During our time in Chapel Hill, from June 2020 through July 2024, my wife and I visited University Place for: 1. bartaco - one of our go-to restaurants, recommended https://www.yelp.com/biz/bartaco-chapel-hill-chapel-hill 2. Hawkers Asian Street Food - good https://www.yelp.com/biz/hawkers-asian-street-food-chapel-hill-5 3. Harris Teeter - better than the Meadowmont and Hope Valley Harris Teeter locations https://www.yelp.com/biz/harris-teeter-chapel-hill University Place used to be known as University Mall. When we first visited University Place in 2020, it was evident it was an old-school indoor American shopping mall that had seen better days. University Mall opened in 1973. It was cut in the same mold as malls across the country, the kind that have become ghost towns and been closing over the past 20+ years. However, it was also evident *this* mall was trying to change with the times and not just die out like the others. For example, the additions of tenants like bartaco and Hawkers, with outward-facing storefronts and outdoor spaces, give the property a more modern look and feel. Silverspot Cinema, with 13 screens and stadium seating, still brings a lot of visitors to University Place. Every time we ate at bartaco, I always saw folks coming and going from the movie theater. When I ran errands on Saturday mornings and drove by, I noticed the Chapel Hill Farmers' Market in the mall's parking lot. Currently, the farmers' market is open every Saturday 8am-12pm and every Tuesday 3pm-6pm. In the winter (November-March), the farmers' market is open Saturday only, 9am-12pm. According to a January 2024 video by the News & Observer ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huEoZCpBX-E ), plans are underway to transform University Place into "an open-air shopping center with 350,000 square feet of retail space" and "60,000 square feet of offices, apartments and hotel." The farmers' market will move to a large public lawn called the Commons (the Commons per ABC11). A new Chick-fil-A will open on the site previously occupied by K&W Cafeteria. Also according to ABC11, in a March 2024 report ( https://abc11.com/university-place-in-chapel-hill-construction-temporarily-close-mall-entrance-set-to-welcome-new-tenants/14561741/ ), a location of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is on the way as is a new parking garage, with local art, that will add 150 spaces. read more

See all

Inside of mall is closed! Only restaurants around outside. No clothing shops even though they still pop up in searches or on maps. Frustrating read more

Place is so slow as 80% of the stores are closed down and the only places that are open is the movies,, one or two restaurants inside,, some shopping,, other than that don't have many options. Wouldn't really recommend coming here unless you plan on going to the outside restaurants that are pretty good. read more

Now affectionately referred to as simply, "UMall", this is the mall I grew up with across the highway from my house. I love this mall. I saved my quarters to go buy bad metal band posters in change from them...and for truffles and pencil boxes from Provisions when I was little. UMall has never been a real mall mall. It's chill. It's rarely crowded. Parking is always less than half a mile away. It's also plagued with being the "expensive mall". Fortunately, it has some highly desirable stores (ASS, Kitchenworks, Cameron's, Goldworks) that make it a destination at least once a week for one reason or another. I also really enjoy the new modern furnishings and lighting fixtures; great for wasting a little time with what appears to be free wi-fi... though I'm not 100% on that. Bear Rock/ASS do, in fact have it though, which in such a small space, should have you covered. In short, don't go looking here to find the lot chain shops in every massive mall across the country, but more of a locally flavored mall, with a few regulars (GameStop, Radio Shack, Wolf Camera) speckled among the gems this mall has to offer you if you're looking for something a little different. read more

This mall has been slowly fading away over the years. They used to have a great jewelry store and gourmet food store (A Southern Season). Lately a lot of stores have closed and a new developer wants to revamp it into mixed use. There are still some shops for art, framing, clothes, jewelry, home goods, children's clothes, etc., a movie theater, and some restaurants. I'm curious to see if the transformation will revitalize the mall. read more

A "mall" I can get around in without getting worn out! A couple of My favorite kinds of stores - places with food and kitchen gadgets! a few nice choices of restaurants to sit down for lunch with the family without feeling like it's so crowded you can't find a table to sit at as opposed to a large cafeteria style food court. We happened upon University Mall while searching out "A Southern Season" and honestly, I have a hard time calling it a mall. It has a couple "anchor" stores, a number of empty storefronts, a couple "art" stores, a few other stores and a few restaurants. Still, it's not a bad place to go if one wants to get away and browse around a few stores. The reality is, the mall isn't the draw - A.S.S. is the real draw here and that's what will bring people to the "mall" Glad I went, though... I'll be back, next time I decide to run out to A Southern Season read more

A mall struggling to stay alive? Perhaps - as it is a smallish mall without a movie megaplex. But it is our home town mall, with a distinctly Chapel Hill flavor to it. In the 19 years I've been in town, I've seen a number of retail stores and restaurants come and go in this mall. A few places, however, have been there forever. If I want to go clubbing, or to nice restaurants, or to just hang out, I'll likely go anywhere but here (although The Weathervane at Southern Seasons is outstanding); but if I need to buy some shirts, or video games, or really eccentric greeting cards and kitsch, you really can't beat this place! And there is always ample parking. 'Nuf said! read more

