If you’re a sports enthusiast visiting downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, or a local seeking an exciting venue to catch the game with fellow fans, you’re in luck! This article serves as your comprehensive guide to the best sports bars in downtown Raleigh.
We’ll explore the top establishments known for their vibrant atmosphere, wide-ranging drink selections, delectable food options, and, of course, their unwavering commitment to showcasing the thrill of live sports on their big screens. Get ready to immerse yourself in the ultimate sports bar experience!
Boxcar Bar + Arcade
Address: 330 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone Number: (919) 803-2796
Website: www.theboxcarbar.com
Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, Boxcar Bar + Arcade is a unique sports bar that offers much more than just televised sports. This popular spot features an extensive selection of craft beers, signature cocktails, and an impressive array of arcade games.
With a nostalgic atmosphere and over 70 vintage arcade games, including classics like Pac-Man and pinball machines, Boxcar provides an immersive experience for sports lovers who enjoy a side of nostalgia with their game.
Tobacco Road Sports Café & Brewery
Address: 505 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone Number: (919) 829-6468
Website: www.tobaccoroadsportscafe.com
Tobacco Road Sports Café & Brewery, located just a stone’s throw from the Raleigh Convention Center, is a prime destination for sports enthusiasts.
Boasting an expansive selection of craft beers brewed in-house, a delectable menu, and numerous big-screen TVs, this sports bar creates an electric atmosphere for cheering on your favorite teams.
With its spacious layout and diverse food options, including juicy burgers and mouthwatering wings, Tobacco Road offers an exceptional sports bar experience.
Raleigh Beer Garden
Address: 614 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone Number: (919) 324-3415
Website: www.raleighbeergarden.com
For sports fans who appreciate a wide variety of beer options, the Raleigh Beer Garden is a must-visit destination. With a staggering world record-breaking 366 beer taps, this multi-level establishment provides an unparalleled selection of brews from around the globe.
Equipped with over 40 TVs spread across its expansive space, including a rooftop patio, the Raleigh Beer Garden ensures that patrons never miss a minute of the action. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or simply love the lively ambiance of a bustling sports bar, this venue won’t disappoint.
Woody’s Sports Tavern & Grill
Address: 8322 Chapel Hill Rd, Cary, NC 27513
Phone Number: (919) 380-7737
Website: www.woodysportstavern.com
While not technically located in downtown Raleigh, Woody’s Sports Tavern & Grill in nearby Cary is worth mentioning due to its reputation as a beloved sports bar in the Triangle area.
Just a short drive from downtown, Woody’s offers an extensive menu featuring pub-style favorites like burgers, sandwiches, and wings. This family-friendly establishment boasts multiple large screens, making it an ideal spot to enjoy the game with friends and family.
Player’s Retreat
Address: 105 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh, NC 27605
Phone Number: (919) 755-9589
Website: www.playersretreat.net
With its rich history spanning over 60 years, Player’s Retreat is a cherished institution among Raleigh locals. Located near the North Carolina State University campus, this cozy sports bar provides a welcoming atmosphere for sports enthusiasts of all ages.
With its rustic charm and walls adorned with sports memorabilia, Player’s Retreat offers a nostalgic ambiance that sets it apart. Patrons can enjoy their favorite games on multiple TVs while indulging in the bar’s wide selection of beers, spirits, and mouthwatering pub-style dishes.
From juicy burgers to comforting mac and cheese, Player’s Retreat delivers classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with an exhilarating sports viewing experience.
Carolina Ale House
Address: 500 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone Number: (919) 835-2222
Website: www.carolinaalehouse.com
Conveniently situated in the Glenwood South district of downtown Raleigh, Carolina Ale House is a popular sports bar known for its lively atmosphere and extensive menu.
This sports bar offers something for everyone with an emphasis on local craft beers and a diverse range of dishes, including pizzas, tacos, and signature Carolina wings.
The venue boasts numerous large HD TVs spread throughout, ensuring that you won’t miss a single play while cheering on your favorite teams.
Hibernian Pub
Address: 311 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone Number: (919) 833-2258
Website: www.hibernianpub.com
Located in the bustling Glenwood South neighborhood, Hibernian Pub is a lively Irish sports bar that blends the excitement of sports with a vibrant pub atmosphere.
With its extensive selection of beers, including a variety of Irish brews, and a menu featuring traditional Irish fare alongside American favorites, Hibernian Pub creates an inviting environment for sports enthusiasts. Multiple large TVs are strategically placed throughout the bar, ensuring optimal viewing from any seat.
Clouds Brewing
Address: 126 N West St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone Number: (919) 307-8335
Website: www.cloudsbrewing.com
Clouds Brewing, nestled in the Warehouse District of downtown Raleigh, combines the love of sports with the art of craft brewing. This spacious sports bar boasts a unique feature known as the “Self-Pour Wall,” allowing patrons to pour their own beers from a vast selection of craft brews.
