Well, this place just isn't good as a restaurant. I'm all for establishments branching out and was excited to try out what looked like a very promising menu. The reviews were good so I was really taken aback at how poorly the menu translated to actual food. Definitely lost in translation. The service was attentive and friendly. We were the only customers other than someone at the bar. It's not much to look at but comfortable and looks like a great hang out for a drink. I had to try the chickpea Jenga sticks because they sounded unique and there were a lot of positive comments about them on the menu. They were cute but extremely bland. It came with cold marinara sauce and plain Greek yogurt with cinnamon on top. Neither of these dipping sauces did much to improve the flavor. I could barely finish one stick. I also tried their blue salad which was just as bland. The greens and asparagus were bitter and the vinaigrette had zero taste. I asked to try their creamy Italian dressing and even after asking for two more cups of it it still was one of the blandest salads. I couldn't finish it. My husband had the gumbo which he said tasted like it was warmed up stew. Definitely not a dish with a roux that had been simmering all day. He also got the dirty fries which he did like so it wasn't a complete bust. I'm going to have to stick with two stars of "I've experienced better." It might be passable food when you need to soak up some alcohol but otherwise you can do a lot better. read more

I really wanted to like this place. I really, really did. It's a nice, small intimate atmosphere though, it's so small that I suspect it gets quite loud when there are more people (there was only one other customer there when my wife and I went). The menu is interesting and I was excited to try the gumbo. I love good gumbo. This was not good gumbo. The first warning sign was that it took about 15 - 20 minutes for the bowl of gumbo to be served. I was immediately worried that it would be something that was cold or frozen that they were heating up. However, at that point, I was still expecting gumbo and I was prepared to give it a fair chance. What was brought to te table was not gumbo. It did have sausage in but that's where the similarities between gumbo and whatever was served to me stop. The base (I hesitate to even call it a roux) was red like chili and thick like a pasta sauce. It didn't taste great but it wasn't bad but it also wasn't GUMBO. Gumbo is one of those things that is very distinctive and if you're going to serve something and call it gumbo it should be based on a traditional roux. Sure, change it up from there and get creative but if it's not roux-based, it's not gumbo. O.k. Gumbo rant off. Sorry, but I really like gumbo and was very disappointed that what I got was not what I thought I was ordering. The chicpea stix were a bit bland. The dirty fries were good. I don't know that I'd give this place another chance as a restaurant. I might go have a drink here if I was looking for a quiet corner bar to relax for a bit, but that's probably it. Again, I really wanted to like the food at Imbibe but, it was very lacking in the quality of the food served. They'd be better off sticking to just traditional bar food with a few of their unique appetizers on the menu to add unique flavor in my opinion. read more

Food is a eclectic sort of American cuisine. Leveled up bar food for sure. Easy going comfortable environment bottles of beer and wine for Sale as well. The flat bread and the gumbo have my heart. Music is super chill. Definitely coming back! read more

Imbibe - Bordeaux 2012 - Wine Bars Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Issues resolved! Cool place for jazz and such, even though we don't get there often due to distance, and my wife works Monday evenings. Considerate of vegetarians, which you don't find just everywhere, especially in a bar like setting. Thanks, Mandey! read more

Definitely a fan of Mandey's places of business, and it helps that this one stocks one of my friend's wine collections.....Yes, they carry Shoe Crazy...Plus, the owner is real classy and the place definitely is a supporter of our great artistic community as welll...Would definitely recommend this as a place to stop in Chapel Hill... read more

So they don't open until 5pm and I think that's why we missed it on our first search of yelp, looking for a place to eat. So, we got there full, couldn't resist ordering a couple of things off their menu anyway and will definitely be returning while we are here. The food was outstanding. The beer selection was great, the people were friendly, and the atmosphere was awesome. If you're passing through Chapel Hill, this is the place to go for dinner. read more

I got delivery of fried oysters and okra. Everything was good. I have since tried to order through their website but to no avail. When I try to call to order they don't do that anymore. read more

