After helping out at a Yelp event nearby, it was kind of late and I wanted a decent meal before hopping in the car to go back to Greensboro. Already being on Franklin Street, I knew that wouldn't be a problem, and I decided to just pop into this Carolina Brewery location (I think their main one) because it was convenient. The inside is a beautiful mix of wood and metals with different levels, an interesting bar configuration and plenty of TVs. I took a seat at the bar and received excellent service, and enjoyed conversation about sports, beer, and food with a couple of other gentlemen sitting close by. The only snafu of the meal was the tea got dumped (close to closing) after I got my first glass but before I got a refill. They replaced it with another drink of course, but that was good tea! I ordered the shrimp and grits with tempered expectation, but will summarily say they were exceeded. This was a really nice sized portion of thick creamy grits, a total of 8 VERY plump shrimp, enough salty bacon and onion to balance it out. Each bite was well balanced, and while it can't compare to anything I've had out in the low country by the coast, it was better than I hope for this spot and time. If I had to suggest an improvement, it could use an element with a subtle sweetness, like roasted or blistered sweet corn shaved off the cob. I also would like the sauce more pronounced, or even a red-eye gravy. I wouldn't call it dry, but it could have benefited. That would take it onto another level. Anyhow, I enjoyed the meal and friendly conversation. I would certainly return next time I'm in Chapel Hill. read more

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Pretty middle of the road place. I liked the atmosphere--big open area with TVs to watch the game and open air onto the street. The service was solid--nice young lady from UNC who was very attentive and friendly. The food was meh. The burrito bowl was super salty and blah. The pork sandwich was soggy. The Mac and cheese was bland. The blackened fish tacos had hardly any fish. I'm guessing there are better choices on Franklin. read more

Carolina Brewery - Blackened Fish Tacos were just so so. - American Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

We were in town and decided to check this place out for the Super Bowl. To be honest, it wasn't the best place for this. Lots of TV's and our waitress was amazing, however it was really cold out. The manager refused to turn up the heat. The waitress felt bad and brought a space heater and got it plugged in a moved as close as possible, however it was still freezing. It's a neat place and the food was just ok. We left at halftime because we were so cold. Went back to our hotel and finished the game. I left our waitress a very good tip since she was so awesome. I just didn't care for the managers attitude. I probably won't ever return there if I'm in town. Lots of other options are probably better on Franklin Street. read more

Carolina Brewery - Steak and sweet potato waffle fries. - American Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

If you LOVE salt, this is the place for you. If you like actual, edible food - STAY AWAY. I wish I could have given it no stars. read more

The ambience was nice, especially because they had the windows open for the lovely spring weather! The food came fast as well, but the options we chose (Veggie burger, mac & cheese) was not the best we've had. I'd still recommend this place overall. read more

Carolina Brewery - House Chips Sweet Potato Fries Housemade Veggie Burger - American Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Overall experience was pretty good! The wait staff was nice and helpful and the restaurant was clean and provided a good amount of seating. The bowl I ordered wasn't exactly what I thought it would be but it was pretty tasty! When I am in the area again, I would love to try more menu items! read more

Carolina Brewery - American Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Nice little bar to cool off during this unseasonably warm weekend visit! Friendly bartenders, didn't have food. Enjoyed the blue sky kolsch! read more

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Carolina Brewery is a brewery that also has food, not a pub that sells beer. Once you've established that expectation you should be fine. I've only had their salads. BBQ chicken, and grilled chicken. Fresh, flavorful, simplistic components. Located in a large space with brewing vats, and plenty of wood touches I found service polite and prompt. Brewery food: 3.9 read more

The service was slow and seemed disorganized. Seemed like mostly untrained college students. Very small draft beer selection and it was just mediocre as were the onion rings. We gave up on the service and went elsewhere for dinner. read more

My husband and I had such GREAT and kind service here! The place was not busy at all, so we were seated right away. It was a hot day, so I wasn't feeling too hungry. I just wanted something cold and refreshing. We ordered guacamole as an appetizer. The guacamole tasted really plain, but I really liked the pita chips. For my entree, I ordered the mixed house salad with a vinaigrette dressing. The grilled chicken was nothing special, but the rest of the salad was refreshing. My husband ordered the Carolina On My Mind burger with a side of fries. I had a few bites of his fries and they were delicious. Carolina Brewery is in a great area downtown in Chapel Hill right near UNC's campus. The area is probably more lively when it's not summer, but I enjoyed our time here. With their great hospitality and fries, I definitely want to come back. read more