With an industrial-chic ambiance, ample seating, and many large screens, Clouds Brewing provides an interactive and engaging sports viewing experience for avid fans.
The Station at Person Street
Address: 701 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604
Phone Number: (919) 977-1567
Website: www.stationraleigh.com
Situated in the historic Person Street neighborhood, The Station is a popular local spot that combines the charm of a neighborhood bar with the excitement of a sports venue.
This laid-back establishment features an extensive beer and cocktail list, along with a menu offering tasty bites such as loaded nachos and buffalo cauliflower.
The Station’s ample seating, including a spacious outdoor patio, coupled with multiple screens, ensures a comfortable and enjoyable sports viewing experience.
Backyard Bistro
Address: 1235 Hurricane Alley Way, Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone Number: (919) 851-6203
Website: www.backyardbistro.com
Situated near the PNC Arena and NC State University, Backyard Bistro is a popular sports bar that caters to both local residents and sports fans attending games or concerts.
With its spacious outdoor patio and ample indoor seating, this bar offers a relaxed and welcoming environment to enjoy sports events.
Backyard Bistro boasts a diverse menu featuring mouthwatering dishes like BBQ ribs, burgers, and specialty pizzas, along with an extensive selection of beers, wines, and cocktails.
Multiple large high-definition screens ensure that every seat in the house provides an optimal view of the action.
London Bridge Pub
Address: 110 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone Number: (919) 838-6633
Website: www.lbpraleigh.com
For those seeking a British-inspired sports bar experience, look no further than London Bridge Pub in downtown Raleigh. This authentic pub brings a touch of England to North Carolina, with its warm wooden interiors, traditional pub grub, and a strong emphasis on soccer (or football, as the Brits would call it).
With a wide range of imported beers on tap, including ales and stouts, along with a menu featuring classic British fares like fish and chips and bangers and mash, London Bridge Pub offers a unique sports bar experience for fans of the beautiful game.
Craftsman House Sports Bar & Grill
Address: 1040 Tryon Village Dr #601, Cary, NC 27518
Phone Number: (919) 851-9173
Website: www.craftsmanhousesportsbar.com
While not located in downtown Raleigh, Craftsman House Sports Bar & Grill in nearby Cary is worth a mention for its welcoming atmosphere and dedication to sports enthusiasts.
With a focus on craft beer and a menu offering a variety of comfort food favorites, this bar provides an ideal setting for watching sports with friends. Craftsman House features multiple large flat-screen TVs throughout the venue, ensuring that every seat has a great view of the game.
Cloud’s Brewery
Address: 1233 Front St, Raleigh, NC 27609
Phone Number: (919) 307-8335
Website: www.cloudsbrewing.com
Cloud’s Brewery, located in the Five Points neighborhood of Raleigh, is another fantastic sports bar for fans looking to enjoy great beer and exciting games. Known for its innovative craft brews, Cloud’s Brewery offers a rotating selection of beers on tap, including seasonal and limited-release options.
With its laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff, and multiple screens broadcasting live sports, Cloud’s Brewery provides a relaxed and enjoyable setting for sports enthusiasts to cheer on their favorite teams.
Final Thoughts on the Best Sports Bars in Downtown Raleigh
In conclusion, downtown Raleigh boasts a diverse and thriving sports bar scene that caters to the preferences and passions of sports enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the area, these top sports bars provide the perfect venues to catch the game, enjoy delicious food, sip on refreshing beverages, and immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of sports fandom.
From establishments that combine arcade gaming with sports viewing to those offering an extensive selection of craft beers, each sports bar mentioned in this guide has its unique charm and offerings.
Whether you prefer the nostalgic ambiance of Boxcar Bar + Arcade, the extensive craft beer selection at Raleigh Beer Garden, or the traditional pub experience at Hibernian Pub, downtown Raleigh has something for everyone.
Additionally, venues like Tobacco Road Sports Café & Brewery and Carolina Ale House offer delectable menus and spacious layouts, ensuring an enjoyable experience for sports fans of all kinds.
Even beyond downtown Raleigh, establishments such as Woody’s Sports Tavern & Grill and Craftsman House Sports Bar & Grill in nearby areas showcase the region’s dedication to providing exceptional sports bar experiences.
From classic pub grub to innovative cuisine, these bars offer a wide range of food options to satisfy your cravings while cheering on your favorite teams.
So, whether you’re looking to root for your team, meet fellow sports enthusiasts, or simply enjoy the excitement of a lively sports atmosphere, the best sports bars in downtown Raleigh and its surrounding areas provide the ideal venues.
With their convenient locations, vibrant atmospheres, multiple screens, and delectable menus, these establishments ensure that you won’t miss a moment of the action while indulging in the camaraderie and exhilaration that come with watching sports with like-minded fans.
Next time you’re in downtown Raleigh or its vicinity, be sure to visit one or more of these top sports bars. Don your team colors, savor the mouthwatering dishes, raise a glass to victory, and experience the thrill of live sports like never before.
