Sports bars (including one from NC) ranked among best in US. See the full list
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- Carolina Ale House ranked in USA Today's Top 10 U.S. sports bars for 2025.
- The Raleigh-born chain boasts 24 locations across five Southeastern states.
- Key draws include dozens of TVs, craft beer choices and scratch-made fare.
It’s a sweet victory for a local fan-favorite spot named one of the best in the country.
Just in time for football season, USA Today released a list of the ultimate regional and national sport bars for “top-tier game-day setups.”
Of all the popular spots for mega sports fans, Carolina Ale House ranked among the top 10.
Best sports bars in Raleigh, Durham
“Dozens of TVs, a wide range of beers, and all sorts of decadent dishes are up for grabs at Carolina Ale House, a Southern-inspired sports bar that got its start more than 25 years ago in Raleigh,” USA Today’s report says.
“Fresh ales and lagers can be found in abundance at each location, and beyond the brews, guests can also look forward to a wealth of savory bar snacks spanning from fried pickles to buffalo chicken dip.”
The longtime local favorite, which has multiple locations across the southeast, originally opened its doors in Raleigh in 1999.
The OG bar on Creekside Drive closed about 15 years ago, according to Triangle Business Journal. Still, there are a total of 23 other locations throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Tennessee — including six in the Triangle.
Carolina Ale House menu
While its food and cocktail menus change seasonally, there are many popular game day bites on the menu like burgers, wings, tacos and more, plus drink specials and special events depending on the location.
“Our mission has always been to deliver the best game-day experience with scratch-made food, ice cold beer, and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere,” Amber Moshakos, president & owner of the restaurant, said in a statement emailed to The News & Observer.
“To be named among the Top 10 Sports Bars in the country is a testament to our amazing team and loyal guests that cheer with us every day. We just celebrated 25 years in business so we’re truly honored to win this award.”
Best sports bars
Here’s USA Today’s full list:
- 1. Miller’s Ale House
- 2. Walk-On Sports Bistreaux
- 3. Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
- 4. Tom’s Watch Bar
- 5. Glory Days Grill
- 6. Taco Mac
- 7. Thirsty Lion
- 8. Wings Etc. (there’s one North Carolina location in Shelby, according to its website)
- 9. Hurricane Grill & Wings
- 10. Carolina Ale House
Where to watch college football
The News & Observer recently rounded up some of the best local bars to watch UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University and NC State University play football this season. Find the full list at newsobserver.com/living/food-drink.
This story was originally published September 5, 2025 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Sports bars (including one from NC) ranked among best in US. See the full list."