I love this place. I try to come every time I come through town, and it was a fairly regular spot when I was a townie. Cool ass jazz night. Mandey is hilarious and rocks hospitality. Their food is great and they are good about offering variety. Who else ships in the real-deal muffuletta bread from New Orleans? They bring their hometown New Orleans vibe square to the middle of Chapel Hill. Zog's has pool and liquor upstairs; love the darkness and art. Look forward to returning soon! read more

Came here for lunch one day for the first time and had a great experience! Had the chickpea sticks and the Simple Truth pizza. The chickpea sticks are fun and tasty with the marinara, though the yogurt dipping sauce was a really odd combination. The pizza was fresh and tasty and we added purple asparagus. Only complaint is that each quarter of the pizza had a huge basil leaf making it hard to eat. Beer selection is great, decor is cute, and everyone is very friendly. Imbibe still has a few kinks, and it wasn't very busy at all but they're trying really hard and they served good food. read more

I grew up near New Orleans, being raised and nurtured on Cajun food, and can honestly say that this place is LEGIT! It's hard to overestimate how often I've been disappointed over the years by restaurants outside of Louisiana claiming to have authentic Cajun food. But Imbibe is the real deal. Run, do not walk. The crawfish sausage stuffing that was offered for both Thanksgiving and Christmas was a revelation. Can't believe it took me (well, my fiance) so long to discover this place, but 2021 is already looking up knowing we can try the whole menu. read more

Cool classy vibe while still being a chill place to eat and stop by to buy a bottle of wine or beer. Also, wine on tap!!! The food is unique and absolutely delicious, I was craving the spicy peanut sauce from the flatbread for days after eating there. All in all, my new go to on Franklin. read more

LOVE the food here. You have to try the catfish! It's perfection. Also, I really only like one type of beer (sours), and she's always got a great selection on tap. read more

After reading reviews was excited to try this place out on our recent trip to Chapel Hill. Came in on a Tuesday night and there were literally no human beings in sight. My 17 year old daughter who was with was as weirded out as I was. How could a place rated this high have literally no one present on a Tuesday night? read more

I'm a huge fan of Mandey's restaurant. It's called Imbibe and the beer and wine selection is fantastic, but the food is where this place shines. I had the Mumbo Gumbo Jumbo followed by the Thai me to the River and finished it off with the Fancy Tiramisu. I could have died then and there, at that moment, and perished a happy man. No lie. There was dancing that night also. Pretty girls being twirled expertly by handsome guys, dancing to a top shelf jazz singer accompanied by an equally top shelf jazz pianist. How was this happening? Upstairs pool room zogs is quite a trip also. read more

Imbibe is a dream come true - muffuletta sandwich is a must have, for sure. Like their FB page and you'll get to see those occasions where Mandey (the owner, chef) prepares an incredible off-the-menu Special - that really shows off her love of amazing food! Staff is very knowledgeable about all the wine and beer they carry - which is great as the place doubles as a top notch bottle shop. read more

I had no idea this place existed, until my husband and I were invited to an event there. It is a bit out of the way, next to Zog's off of Franklin St. Parking was no problem, as there's a garage just across the street, and a bit of on-street parking nearby as well. I didn't try the wine, which was a shame since it's a wine bar. But I really wanted riesling and they were unfortunately out. However, I'm giving four stars for the atmosphere. This place is just....familiar, would probably be a good description. It felt like I was hanging out on a friend's back porch while we were up on the deck, then downstairs was so cozy and comfy. We did try the food. I chose to make my own salad, and I wish I'd gotten something else. It was OK - way too heavy on just lettuce and not as much of anything else, but it was still pretty filling. My husband chose a wrap and enjoyed it. We'll likely go back and I'd want to try something different to eat. It was a bit loud when we were there, but I'd imagine that was because there was a big event going on. So I don't know how appropriate it would be for an intimate date night spot, though I'd like to go by on a "normal" night when it might not be so crowded. For hanging out with friends and sharing laughs and drinks, it was ideal. (Edit - Mandey, you are correct, it was Tru, not Imbibe that we had our event. Eek! My husband is a semi-regular at Zog's and we love Imbibe as well. It's a lot of awesomeness in one location, so I got confused. Thanks for pointing this out! ) read more

