Slam Dunk Szn
Eleven spots around town to watch your faves ball.
Time to ball out. March Madness has officially begun, with the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament officially kicking off March 4, (Duke, NC State and UNC are all set to take the court March 6), and the men posting up starting next Tuesday (teams/times TBA). Now, it’s time to make your own game-day selections for sipping, socializing and supporting your team—and stopping in a local spot with a buzzy atmosphere is sure to make your game days a win (even if your bracket isn’t). These eleven spots have game day on lock.
Bowstring Pizza & Brewyard
Last year, nearly 800 NC State fans packed (!) the place for the Final Four game. With ample lawn space, two massive patios and a bar inside, there’s room aplenty to fulfill your sixth man duties while also avoiding your rivals. @bowstringpizzabrewyard
My Way Tavern
Whether the game goes your way or not, you can at least count on having your pref when it comes to the massive beer selection and menu at this neighborhood gem ideal for crowding around the bar and watching the game at—think everything from soups and salads to tacos and burgers to its signature mac and cheese. @mywayraleigh
Mitch’s Tavern
Toting the title of one of Oak City’s fave historic bars, Mitch’s dishes plenty of pours, sandwiches and shareables, and vintage vibes in the tavern packed with fans and regulars alike. @mitchstavern.raleigh
Players Retreat
A retreat for the fans too, the OG Raleigh sports bar is the perf place to post-up for a burger and a brew while rooting for whatever player is on your roster. Real ones will get there early enough to pop a squat on the patio in direct eyeline of the outdoor TVs. @players_retreat
Bru’s Public House
Just a stone’s throw from Lenovo, this is about as close as you can get to all of the first-round action. If you didn’t score tix, 12 TVs, craft cocktails and over 20 beers on tap will help you get by. @bruspublichouse
Brickhouse Sports Pub
Right in the thick of Wolfpack territory lies a student-fave outfitted with over 40 beers on tap, ten 120” big screen TVs and a full menu of all-American faves. @brickhouse_raleigh
The Brass Tap
”Good times well-crafted” is the MO of this Capital District craft beer bar, and good times are indeed served with 100+ brews on tap, plus cocktails and elevated vibes. @thebrasstapraleigh
The Iron Oaks
Craft meets casual via wings and tenders, 36 beers on tap, wine, cocktails and golf bay simulators with 200 course ops—just in case a timeout is needed. @the.iron.oaks
Tobacco Road Sports Cafe
TBD on whether their beer bracket will make an appearance this year, but one thing that’s guaranteed here is great food, a giant beer list and all-around good time. @tobaccoroadbrewing
Sammy’s Tap and Grill
TVs cover pretty much every available inch of this West Raleigh institution, so you won’t miss a second of your team’s full-court press. Oh, and there’s plenty of wings to go around too! @sammystapgrill
Buffalo Brothers
War Eagles flock to this spot on Capital Boulevard for regular watch parties—and with the No. 1 seed all but locked up for Auburn, you can feel more than welcome to jump on the orange-and-blue bandwagon at this wing and pizza destination. @buffalobrothersnc
