7 Best Dive Bars near Chapel Hill

“Came to NC to visit colleges with our sons and this hidden gem was just down the road from our airbnb - awesome dive bar with very good service and nice people! We will definitely be back! Side note- they don’t serve food but the atmosphere and company make up for it!“

“Walked by this place a million times, and I finally stopped in for a beer. It’s a small, warm bar. There’s an okay variety of beer and liquor, nothing fancy. I’d probably stop by again, but not too often. Can’t imagine that place busy, though. You’d be a sardine.“

“The Outdoor Space is a Chapel Hill Community Treasure. 5 stars.Indoors I can touch the ceilings. Thats 2 stars.This is an Undergraduate Staple along with Pantana Bobs when I was around 25 Years ago. A must visit bar while you are in Chapel Hill to meet undergrads.The smallest draft beer is 32oz.... the signature cup of a black out night to come.Overall it gets 4 stars, this was a hard decision. The bar is a 3. Just know biger better bars and resturants lie ahead in your future!The outdoor area under the Magnolia Trees is special. As I noticed all the needed new multi family investment next door built 50' high. I bumped my rating to a 4 star because of the location and Trees and the value of the land.This is a "if its not broke dont fix" I get it. However I would add landscaping and more lots outdoor lighting. Outdoor area needs $10,000 investmest.“

“The owner Mandey was (still is) amazing and provided top notch service to me and my department when we organized social events at her bar. She was incredibly responsive, helped us think through logistics, came up with fun themed cocktail menus (a Don Quixote cocktail??) and was fun to work with. Would definitely recommend hosting an event with her.More generally, Zog’s was one of my favorite bars during graduate school - I love the chill vibe, mature crowd, and pool tables (seriously, where else in Chapel Hill can you play pool??). AND IT’S DOG FRIENDLY! Go have a beer, shoot some pool, and pet some dogs. Sounds like a stellar night to me!“

“DJ's Dive (previously Doyle's) reminds me of the bar in Cheers where everyone knows your name and if they don't, they will when you leave! I enjoy walking in the door and seeing old friends and having a beer with them. The clientele is mixed ages, races, and educational levels and EVERYONE enjoys each other!The bartenders are wonderful and super friendly. The jukebox rocks and with several TVs you can always catch a game or two.DJ's also have pool tables and other games.Parking can be a little challenging depending on day/time of visit and prices depend on how much you drink!!Parking: DJ's is a hidden jewel in SW Durham. It's located off University Dr and Chapel Hill Rd in a neighborhood.“

“It's exactly the kind of pool hall/dive I want to be in. Slightly beat up but from years of patronage and love.No drafts or liquor but honestly incredible and reasonably priced can/bottle selection.Be aware that if pool league is happening tables are mostly taken.“

“Plenty of parking and decent size place. Huge new menus with pictures of all meals and choices Prices are good, servings are good size. Went with a group of 6 and everyone liked their food and drinks. I ordered the tacos de Pastor, tasted great and came with rice and refried beans. The only odd things are Had to request chips and salsa and the salsa appeared and tasted like Pace picante sauce you buy in the jar from the store and they did not have charro beans. I asked to sub charro beans for refried but they only have black beans or refried...odd for a Mexican restaurant but I am from Texas so charro beans could be a Texas thing..also in Texas most Mexican places make their own salsa and we judge many by their chips and salsa. Over all good food at good prices. We visit again next time I'm visiting my daughter.“