Crazy good Cajun! Had the blackened catfish po boy and gumbo.. thought I was in New Orleans

This is a cozy little hole-in-the-wall off Franklin Street. Good bar eats and wine and beer. Live music some evenings. It has a divey, loungey feel. If you keep your expectations low and anticipate a kind of divey, quirky experience, you will enjoy! Perfect for a romantic pre-dinner or post-dinner drink. The bar snacks are surprisingly tasty. read more

Went here Friday night for a drink before we hit our Friday night trivia bar. Has fries and hubby had muffuletta and some kind of soup. Everything was good. Best part is they have records ( you remember those right?) you can play if the spirit moves you. We did. A little blood sweat and tears for dinner music. Service was friendly. I'm not sure I 'd make this a hangout. I could and probably will be back. Seems like the owner is really trying here. read more

I don't think I've had anything off the menu that I didn't like, I'm a huge fan of both the muffaletta and the fish fry. Not to mention this is the only place in town where I can get a taste of home with a Genesee Cream Ale read more

Fried food cooked in old oil and cheap drinks. Beer / wine. They don't have a full bar (no liquor). Wine is cheap (taste and cost). If you're looking for a college dive bar, probably works for you. read more

The gumbo here is the best I've ever had! It is very filing and has nice amount of spiciness to it. I love getting the filthy fries which are curly fries topped with the gumbo and cheese. It doesn't get much better than homemade curly fries smothered I'm gumbo! There is also a great beer selection and the prices are good. read more

So I was lured in by the Yelp ratings and comments about their New Orleans food. I had a cup of gumbo and a cup of jambalaya. Both were mediocre. If you like this as a bar more power to you. If you want food go elsewhere read more

Do you love beer? Unique places with fun, creative menus? Want to try a S'mores porter on draft? Dirty French fries (smothered with herbs, banana peppers, salami and chèvre)?, Filthy French fries (Curly fries smothered in their Mumbo Gumbo)? Bee keeper Hefeweizen with caramel banana won tons? Beer float (vanilla ice cream, coffee stout and nitro!???). Just go and revel in the experience! read more

According to the omniscient Google, Imbibe is 'to assimilate, absorb, soak up, take in, drink in, digest, learn, acquire, grasp, pick up, familiarize oneself with as in "imbibing local history"'. That is a much better description of this comfortable drinking/ dining venue that the more commonly understood 'drink'. There is interesting art, music, food AND drink. The beers on tap are a highlight with a flavorful yet subtle 'Snowmaggedon' from Raleigh Gizmo Brewery. Lots of other interesting beers as well. The food menu is brief but interesting and couples well with the beers. The pork rinds with a choice of flavorings were a perfect complement but the MumboJumboGumbo with its rich spicy sauce was Great on a cold rainy winter night. The Muffaletta sandwich was certainly more than adequate but not over the top as you might normally expect with that tag. The accompanying Bitchy pickles were yummy and included a small portion of a variety of pickled vegetables with nary a cucumber among them. Very reasonably priced. Service was friendly, helpful and patient. It was a quiet Monday night before the students returned from winter break but it looks like it's a hoppin' place other times. read more

Wow, what a great place! While it's name implies more of the liquid pleasures (and it has many), the star of the show is the food. The menu isn't extensive, but it's clear that there is an emphasis on quality. My wife and I have been here twice, and both times the food blew us away. The staff is very friendly, they have a nice selection of beer, wine, cider, Italian sodas, and even coffee (on nitro). What more can you say? This place is now on our list of regular stops. Try the muffaletta, and any of the curly fry dishes. Also, the homemade pickles are great (and I consider myself a connoisseur of pickles). read more

My daughter and I came in tonight in search of good food and good beer. This place did not disappoint! On Friday's they do alcohol tastings so we were able to venture out and try cider, wine, and various vermouths. Afterwards we enjoyed a few beers and ate delicious tapas. Would recommend (especially the wantons stuffed with spinach dip)! read more

If you have not tried at least a few of the legit New Orleans inspired menu items, you are not living your life in an appropriate manner. This place not only has amazing and reasonably priced food, but their drink prices, beer and wine selection, and consistent musical entertainment is on point. Do yourself a favor and hit a Monday night for jazz, and try the gumbo, muffuletta, crazy ass topped fries, and the catfish po-boy. You will not be sorry. Also, the owner is a pillar of the community who always draws an interesting, cool crowd. Definitely a town favorite. read more

Great bar in Chapel Hill inspired by New Orleans culture. Food is good, drinks are unique. On Wednesday and Thursday nights they have half off wine by the glass or bottle. They also have jazz music from a live band several nights a week. I would highly recommend this place. read more

Good beer selection, the owner is super nice and makes honest recommendations, and the curry tacos are delicious.

4.5 Cool food menu, nice owner, and interesting mix of wine and beer. The events listed look fun as well. read more

The food is amazing and reasonably priced and the beer selection is off the hook and the service is very helpful and the environment is warm and welcoming . read more

I've gone to Imbibe with friends, when family is visiting, with coworkers, on dates, etc.--all different types of people and situations--and the ambiance and food/drink selection is always perfectly compatible with whatever we're looking for that evening. I like it so much that I've also gone there alone just to drink a glass of wine and listen to live music while reading or grading papers. The staff is extremely knowledgeable about the menu, which is especially helpful if (like me) you're always indecisive about what to order... which you probably will be at this place, because there are so many appealing options. Special shoutout to the fact that they have lots of vegetarian/vegan items! I just wish I lived a little closer so I could go to Imbibe more often. read more

This restaurant is run with the utmost care and consideration for quality food, drinks and especially Wine!!!! If your looking for a local restaurant to call home, there is only one choice, Imbibe!!!! There is something about a family buisness that always has that little extra you just can't get from the chains. Do yourself a favor and spend your hard earned money with a restaurant that truly appreciates you. read more

When in Chapel Hill, Imbibe is my favorite spot do visit.. Excellent food (often made from scratch) great craft beer, large wine selection and a full bar. Everything has a wide spectrum of pricing, so perfect whether you are celebrating big or just having a casual night out. Staff are top notch. Great atmosphere and vibe. I highly recommend jazz nights. My only issue is that, due to my schedule, I can't get to Imbibe nearly often as I'd like! read more

Great atmosphere, great playlist, creative menu, nice set of beers, and lovely owners and service. One of my favorite spots in town. I come here every week. read more

What a wonderful job Jedd and Mandy,amazing food, great atmosphere , great music looking forward to a definite successful business venture for you guys. always your favorite Goodfella read more

This place is a great addition to Chapel Hill. The gumbo was great, and the staff was friendly. We'll be coming back!

Awesome place to hangout and enjoy a tasty dinner with friends! The owners are very friendly! Great service! Tasty food! Come and check it out! We enjoyed a tasty 'simple truth' pizza pie and 'chickpea sticks'! For dessert we enjoyed the tiramisu, that was out of this world! read more

Imbibe - The 'simple truth' pizza pie and 'Chickpea sticks' were tasty! - Wine Bars Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

We brought a big group of friends here again, and just like last time, we enjoyed great food and had so much fun! The big food hits were the chimichurri salad, the Camp Street combo (muffuletta and crab bisque) and OMG the Beyond Burger!!! I'm not a vegan but this burger is delicious no matter what your diet preferences are. I love the laid back atmosphere, the New Orleans influence (I'm a native, so trust me), and the friendliness and courtesy of the staff. read more