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Don't waste your time or money here. Came on the weekend, sat outside, was over 40 minutes before we saw a waiter (which we had to ask for, twice). Ordered the biscuits and gravy (with sausage) and a breakfast bowl- and was not impressed with either. The gravy had close to no sausage in it and just lacked any flavor or seasoning. The breakfast bowl was cold- from the eggs, to the potatoes, to the unmelted, shredded cheese on top. Beer was average. Not the worst meal I've had, but not the best by far; I definitely would not return. read more

The food here is alright. I had the breakfast burrito, and it was salty but lacked seasoning. The salsa also was underwhelming and bland. Additionally, the bathroom situation here is a disaster. The downstairs bathroom is a mess and the upstairs bathrooms don't have locks. read more

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I was a first timer at this establishment. Hailey, the host was very welcoming and accommodated my request to add more seating for a larger party than what was expected. Additionally, the food was delicious. I highly recommend dining here if you are ever in Chapel Hill. read more

This terrific brewpub in downtown Chapel Hill serves up a tasty selection of beers along with solid grub and exceptionally friendly service. There's something for everyone on the menu, from burgers and fish tacos to bowls and salads. While the food isn't anything to write home, it's reasonably priced and gets the job done. But the beer, from the crisp, flagship Blue Sky Kolsch to the Fin Chaser Pale, is some of the best in town. And the abundance of TV screens on the walls makes this one of the best spots on Franklin St to watch a game. Service was outstanding throughout our recent visit, and our delightful waitress went above and beyond to talk with our daughter, an incoming UNC freshman. A short walk from campus, Carolina Brewery is definitely worth a visit. read more

Had a great experience! This is one of my favorite places to take my mom when she visits me. The food is delicious, and the area is really nice and super underrated. They hand-grind all their burgers, and it's just a great spot. It's a must-visit--just as good as the other heavy hitters on Franklin, if not better!" read more

Good Food, Good Employees, Great Service and Great Everything. I don't know how to describe this place but perfect, only downside was the leaks from the thunderstorm Pros Good Food Great Employees Great Drinks, Great Atmosphere Respectful People Cons Lot of Leaks from Roof Doors Walls, I was safe to home though read more

Carolina Brewery - Leak From Door - American Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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I came here on a Sunday after a night out in the town. The food was delicious and definitely hit the spot. The staff was friendly and attentive. There are TVs lined up everywhere, which made the place definitely look ideal to watch a game or two. I would definitely come back. read more

Carolina Brewery - Carolina On My Mind Burger - American Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

So so sooooo good yall! This place has become a new regular spot for me. Sometimes I'll just come here and grab a beer. But other times, like today I'll get the full treatment. Today I enjoyed the Carolina on My Mind Burger, with fries. If you have never had a burger with pimento cheese on it, do yourself a favor and come on down to Carolina Brewery. The service is friendly and fast. The doors were open and it felt amazing. Wonderful, summer day! Stop by sometime, if I'm there, I might join you in a pint! read more

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In town for the first time Chapel Hills NC. My Son Steven and I decided an early beer sounded good. Don't judge us . We pulled into Carolina Brewery and enjoyed a couple of beers from a surprisingly large beer menu. Our server saying "You All" was extraordinarily nice. We taught her some Minnesotan "You Guys", "Have you been up North", "For Sure", and of course "You betcha". She talked us into a loaded potato Chips that were excellent. Very casual chill environment. It was a fortunate great start to our weekend adventure Gophers vs. UNC!! read more

Carolina Brewery - American Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Service was excellent. Good selection of beers. I had an excellent hamburger there. Very clean nice brewery.

Dined at Carolina Brewery recently before a sporting event at UNC. All three of our meals were delicious as were the craft beers.

