Discover all that downtown has to offer, and support amazing local businesses located in our downtowns!  The Downtown Districts of Chapel Hill and Carrboro are thriving with distinctive bars, restaurants, shops, and services that make our community an extraordinary place to live. And, with new parking on Rosemary Street and free parking in Carrboro, getting downtown to support local businesses like these for shopping, dining, and entertainment is easier than ever!

Thanks for visiting the Chapelboro Downtown Shopping Guide!  This is a new initiative for 2025 that is still a work in progress so check back for more updates soon!  If you want to learn how to list your business below, click the button for more info.

–  Featured Listings –

Alpha Pie

Alpha Pie

alphapiepizza.com / @alphapiepizza

On Rosemary Street, you’ll find Alpha Pie: home of the North Carolina slice. Serving huge 30″ pies cut into triangles bigger than your head, open late, with a walk-up window and online ordering options for pickup and delivery.

Alpha Pie is your party catering solution, your late-night slice, and always made with hand-rolled dough, local flour from Red Tail Grains in Mebane, Bacio cheese, premium pepperoni and weekly fresh veggies from Blue Sky Farms.

Al's Burger Shack

Al's Burger Shack

alsburgershack.com

Cooking up burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and sides fresh-to-order with a hefty dose of Southern hospitality. Al’s uses 100% fresh ground chuck, the gold standard for cheeseburgers. They hand patty the beef, season it perfectly, and cook it to your preferred temperature. Specialty toppings are made in-shack. They always serve fresh, hot, and crispy fries and tots and the frosty shakes are made with frozen custard from local creameries. Come join us for a meal on the patio at the shack or let us bring the shack to you with our catering. Good is good, y’all!

Bandido's Mexican Cafe

Bandido's Mexican Cafe

bandidoscafe.com/

Bandido’s Mexican Café is a Chapel Hill staple located by Sutton’s on Franklin Street.  Their family run business has been welcoming guests in to enjoy their award-winning classic Mexican and fresh Tex Mex food for 30 years!  Find them just down the stairs in Amber Alley, which is easily accessed behind the Wallace Parking Deck or by parking in the new East Rosemary Street Parking Deck.  Bandido’s is home of the legendary “conquer El Gigante” burrito challenge. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday – Saturday, or available for catering for your next event.  Join the Fiesta at Bandido’s Mexican Café!

The Baxter Bar and Arcade

The Baxter Bar and Arcade

baxterarcade.com

The Baxter brings you an experience like no other bar in the NC Triangle Area. Its nerd-chic atmosphere provides the backdrop for over forty vintage and original arcade games, along with a priceless collection of pop-art.  They serve quality libations at their full bar, which you can enjoy on the outdoor patio space, two indoor lounge areas, indoor high-top table areas, or at the bar itself while you soak in the sights and sounds. Kids and young adults are welcome before 6pm, but anyone under the age of 21 must be accompanied by an adult.

Belltree Cocktail Club

Belltree Cocktail Club

belltreecocktailclub.com/

The Belltree Cocktail Club in Carrboro is a southern speakeasy experience that you can find on Brewer Lane behind the Carolina Car Wash.  Discover their enchanting atmosphere for yourself, complete with cozy décor and accommodations, as well as amazing drinks and top-notch service.  The Belltree is an homage to simpler times where you can leave your modern cares behind.  Ask about their private event space for your next party.  Meet at the ‘Tree!

The Bicycle Chain on Franklin Street

The Bicycle Chain on Franklin Street

thebicyclechain.com/

The Bicycle Chain has been locally owned for over 50 years and is your one-stop shop for everything you need to get rolling!  From new bikes to trade-ins, parts and repair, to accessories and gear, trust their friendly, knowledgeable staff to help you find the perfect new bike for any terrain.  Or try a new e-bike with prices starting under $1,000!  Find easy parking at their convenient locations on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill or next to New Hope Commons in Durham.  We Know Bikes.

Classic Carolina

Classic Carolina

classiccarolinaunc.com/

Classic Carolina began 30 years ago with a family who had a strong love for Carolina and a hatred for Duke. Our store originally started as a woman’s apparel business and over time, we started carrying more UNC items. Now our entire store is UNC blue! Today we operate locally at 171 E. Franklin St, right across from UNC! In our store, you can find almost anything UNC related! We’re not just a regular retail store; We’re a family-owned, and locally-owned business. Check out our website for pickup/shipping options and we hope to welcome you soon! Go Heels!

Franklin Motors Beer Garden

Franklin Motors Beer Garden

franklinmotors.net/

Franklin Motors is taking a 2-week break for repairs as well as an operational and infrastructural transition and will be closed from June 30th to July 14th.

Franklin Motors Beer Garden is the perfect downtown spot to enjoy array of beers on tap along with craft cocktails, mocktails, and bottles. With our rooftop seating and casual outdoor atmosphere, you can kick back, take in the Midway District, and just be. Catch a game or catch up with friends. Bonus: local food by on-site Roquette food truck is quite the treat (try the fries!). Bring your kids, bring your dogs, and we’ll see ya in the garden!  Great Beer, Local Food, Good Times.

The Gathering Place

The Gathering Place

gatheringplacegames.com

The Gathering Place is proud to be our neighborhood’s home for casual drinks, trading card games, tabletop adventures, board game nights and everything in-between.

Featuring 30 taps behind the bar stocked with both North Carolina’s finest and far-flung offerings alike. Beer, wine, mead, sake, cider and seltzer with non-alcoholic options always available your friendly TGP bartenders will even pull a shot of espresso and whip up a latte, if you’d like!

