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OG dive proves the only thing in the water is loyalty.
Any given Sunday sidled up at an unassuming bar in West Raleigh, you’ll find a loyal legion of regulars who’ve been holding court for nearly 40 years—from game days to pool and dart duels to trivia nights.
So, “Who Dat?” Sharky’s owners Randy and Simone Wilson have been calling the shots since 2012, when they took over from founder Jack Pinkstaff, delivering a spirited revamp that’s kept the now “saintly” dive vibe very much alive.
Born and bred in the Big Easy, Simone dishes a dose of Cajun flair via a menu that skews sports bar-meets-Nawlins—from gumbo to “quite possibly the best shrimp po’boy in the country (including New Orleans)” to house-smoked wings that sing.
Bartenders pour whatever you’re craving—from beers to bourbons—whether you’re bellied up at the bar or grabbing some liquid courage for billiards (or darts, cornhole, giant Jenga, etc.)… and without breaking the bank.
The patio (with game viewing) is a major draw; the bar food, bait; and the unassuming large-screen-loaded hang, a legend in its own right. “I don’t drink,” says one bargoer—“but Sharky’s is by far my favorite bar for the people-watching.” And, adds another, “Their food is f*cking delicious.”
But despite the cult-fave fare, Sharky’s is—for all intents and purposes—a true neighborhood dive. It’s the Crowley’s of Northwest: where you might go when you’re craving a bourbon at Blind Barbour but live above Crabtree… or when you want to shoot pool without the corporate-chain energy.
Because in a culture obsessed with new, novelty and cocktail couture—and in an otherwise bar-desert stretch—Sharky’s has stayed the course in its stripped-down, no-pretense MO and not just survived, but thrived: super chill, welcoming and living its mantra as “the coolest bar in the world.” And the stans are here for it—those four decades off Duraleigh proof-positive that real staying power rests in cold beer, consistency and a kind of community you can’t manufacture.
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My brother Randy Wilson and wife Simone are the greatest and most supportive people I know.
They both work hard and are continually “paying it forward”….no publicity, just good hearted people.
Hard work and dedication as well as good principles have made SHARKEY’S a great success for Raleigh. I live in St. Croix, USVI and cannot tell you how many people who visit here have been there.
Keep up the good food, great service and heartfelt community that SHARKEY’S provides for the neighborhood.