I forgot to take pics of my brewery cheeseburger, but it was delicious! I was in the mood for a great burger and was not disappointed! The hand cut fries were also delicious, I could eat them every day! Our server was professional, personable and checked in to what everyone in my party of 7 needed. Carolina Brewery is a great space with a college town vibe, sports bar/family restaurant, with space for a party or an intimate meal. I'd definitely get the potato chip nachos next time! And, my coworker got the fish and chips and said they were delicious as well! read more

I have to give Carolina Brewery 4 stars because even after many years, I still miss the old menu which was bigger and better. The food is still good, including the massive nachos, and this is still one of my favorite places in Chapel Hill. Service is not the best but part of the reason is how many people they are able to sit, especially for sporting events on the TV's. It's one of my favorite breweries in NC still, I love the Copperline and the Sky Blue especially. read more

Service at the bar was very good. Friendly and nice and attentive. My breakfast quesadilla not so much. I asked for the pico de gallo and cilantro be put on side. I don't like cilantro. It came with it all inside and sprinkled with cilantro all over the plate. I picked at it the best I could, see picture. I only ate one quarter, the tiny cup of fruit and half of the potato's. Beware if you don't like cilantro. I didn't send it back as they are slammed with customers before the football games. read more

Carolina Brewery - Breakfast quesadilla - American Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

$10 mimosas for brunch!! Yum! Also the burgers are good. They weren't perfectly medium as we requested but the flavor was fantastic. Fries were a bit dark and cooked in older grease. I'd come again. Don't come for wings on Sunday though they were out from the night before read more

Fantastic visit on a Sunday afternoon. Bar is huge and lots of great beers on tap. They had Bloody Mary's and mimosas on special for under $5! Service was very friendly and made recommendations. We ordered the potato chip nachos which were AMAZING and huge! Ordered the omelet and home fries, easily enough for two portions! The burgers were also huge and delicious flavor! Will be back for sure :) read more

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Food was delish! Service was great, prompt, and server was patient with our group of 12. There wasn't a long wait which was also great. Decent beer and wine choices. Family friendly. read more

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Server was great, space is cool if you wanna catch a game. Beer and food selection was disappointing as it seemed they were short on several listed items. We got a burger, quesadilla, pork sandwich, a caesar salad, and a cheese cake. Burger was the best of the options, everything else was just ok. The burger was really good though, so if you want a burger, a brew, and to watch some ball, I'd recommend. read more

Meh. Every time. It's fine, but ALWAYS have to wait longer than you should. The food is ALWAYS not quite as good as it should be. The beer is fine, but nothing special. It's just an average place, when it has great potential. read more

I thought Carolina Brewery was A-OK. We had a casual group dinner here for 12 people and I thought this was an ideal venue considering the group size. This is more of a place you come to to hang out and watch sports than specifically a destination for the food and drink (well, maybe the drinks - I'm not a beer connoisseur, so I don't know). My wife liked this place more than me. She gives it 4 stars and I give it 3, so the current 3.5-star average on Yelp (265 reviews) sounds about right. There are two Carolina Brewery locations. This one, the original, on West Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill (opened 1995) and the second location in Pittsboro (opened 2007). According to the brewery's website (https://www.carolinabrewery.com/), this Chapel Hill location "is the oldest operating craft brewery in the Triangle." Some of the food is made or prepared in-house such as the house-made potato chips, house-ground beef, and hand-cut fries. The brewpub has a neat, two-story setup in Chapel Hill. You can see the big fermenters behind the bar on the ground level. We sat on the second level where there are multiple tables for big parties. The second level has a patio that overlooks Franklin Street. There's also outdoor seating on either side of the sidewalk including a small firepit. Inside, there are plenty of TVs to watch sports. Needless to say, this place has very much a laidback, sports bar / brewery atmosphere. During our Friday night visit, this place was only moderately busy and not slammed. I imagine this place gets slammed during Carolina men's basketball and football games. Our group had a bunch of apps to share, several burgers, tacos, and a variety of drinks, from beer to cocktails to wine. Here's a good sampling of what we ordered: Appetizers: * Potato Chip Nachos ($12.95) - house-made chips, pico de gallo, mixed cheese, crema, jalapenos, black beans, salsa, queso dip * Chicken Strips ($10.95) - hand-breaded chicken strips, honey mustard, ranch * Buffalo Chicken Wings ($14.95) - buffalo sauce wings with blue cheese and ranch dressing, celery, carrots Mexican Street Tacos ($10.95 or $11.95 for four tacos) Burgers: * Carolina on My Mind ($13.50) - house-ground beef, pimento cheese, bacon, iceberg, tomato, onions, house pickles, Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce, peppercorn mayo * Chicken Burrito Bowl ($14.95) - marinated chicken, beans, rice, iceberg, chipotle salsa, pico de gallo, cotija cheese, cheese blend, crema, cilantro * Steak Frites ($18.95) - marinated 8-ounce top sirloin steak, Sriracha steak sauce, hand-cut fries Drinks: * Sky Blue Kolsch (4.8% ABV) - German-style Kolsch beer, cold-fermented; 2012 GABF Bronze Medal (Great American Beer Festival) * Sugarcane Mojito - rum, muddled mint and lime, fresh sugarcane juice pressed in-house, soda water * Draft Margarita - tequila, fresh lime, Gran Gala * White Wine In general, the food and drink were OK. It was about what I expected based on what I saw on Yelp beforehand. Nothing really sets this place apart from other sports bars and brewpubs, but that's not to say anything was bad either. The apps (Potato Chip Nachos, Chicken Strips, Buffalo Wings) were tasty. There were a half-dozen types of Mexican street tacos on the menu, from Adobo Pork to Blackened Fish. The Carolina on My Mind burger was good. My wife had it cooked medium well and it turned out a little dry. The toppings were fresh and I thought the pimento cheese and Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce were nice touches that also worked well together. I recommend all the apps we got and the burger. The Chicken Burrito Bowl had a large, filling portion size. However, my friend commented that he thought Chipotle's bowls tasted better. As for the Steak Frites, I asked for the steak to be cooked medium rare. It came out about right. The top sirloin was served sliced with a bunch of Sriracha barbecue sauce on top. The steak was tougher than I would've liked, but I can't ask for much when it's only $18.95. The hand-cut fries that came with both the burger and the steak were yummy. They were the soft, not-crispy variety, which was fine. I enjoyed the Kolsch. It was cold, crisp, and refreshing. My wife had a couple Draft Margaritas and loved them. She said they were delicious. "It was tart, strong, not too sweet, balanced; it was great." Service was good. I got lucky and found a parking spot on the street near the front of the brewery. Since it was after 6pm, parking was free. At the time of writing this review, parking on Franklin Street is free after 6pm, Monday-Saturday, and all day Sunday. Parking rates are enforced Monday-Saturday, 8am-6pm, except certain holidays. Same applies to the 427 West Franklin Street Lot which is a good parking option across the street. read more