Gray Squirrel Coffee Co.

Gray Squirrel Coffee Co.

graysquirrelcoffee.com/

At Gray Squirrel Coffee Co., they like to keep things simple: roasting coffee in small batches with care to bring out the best in the beans, crafting exceptional drinks and housemade treats, and nurturing great relationships with customers and community partners. Visit their café in downtown Carrboro for espresso drinks, drip coffee, tea, and mouthwatering baked goods made right here, from scratch, with love. And shop their website for coffee beans, home brewing supplies, and awesome merch shipped to coffee-lovers nationwide.

Italian Pizzeria III

Italian Pizzeria III

italianpizzeria3.com

IP3 has been a Chapel Hill tradition since 1980, with a full menu of fresh-dough pizza and other Italian specialties. Brothers Angelo and Vincenzo Marrone make authentic Italian Pizza with specialty dishes native to their hometown of Naples, Italy. Try a baked specialty such as manicotti, or some delicious fresh Shrimp alla Fradiavola. You can get delivery through Tarheel Takeout at 919-942-7678. And next time you’re in IP3, ask Angelo or Vincenzo about IP3’s catering services.  IP3 is the place to be!

Lapin Bleu

Lapin Bleu

@lapinbleumidway

Located in the heart of Midway on Graham Street, Lapin Bleu is a jazz bar with a hockey problem. Also known as “The Blue Rabbit,” enjoy local music and drinks with friends and catch the next Hurricanes or Tar Heel game on their big screen! Their inviting and eclectic decor features fun Chapel Hill memorabilia and a rotating gallery of local artists. And, if you start to get hungry, there are several very popular options for takeout just around the corner.

Max's Tin Can

Max's Tin Can

@tincanchapelhill

Max’s Tin Can is a UNC themed sports bar located beneath Time Out on Franklin Street.  Owned and operated by a UNC Alumni, the name is a tribute to a beloved pet, as well as the court where UNC Basketball played nearly 100 years ago.  Featuring daily specials on drafts, shots, well drinks, and more as well as weekly events – discover it for yourself by following the blue stairs. All ages 21+ are welcome!

 

The Merch Inc.

The Merch Inc.

themerch.net/

The Merch was founded in 2001 to serve local musicians and the area business community. With over 50 years of experience in screen printing and design, Chip and Patrick’s artistic backgrounds lend a fresh eye to their graphics. They are proud to offer quality work at an affordable price and can turn T-shirts and other S.W.A.G. around for you quickly.  Stop by and see them on Lloyd Street behind FIT Carrboro.  The Merch Rocks!

Might as Well Bar & Grill

Might as Well Bar & Grill

chapelhill.mightaswellbarandgrill.com

Come check out Might as Well Bar and Grill and catch the game on one of our 30+ TVs. Enjoy the best food and drink specials in town on our dog-friendly patio and outdoor bar – a spot you won’t want to miss! Our kitchen is open late every night, so you can stop by any time for fresh, flavor-packed dishes. We offer full-service catering and have a private event space that is perfect for any occasion! Doesn’t matter if it is a game day or a corporate event, we have you covered with wall-to-wall sports and top-notch service. We can’t wait to see you!

Rougarou Cajun Kitchen

Rougarou Cajun Kitchen

108henderson.com/

Rougarou Cajun Kitchen is owned and operated by a New Orleans native and features an ever-changing array of Cajun food, fine wine, and a rotating selection of great local beers and ciders. You’ll feel right at home when you join them for dinner, jazz, and drinks. Enjoy billiards, games, trivia, open mic and more at Zog’s right upstairs!  Rougarou Cajun Kitchen would love to cater your next party or event, click the link above to book your party online today!

The Story Venue

The Story Venue

thestoryvenue.com/

The Story Venus is a newly renovated space that is perfect for your next event. It opens onto Franklin Street and features four spaces: the Ballroom, the Game Room, the Bridal Room, and the Rooftop, which overlooks Franklin Street.  The Story is the start of a new chapter for a historic building. After a complete renovation in 2021, the space features exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, and professional lighting throughout. This new space is brought to you by Mediterranean Deli & Catering. All reputable caterers are welcome. Send us a message to plan your next event!

YoPo

YoPo

yogurtpump.com/

YoPo – aka The Yogurt Pump – has been a Chapel Hill institution since 1982 and is an iconic community destination as NC’s first frozen yogurt shop!  They feature truly remarkable flavors that are updated daily and crafted with care using high-quality ingredients. And, now they’re serving up new no-sugar added flavors packed with all the great taste you love!  Don’t miss weekly specials every Wednesday where you’ll find sweet deals all day long. YoPo is the place to chill on the hill. Check out what’s swirling!

Zog's Art Bar and Pool Hall

Zog's Art Bar and Pool Hall

@zogsartbar

Zog’s Art Bar and Pool Hall is an eclectic New Orleans-style dive bar that offers billiards, games including skee ball and pinball, trivia, fun and interesting art, beer tastings, and unique craft cocktails.  They also host open mic nights and crafting events! Located above Rougarou Cajun Kitchen with easy parking on Henderson Street or in the nearby parking decks on Rosemary Street. Zog’s is dog-friendly and ready to host you and your friends with great food, great drinks, and a great time!

Photo credits to the Town of Chapel Hill and Town of Carrboro.

Find more amazing local businesses in the Downtowns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro: