Best Raleigh area sports bars to watch big games
The next best thing to being at the actual game is watching it at a great sports bar or restaurant. But where are the best places to watch the big game in the Triangle?
Here is a list of the best sports bars in Raleigh, Durham and the surrounding areas.
The best sports bars in the Triangle
North Carolina is known for great college basketball - N.C. State, Duke and UNC. Whether you are watching the Carolina Hurricanes or Carolina Panthers, or checking out some great college basketball, these bars are great options.
We have some suggestions!
1. Sports & Social (Cary)
Sports & Social, sports and gaming bar and restaurant, is located in a 19,000-square-foot space in Cary's Fenton development. It features a 42-foot LED media wall so guests can watch multiple games and sporting events at once. In addition to a made-from-scratch menu, the venue also hosts live music, entertainment, arcade games, shuffle puck and skeeball. They also host regular watch parties for big sporting events.
Address: Fenton Gateway Drive, Cary
2. Carolina Ale House (Multiple locations)
With locations across the Triangle, this is a great option for gameday viewing. They have a large selection of beer on tap, plus a diverse menu of burgers, wings, pizza and sandwiches. The burgers are a must-try! It is great for families as well. Plus the concept has a fun history!
Carolina Ale House is also a WRAL Voters' Choice Award winner for best sports bar.
3. My Way Tavern (Raleigh and Holly Springs)
Gather around the horseshoe style bar crafted with reclaimed wood from 158-year old barn in eastern North Carolina and enjoy more than 22 draft beers on tap. The food menu is also filled with everything from wings to Red Zinfandel Braised Ribs and My Way Cajun Chicken.
Address: 522 St Marys St., Raleigh and 301 W Center St., Holly Springs
4. Wingin' It Bar and Grill (Fuquay-Varina)
This family-friendly bar and grill is open seven days a week. The menu has your typical sports bar fare, including wings, loaded nachos and potato skins!
Address: 1625 North Main Street, Fuquay-Varina
5. RallyPoint Sports Grill (Cary)
This restaurant and sports bar has everything could want: burgers, Buffalo wings, barbecue and high-definition TVs!
Address: 837 Bass Pro Lane, Cary
6. Cleveland Draft House (Clayton, Garner and Fuquay-Varina)
The Cleveland Draft House, with locations in Garner, Clayton and Fuquay-Varina, has 162 beers on tap among the three bars. The menu is also diverse with a mix of wings, appetizers, salads, burgers and seafood.
Address: 6101 NC Hwy 42 West, Garner, 461 Shotwell Road, Clayton and 1420 East Broad St., Fuquay-Varina
7. Players' Retreat (Raleigh)
The PR was founded Feb. 27, 1951, and has been a favorite of N.C. State fans ever since! It is also a WRAL Voters' Choice Award winner for best neighborhood bar. With a scratch-made menu that includes some of the best burgers in town. The restaurant has grown and even been recognized by Wine Spectator with an award of excellence for its wine selection.
Address: 105 Oberlin Road, Raleigh
8. Bralie's Sports Bar (Durham)
This sports bar has two locations in Durham. It's a great place to watch a game, plus they have cornhole, darts, pool table and 13 large high-definition TVs.
Address: 1725 Carpenter Fletcher and 4707 Hillsborough Road in Durham
9. Tobacco Road Sports Cafe (Raleigh and Durham)
Tobacco Road has two great locations - especially the Durham location which overlooks the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. No matter your allegiance, you will be able to find your game, your team colors and something to your taste at Tobacco Road, but you had better come hungry. The nachos and the mac & cheese (appetizer selections on the menu) are enough to make a meal. Entrees include steak, ribs, pasta and burgers.
Address: 280 S Mangum St #100, Durham and 505 W Jones St., Raleigh
10. Backyard Bistro (Raleigh)
Backyard Bistro is just a short walk from PNC Arena and has hosted lots of hungry Hurricanes and Wolfpack fans before big games over the years. The restaurant and bar offers 12 big-screen HD televisions and lots of smaller screens scattered throughout the space. There are special menus on game days offered to get fans headed to the game in and out efficiently. Backyard Bistro will host the Carolina Hurricanes' official sportsbook until renovations at PNC Arena are completed.
Address: 1235 Hurricane Alley Way, Raleigh
Bonus picks
You let us know about a few of your favorite places to watch a game!
Abbey Road (Cary and Apex)
This sports bar is known for its great wings and burgers! If you like a little heat, try the Burning Down the House burger, which comes topped with fried jalapenos, cajun seasoning, pepper jack cheese and chipotle aioli.
Address: 1195 W Chatham St, Cary and 1700 Center St, Apex
West 94th St. Pub (Durham)
We are big fans of their pub fries and jumbo chicken wings, but they are also known for their sandwiches which include a corned beef Reuben.
Address: 4711 Hope Valley Road, Durham