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I enjoyed my initial visit here on a recent Friday evening. Consider All Dimensions is a smooth, moderately hoppy IPA. Foodwise, the House Chip Nachos with queso and salsa were a tasty appetizer, and the Blackened Fish Tacos were quite good - crunch wrap style. Good service and a lively atmosphere make this a great college town brewpub. read more

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Stopped here for what we thought would be a quick meal..didn't have to wait long for a table but the food took an hour to arrive. Service was poor. Overall food and price was average. read more

Carolina Brewery - American Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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I had an awesome experience today at Carolina brewery. The hostess Mary Kate was very welcoming and well dressed. I will definitely be coming back here. read more

Oktoberfest food and beer are FIRE. Customer service is piss poor. The food is well done but ignoring customers trying to get your attention is wild. read more

There was a cockroach behind the bar climbing up one of the metal pipes. Also, the service was poor and slow. The menus were wrinkly and in poor condition. I would also like to mention, again, that THERE WAS A COCKROACH BEHIND THE BAR. read more

Definitely skip Carolina Brewery. To start, the beer was just not that good. The draft margarita had a dirt taste to it. For food, the guac was actually solid. The pulled pork was truly the worst I've ever had. The meal came out SO quickly, like too quickly... We left to go split a meal down the street somewhere else because this was such a letdown. read more

I was excited to check this place out, as I love going to brewery restaurants. However I was a little disappointed. You normally go to these types of places and expect good beer and hope for decent food. However my experience was the opposite. I thought their food was really good, but if you're looking for great beer, you will want to go somewhere else. I ended up getting a mojito for my second drink because the beer was so lack-luster. Funny thing is that they know how to do a great mojito. read more

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Been here a couple times I've had the copper line ale and Carolina shamrock ale for st pattys both are great. Service was quick and the vibe in there in college like but it's on Franklin st anyway. I've gotten the fries also they were good haven't tried their other food read more

Carolina Brewery - Copperline - American Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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Food is hit or miss. Depends on what you order. Service is hit or miss just inconsistent!

Dang... I had a great breakfast quesadilla. So yummy and they had cholula hot sauce which is the ultimate hot sauce Our server, Maya, was so friendly and attentive and was very helpful with recommendations The vibes are that of a typical brewery, the end of the Wimbledon final was on and I can imagine this is a fun place on a Tar Heel game day! read more