Game Day in Chapel Hill: Week 1 versus Georgia

Last season, the motto #GotYourBack was a rallying cry from the football team for students, alumni, and fans to come out and support them in Chapel Hill. This new series will explore the best Chapel Hill has to offer for fans supporting the Heels.

Our Tar Heel Blog staffers on the ground in Atlanta said a solid contingent of Tar Heels were there for the game. That was reflected in Chapel Hill, as the usual student crowds at watering holes along Franklin Street were dampened. However, Chapel Hill remained a natural destination for local folks to get into the spirit of a new season.

Let’s take a look at a couple of the spots we checked out on Saturday.

He’s Not Here
112 1/2 W. Franklin St.
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
919-942-7939

A Chapel Hill institution since 1972, this bar serves those famous 32-ounce Blue Cups filled with your choice of draft beer. He’s Not Here offers a wide selection of draft beers, including local favorites from Red Oak, Natty Greene’s, Carolina Brewing, and Foothills Brewing. Check out He’s Not Here on Tuesdays for five-dollar Blue Cups, Wednesdays to get a pint glass from a promoted brewery with the purchase of a Blue Cup, and on Fridays for live music.

There is ample seating outside, with high-tops near the outdoor televisions and plenty of picnic tables for socializing. Inside He’s Not Here, the upstairs bar has over 30 beers on tap for your Blue Cup and a wide selection of bottles. For home games, especially when He’s Not is packed after a victory, the downstairs and outdoor bars offer patrons more locations to grab a drink.

Evan Davis

When Carolina is playing, all the televisions and speakers are dedicated to the game, unlike one of those corporate chains where you are hoping for a chair closest to the screen with your team. He’s Not Here is an unabashed homer bar, so definitely do not stroll in wearing the other team’s colors on game day. Sipping on a Blue Cup is a classic pre-game tradition for football games. For home games, it is one of the best places to both start and end your day.

Linda’s Bar and Grill
203 E. Franklin St.
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919-933-6663

Another Chapel Hill institution, Linda’s Bar and Grill has been a popular spot for students and locals since 1976. Linda’s offers tasty burgers, sandwiches, appetizers and sides, along with a full bar menu that includes specialty cocktails and beer blends. On Mondays and Wednesdays, Linda’s offers a dollar off all North Carolina draft beers. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, stop by at lunch for the delicious pot roast special.

Upstairs offers booths, high-tops, and a bar. No table service after 4 PM, so be sure to order your food at the bar. The Downbar is the basement portion of Linda’s, which offers another bar and more seating. Just enter through the right door at the main entrance and the stairs to Linda’s Downbar are to your left.

You cannot go wrong with a sandwich or burger here. For a sandwich offering, try The Murph. Linda’s famous pot roast with grilled onions, cheddar cheese and horseradish cream sauce on a pretzel roll. The Danny Boy is a mouthwatering burger that is topped with jalapeño-pimento cheese on a sourdough bun. Each sandwich and burger comes with a side item; try the sweet potato tots or crinkle cut fries loaded. Loaded tots and fries are topped with cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses, bacon and green onions.

Evan Davis

Much like at He’s Not Here, when Carolina is playing, Linda’s televisions are tuned to the game. Both young and old were at Linda’s during the game versus Georgia. On home game days, Linda’s opens early so you can get fueled up beforehand. After 10PM, Linda’s is more bar than grill, so it is a perfect spot to celebrate a Carolina victory. If you are in town on Friday, order a four-dollar “SFS,” if you dare.

What are your favorite eating spots and taverns in Chapel Hill? Let us know in the comments below and we will be sure to check them out!