The Official "Search for a good post-game hangout" thread.

[thegreatcrab]

There has been some discussion at the lack of a real "hang-out" joint for us to go to after games. We've tried different locales with varying degrees of success, anyways hopefully this thread will allow us to pool our thoughts regarding restaurants and bars for our "post-game cooldown".

The places we've tried (that I know of)

Triangle Grille
good - the players go here, they show the DVD of the game, extremely close, under 21 allowed
bad - the food is expensive, we don't get the big plates of nachos after a certain time, everyone else is dressed up all snazzy, we seem to be ignored a bit, did I mention it was expensive, not a true sports bar,

Woody's
good - real sports bar atmosphere, lots of TVs, ability to watch other soccer games, good wings, varied beer selection (i think... I am under 21 :-p), close
bad - over 21 only, I've had lousy service there before I don't know if that is the case with others

Abbey Road Grill
good - TVs, that individual party room, good burgers, the burgers are named Paul, George, John, Ringo, Yoko, and Sgt. Pepper, nice staff, under 21 allowed
bad - Basic Cable Only, bit far away



Thats everything that I've put together. I guess I can update this front page post as we pool together more thoughts and whatnot.

[treefire]

We know the Soccerdome or whatever is having their concession area upgraded to a good place to watch games, so, in the future, that may be the place...

In the interrim, I guess we are looking for the following:

-Good sports atmosphere, including tvs and channels that show soccer

-Decent food

-Ability for people under 21 to attend

I, unfortunately, don't know too much about the area. I'd love to hear suggestions of places that meet the above criteria.

Right now, from what I've seen, I'm leaning toward Woody's. Hopefully, we could work out a regular deal to get under-21 supporters in, under our supervision, and get the balcony or something. The things I like about Woody's are that they have all the soccer channels, and are willing to put the games on, and that it's the kind of place that would let us nail some Railhawks flags/banners to the wall - reference the giant banner above the TVs - I think it's from the Rangers supporters club that meets there?

Looking forward to hearing what people think.

[wjarrettc]

I'm concerned about XL Soccer's (formerly soccer dome) lack of food after they renovate. I usually want to EAT after the game / when watching a match. There are a couple of things I really don't like about Woody's (smoke, jukebox, older TVs) but there's no denying that not only do they have all the channels, they even have the Setanta Premium content capability on closed-circuit.

Maybe we should ID two places. One to meet pre/post game, and another to meet specifically for match watching. I hear the new Blinco's (which is no where near the stadium out on Glenwood Ave) is a great and cooperative sports bar (the old one before they moved was excellent)

[treefire]

Tell me more of this Blinco's.

[thegreatcrab]

Hmm maybe we should go to Blinco's for an MLS game or early season Euro game as a test run.


I think we can all agree on cheering Fulham for a game? (Go Yanks Abroad!)

[Flyin Ryan]

Waffle House.

:D

[wjarrettc]

All I've got to say, is that after my experience at the Kezar Pub in San Francisco, it's got a be a place that takes credit cards! :)

[shewelch]

How about the old Blinco's spot that is now Falls Tap Room? They really upgraded the place (not smokey) and the bar is nice. The beer selection on tap is probably the best in Raleigh for a tap room (Big Boss is best for brewed on site, but they are about beer and not as much sports- I should talk to them about that)

[ECUNCHATER]

The only 2 sports bars I know of that haven't been mentioned are Sammy's and Amedeo's. Sammy's has tons of tv's and I heard that sometimes they are open on Saturday morning, so the Euro soccer fans can watch their favorite teams play.

[wjarrettc]

It sounds like the team is going to be moving their post-match activities to Hibernian Pub in Cary and the owners there want to talk to TSF as well.

I like Hibernian's atmosphere and the food as well. Any thoughts?

Jarrett

[thegreatcrab]

Hibernian pub = yes

with enough soccer enthusiasts going there they may just pay the extra bucks for some soccer direct TV package. Last time I went I don't recall them having FSC, Gol TV etc. but that can change.

[wjarrettc]

Yes, we are already talking to them about upgrading their soccer watching capabilities. Also about the Over/Under 21 thing.

[wjarrettc]

I thought last night's after-match party at the Hibernian after the match was the best yet. The food, the service, the beer, and the atmosphere beat Triangle Grille hands down.

Hibernian Pub in Cary has significantly committed to becoming a serious soccer bar in the Triangle. They've signed a partnership with the Carolina RailHawks and added Setanta Sports, GolTV, and Fox Soccer Channel to their channel lineup.

They will be opening early (10am) all year long during the EPL Season starting with Sunday's FA Community Shield match between Chelsea and Manchester United. More details on Sunday's event:

http://trisoccerfan.com/index.php?itemid=839

Hibernian is a great pub, with great food and atmosphere. This could very well be the "soccer pub" we've been looking for in the Triangle. Let's all try to get out and support Hibernian for making the investment in upgrading their soccer offering.