a bar, but you can bring a cooler of beer with you to the outdoor concerts and walk around with your beer.

If you are looking to park, it is best to park at Cannon Park (Lot G) and use the shuttle. The shuttle will run until 10:30 p.m., so you might have to walk back to your car. Find out more about parking with the WRALSportsFan U.S. Open spectator guide.
Southern Pines will also be hosting a series of events during this time. The Southern Pines Wide Open includes live music from bands like The Embers.

Where to eat

Fine dining: The 1895 Grill at Holly Inn in Pinehurst offers great Southern cuisine. 
Sushi: Ten-Ya on Market Street in Pinehurst. 
Beefeater's
Steak: Beefeaters and Southern Prime, both in Southern Pines offer great steak.
Pizza: Vito's in on Southeast Broad Street in Southern Pines is known for their thick crust. Some of the best pizza in town. They won't take reservations or credit cards. There is an ATM outside. 
Barbecue: Pik-n-Pig in Carthage has been serving up some of the best barbecue around for nearly four decades. 
Hidden gems: 
  • Elliotts on Linden in Pinehurst has an eclectic menu and great wine. They focus on farm-to-fork cuisine. 
Ashten's
  • Ashtens in Southern Pines has a formal dining room, but ask to sit in the wine bar, where living room couches offer a cozy spot to enjoy their pub menu. You will find some great locally sourced items on the menu and make sure to try their appetizers. 
  • Ironwood Cafe on Midland Road in Pinehurst will likely be packed as people take in their steak and seafood options. If you go, try the sea bass or salmon. Their outdoor patio, which features a fountain in the courtyard, is a popular hangout. 
  • Your suggestions: 

    We got a few suggestions from readers and wanted to share them. One reader suggested Curt's Cucina in downtown Southern Pines saying it is the "best Italian restaurant in the state." Another reader cited the Railhouse Brewery and Pub in Aberdeen for great craft beer and live music. Finally, the Buffalo Wild Wings on U.S. 1 in Aberdeen was another reader pick. 

    Where to look for golfers

    Besides the course, we have a few places we think golfers might be hanging out and enjoying a drink. 

    The Holly Inn, located in Pinehurst, has a restaurant and lounge. Great places to grab a bite and possibly see some players. 
    The neighboring Pine Crest hotel has a nice outdoor bar and seating area. There is another bar and restaurant inside. There will be food trucks and a lot more during their nightly block parties. The venue itself attracts golfers due to its storied history. The night before Payne Stewart won the U.S. Open, he was chipping balls into the fireplace there and later signed his name on the lower entry to the men's downstairs restroom. That autograph is now framed and sits at the front desk. The hotel has played host to tons of golfers through the years, including Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Look for Pine Crest to get going around 9 p.m. or later. 
    The Carolina Hotel's Ryder Cup Lounge is also a hot spot to look for players. Enjoy dinner at the Carolina Dining Room and maybe sit on those rocking chairs on the porch. 
    Pine Crest Inn
    Dugan's in downtown Pinehurst has a restaurant upstairs and a basement bar that has live music. It is also a popular spot for golfers because of its proximity to the hotels. 
    Magnolia Inn in Pinehurst has a great outdoor patio and its proximity to the course puts it on the list of golfer favorites. 
    The Pine Needles Lounge and Golf Club on Midland Road in Southern Pines is going to be a hot spot during the tournament, especially the Women's U.S. Open. Peggy Kirk Bell, a charter member of the LPGA and winner of several tournament championships, and her husband "Bullet" began running Pine Needles in 1953. They bought the golf course and eventually built the resort and purchased neighboring Mid Pines. The family is still actively involved in the day-to-day operations of both resorts.
    You can get a complete list of restaurants in the area at the Convention and Visitor's Bureau website.

    Where to grab a drink 

    Hickory Tavern is a sports bar with 20 screens. A great place to grab a bite and watch the action. 
    Social 165 has a great bar scene with a limited menu. There is always live music, but be ready to pay a cover charge. 
    The Bell Tree in Southern Pines has a nice bar and outdoor patio. 
    Jefferson Inn has a a great outdoor patio with live music. Popular with the locals. 
    O'Donnell Pub in Southern Pines caters to a younger crowd. It features an indoor and outdoor bar scene.
    Wine Cellar and Tasting Room in Southern Pines has a selection of wine, gourmet cheese, hummus and sausages. 
    The Village Wine Shop in Pinehurst has beer and wine. They also have tastings and events. 
    Villager Deli
    Villager Deli in Pinehurst will be serving beer and wine. They have a great patio. 
    Darling House Pub and Grill in Pinehurst is also a local hot spot. 
    Too Blonde Tavern in Pinehurst has a great patio and pub menu. 

    Where to relax and shop: 

    If you are looking to relax, there is no better place than The Spa at Pinehurst! Offering massages, body treatments, facials, salon and nail treatments, it is the best place to recharge your battery. They are offering a special U.S. Women's Open Spa Package that includes a ticket to the open and Trophy club access, resort accommodations, a breakfast buffet and one 50-minute spa treatment for $301 per person, per night.

    If are looking for unique souvenirs, there are several shops in the Village of Pinehurst that offer some great stuff: 

    Items at Cameron and Co. in Pinehurst.

    Men can grab some stylish attire at the Gentlemen's Corner, while there are several women's boutiques along Market Square and inside the main welcome center. Cool Sweats and Village Fox Boutique have great women's wear, while Filthy Rich specializes in celebrity-inspired knock-off jewelry. Tesora decor has some beer glasses with golf balls in the stems and has items made from actual game baseballs and bats. Cameron and Co. has some golf-oriented souvenirs and their own Southern-inspired T-shirt line. Company's Coming and 1 Heart 2 Heart, both inside the welcome center, have fun jewelry and art. 

    In Southern Pines, just head down Broad Street to the historic district to find boutiques and other shops. The area is divided by a railroad track. 

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