The Bull City offers no shortage of places to experience the madness that is the NCAA Division I basketball tournament, from modern sports bars with televisions literally everywhere you look to more intimate local hangouts.
The Bull City offers no shortage of places to experience the madness that is the NCAA Division I basketball tournament, from modern sports bars with televisions literally everywhere you look to more intimate local hangouts. It’s no surprise or coincidence that Durham, NC was ranked the very best city for college basketball fans in 2021 by WalletHub.com.
The following is a rundown of some of the best places in Durham to catch the action. Before visiting any of these Durham establishments, please check in advance with each directly about COVID-19 safety precautions as well as updated hours and offerings. Please also be sure to follow the 3 W’s and keep our community safe while visiting.
Maverick’s Smokehouse and Taproom
Located at 900 West Main Street downtown, Maverick’s features multi-state BBQ, a full bar, and numerous TVs. There’s also as an outdoor patio (equipped with a second bar) and a projector they put to use for the big games, weather permitting, complete with fire pits so you can enjoy the outdoors even if there’s still a chill in the air.
Located in the Washington Duke Inn at the Duke Golf Club, this is a favorite hangout for Duke fans, and the public is welcome to watch all the games.
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Situated prominently on U.S. 15/501 on the way to Chapel Hill, Carolina Ale House draws its share of basketball fans, and with more than 50 TVs you won’t miss anything during the frenetic opening rounds when multiple games are being played simultaneously.
Most breweries are known more for their beer than their television selection, but Clouds’ spacious new location on Main Street is an exception as 33 HD screens line every wall and even hang from the ceiling. Throw in a full menu and craft brews and this is a great place to relax and catch some sports.
Ranked by Complex magazine as one of the 25 best bars near a college campus, Dain’s, located in the Ninth Street district, is an obvious choice for Duke fans who are looking to join in a cheer with their dark blue brethren. Every game will be on one of four TVs. Did we mention more than 80 American microbrews are available?
Yet another Brightleaf area hangout, Devine’s has been a favorite for locals since 1978. Enjoy pub favorites like wings and burger while watching the tournament. They have an outdoor patio with seating around a TV screen, too.
Fullsteam’s big screen will be tuned to March Madness all week, while you enjoy a homegrown Durham brew. The Humidity Pale Ale, the Rocket Science IPA, and the PayCheck Pilsner are always on tap in addition to seasonal specials made with local ingredients.
If you don’t want to venture to downtown, Rookie’s is the only sports bar in Research Triangle Park. Rookie’s has 26 televisions, 12 beers on tap, and both indoor and outdoor viewing areas.
Tobacco Road serves fresh, local food surrounded by a wall of TVs – all in a location overlooking the Durham Bulls Athletic Park across from the American Tobacco Campus.
Durham wings and sports fans now have a dine-in option right off Duke’s West Campus! With a new expanded menu; as well as, indoor and outdoor dining options, the options are endless for this new location.
Located in Durham’s Ninth Street District, across from Duke’s East Campus, the Tavern is a great spot to shoot pool, throw darts or watch games and hang out with other sports fans. A family-owned bar and restaurant with an extensive menu is a great stop for catching one of the NCAA games this season.
The Honeysuckle at Lakewood has ample TVs, online ordering and ½ acre of outdoor dining! Grab a table in the spacious indoor-outdoor venue and try one of Chef Mark’s farm-inspired menu focuses on classic American plates with a bold twist.
Back downtown, Bull McCabes has great patio seating and multiple indoor-outdoor tv viewing options. An incredible location and traditional Irish bar with burgers, pub staples and 20 beers on tap!
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