Best Places to Watch March Madness in the Triangle

College basketball is a way of life in North Carolina, especially in the Raleigh-Durham metro area. The Triangle is home to UNC, Duke, and NC State, and Wake Forest University is only a 90-minute drive west from Raleigh. No matter which team you are rooting for during the tournament, there are some great places to either watch the game (inside or outside) or grab some delicious take-out for your watch party at home.

Locations in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill

Founded by the Amra Brothers, who are both avid sports fans and foodies, Tobacco Road Sports Café was designed to be a place where you could meet friends and family to watch the game while eating a fresh and delicious meal. They also have plenty of healthy options available, and any game that you desire is available for viewing. The outdoor patio gives a great option for watching your team outside on a nice day. Take-out is also available at all locations.

Downtown Raleigh

The Brickhouse Sports Pub is a great game day destination, with 10 120” TVs, 40 beers on tap, and delicious food. Located close to Hillsborough Street, there are also indoor and outdoor pool tables and cornhole boards for commercial breaks. Take-out or delivery through Grubhub is available.

Locations in West Raleigh, North Raleigh, Wake Forest, Knightdale and Garner

The Rudino’s family of sports bars are family-owned and operated and serve up pizza and grinders (a New England-based term for a sub sandwich) to hungry sports fans throughout the Triangle. The original location on Edwards Mill Road has been in business since 1995 and has an amazing outdoor seating area with tons of TVs for watching the game. Rudino’s Rooftop in North Raleigh has an extensive bar on the rooftop deck, along with plenty of TVs for watching your game of choice.

Locations in Cary and Raleigh

While Woody’s is known locally for their wings, they are also a great place to catch the game, with an interesting menu, a great selection of beer, and excellent service. There are plenty of TVs to catch your game of choice as well. Woody’s is also starting to offer socially distant live music on the weekends, and many of the locals say that they love the atmosphere. They are continuing to offer take-out as well.

No matter what color you plan to wear for the NCAA tournament, or even if you are just tagging along for the yummy snacks and beverages, the sports bars listed above will not disappoint.