College football season is back — and so is the excitement at sports bars across the Carolinas. Whether you’re cheering for the Blue Devils, Tar Heels, or Wolfpack, the Triangle has no shortage of great spots to catch the game, celebrate with friends, or enjoy a pre- or post-game drink. Here are some of the top sports bars for college football fans this season:
Duke University Favorites
Bull McCabe’s Irish Pub
📍 427 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701
Why go: Just steps from Duke’s campus, Bull McCabe’s is known as the heartbeat of downtown Durham. The pub boasts one of the most comprehensive sports TV packages around, so if it’s happening in Durham, it’s probably happening here.
Dain’s Place
📍 754 9th St, Durham, NC 27705
Why go: Family-friendly with a dog-friendly patio, Dain’s offers four HD big screens and a staff happy to accommodate game requests.
Devines
📍 904 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701
Why go: A Durham staple since 1978, Devines has 17 TVs and every sports package available, making it a go-to gameday hub.
NC State Hotspots
Brickhouse Sports Pub
📍 3801 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607
Why go: With ten 120-inch screens, pool tables, and indoor/outdoor cornhole, this dog-friendly pub is built for gameday gatherings.
Bru’s Public House
📍 5433 Wade Park Blvd #100, Raleigh, NC 27607
Why go: Just a short walk from Carter-Finley Stadium, it’s a top choice for pre-game meals or catching the action with fellow Wolfpack fans.
Mitch’s Tavern
📍 2426 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607
Why go: Right across from campus, Mitch’s has Wolfpack-decorated rooms, daily drink specials, and even adds extra outdoor TVs on game days.
Players Retreat
📍 105 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh, NC 27605
Why go: Owned by a Wolfpack alum, this historic pub is beloved by fans and was named one of the South’s standout game-day bars. Don’t miss the Wolfpack Burger.
Sammy’s Tap & Grill
📍 2235 Avent Ferry Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606
Why go: A Wolfpack classic with more than 60 TVs, 40 beers on tap, and N.C. State-themed cocktails.
UNC Favorites
Bru’s Public House
📍 370 E Main St #110, Carrboro, NC 27510
Why go: The second Bru’s location brings the sports bar’s signature atmosphere to Tar Heel country, with major sports packages and 20+ local drafts on rotation.
Four Corners
📍 175 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Why go: Named after Dean Smith’s legendary strategy, Four Corners calls itself Franklin Street’s “premier Carolina sports experience,” with locally sourced bites and plenty of Tar Heel spirit.
He’s Not Here
📍 112 1/2 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Why go: Two words: Carolina blue cups. A Chapel Hill institution every Tar Heel fan knows.
Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery (TOPO)
📍 100 E Franklin St, 3rd Floor, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Why go: Nicknamed “the social crossroads of Chapel Hill,” TOPO shows every UNC game and offers sweeping views of Franklin Street.
Other Popular Triangle Sports Bars
If you’re just looking for a great place to watch football — no matter the team — check out these local favorites:
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Bralie’s Sports Bar (Durham)
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Buffalo Brothers (Cary, Garner, Raleigh, Wake Forest)
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Carolina Ale House (Cary, Durham, Garner, Raleigh, Wake Forest)
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Kickback Jack’s (Durham, Raleigh)
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RallyPoint (Cary)
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Rudino’s Sports Bar (Garner, Hope Mills, Knightdale, Raleigh)
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Sharky’s (Raleigh)
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Sports & Social (Cary)
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Tobacco Road Sports Cafe (Durham, Raleigh)
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Village Draft House (Raleigh)
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Woody’s Sports Tavern & Grill (Cary, Morrisville, Raleigh)
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