In a ranking of “The 150 best bars in America for 2019” by The Daily Meal, which includes the likes of New York’s legendary “Please Don’t Tell” and Chicago’s “Spilt Milk” you’ll find Chapel Hill landmark He’s Not Here at #136 on the list.
He’s Not Here is also one of the only college bars on the list, and stands side-by-side with heavyweights such as “Employees Only” because of its history just as much as its modern appeal. First opened in 1975, according to the bar’s website, “He’s Not Here on the Village Green” began serving drinks when Chapel Hill could still have been considered a village — and its tree-lined courtyard stills holds plenty of memories from back then.
Photo via He’s Not Here
In terms of Chapel Hill landmarks and institutions finding themselves on the national radar, The Daily Meal’s ranking of He’s Not in America’s top 150 bars goes hand-in-hand with TripAdvisor’s lauding of Al’s Burger Shack’s “Bobo Chili Cheeseburger” as the “Best Burger in America.”
Tar Heels near and far instantly recognize the trademark 33-ounce Blue Cup – a classic and affordable $5 drink that has begun and ended many a night out on Franklin Street. With 38 beers on tap and more on offer in bottles, plus an expansive two-story design that hosts live music three nights out of the week, He’s Not Here is not just a quintessential college bar or happening spot on a Saturday night – it’s one of America’s best bars.
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Three Week Suspension Begins for He's Not HereFriday marks the first day of a three-week closure for longtime Chapel Hill bar He’s Not Here. He’s Not Here ultimately came to an agreement with the North Carolina Alcohol Beverage Control Commission that included offers in compromise from three different violations involving serving alcohol to underage patrons. The culmination of the punishment from the […]
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Chapel Hill's He's Not Here Among The Athletic's 'Top 10 College Bars' for 2025A downtown Chapel Hill staple long known for its appeal to both UNC students, Tar Heel fans and visitors recently landed on a national list. The college football staff for The Athletic — a sports journalism magazine under the New York Times’ umbrella — named the 112 1/2 West Franklin Street bar He’s Not Here […]
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He's Not Here to Reopen as a Bottle Shop With Outdoor SeatingAccording to their social media, He’s Not Here plans to reopen to the public today as the “Home of the Blue Cup and Bottle Shop.” The self-described “collegial haunt,” located on Franklin Street, will now be serving a selection of beer and cider 6-packs to-go. After being closed for months since Governor Cooper’s initial executive order […]
He's Not Here Ranked in America's Top 150 BarsIn a ranking of “The 150 best bars in America for 2019” by The Daily Meal, which includes the likes of New York’s legendary “Please Don’t Tell” and Chicago’s “Spilt Milk” you’ll find Chapel Hill landmark He’s Not Here at #136 on the list. He’s Not Here is also one of the only college bars […]
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