Seems super sleep... like it's going down... it has the best movie theatre, a sweet gym and a couple awesome restaurants but unfortunately there is no mall traffic! read more

It's nice to have a place like University Mall in the area, since I don't always feel like driving the 20 minutes to Southpoint. The combination of Dillard's, Rose's, and CVS pretty much provides anything you would need on short notice, in the event that Southpoint was not an option. I'll also visit University Mall when I'm bored just to browse through Cameron's, Hungate's, and A Southern Season. I find it amusing that the "food court" consists of just a lonely Chick-Fil-A, although of course there's also The Weathervane, Spice Street, Bear Rock Cafe, and Alfredo's Pizza closer to the main entrances. A plus is that it's not often crowded here. Even on Saturdays, you rarely have to wait in line to check out, although you may occasionally have to wait for a table at one of the more popular restaurants. I love the largely independent spirit of University Mall, but if you're planning on spending the entire day shopping, it's worth the drive to Southpoint. read more

University Place - University Mall - Shopping Centers Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

University Mall has its downsides (small in size), but also has its charms (see below). First off, it's anchored by Southern Season, which is a great store for food, coffee, appliances, gifts, etc. They also have added a lot of newer locally-owned boutiques with lots of neat artwork, clothes, gifts, etc., and it's always neat to walk around and see what stores are selling. Unfortunately, the Dillard's is closing, and I'm not sure what will replace it, but you can always check out Roses for cheap clothes. And possibly the best thing about University Mall? Chick-fil-A! I love that place. Granted, I wouldn't consider it a "mall" like Crabtree or Southpoint, because of how small it is. But it's unique in its own charming way, and I enjoy going for visits whenever I'm in the area. If not for Southern Season, then definitely for Chick-fil-A. And it doesn't hurt that Harris Teeter is nearby, as well as K&W Cafeteria. :) read more

Great place to meet your girlfriends since parking is rarely an issue. You can get your hair cut at a very affordable price since the Aveda School is located in the center of this mini mall. They have the world's smallest Bath and Body Works located towards the center of the mall as well. They have consistently friendly staff and a wide selection of gifts for anyone of any gender. I love this mall especially because it has Southern Season on the end of the facility. Parking is basically in front of the building and not a bad option for people with physical disabilities. This mall also has a well priced nail salon and the option for getting your eyebrows threaded. read more

This mall location is pretty unique. It has Chick-fil-A, movies theater, planet fitness, whole foods around the corner, great restaurants, Harris teeter in the parking lot etc. It's just a good location for a fun filled day on one street. You can't really get bored. I do wish it was a bit more big name stores but it's a college area so money is a conversation piece on why. Overall you will enjoy the experience here. read more

University Place - Everything in place even planet fitness and the movies - Shopping Centers Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

See all

It's changed a lot over the years, but still a good little mall with some independent stores like the kitchen store, toy store, Cameron's, A Southern Season and several more, which is nice to see! A few places for eats too, as others have mentioned. Roses is a great place to get some very reasonable Tar Heel gear and their selection is huge. The rest of the store has great prices too, lower than even K-Mart if you're on a very tight budget. The art galleries always seem out of place, but if it helps to keep the doors of the mall open - great! read more

On the one hand, it's nice to have a mall that one can get to in Chapel Hill via public transportation, particularly when car-less. The downside is that there really isn't much here. The three main stores (Dillard's, Rose's, and A Southern Season) all offer a variety of things: Dillard's being the standard clothing-related place, Rose's being on the discount side on a variety of products, and A Southern Season having lots of cooking stuff and southern things and other stuff, all in a dimly lit environment). Beyond that though, there's not much here. There are crafts stores, a Game Stop (there's one on Franklin too), a drug store, and, as Adrienne noted, a Chick-Fil-A. I feel like I should have gotten a chicken sandwich there or something. If you need something here, like a shirt, or a $10 coffee maker, or a chicken sandwich, they're here. Otherwise, take the extra drive to Southpoint if you can. read more

This place should not be called a mall. There are barely any stores and the only thing I did enjoy was the Southern Season, which reminded me of a Fresh Market. But this "mall" has a 1 floor department store with barely anything inside. It seems that this is a place for jewelry and antiques, so if you're into those things then you make enjoy this "mall." Also, there was an actual library int the mall, which was really surprising because I have never seen anything like that before. However, if you want to go shopping, you may need to head over to Southpointe or Crabtree. The one redeeming quality is there is a Chick Fil A so I guess this may be a mall after all. read more

You know, I really want to love U Mall. It's got such an earnest heart, and it reminds me of Southroads Mall in Omaha, where I first learned about malls as a kid. Lone tear. And you know, this place does have some good qualities, most of which have already been named. A Southern Season is a great specialty shop, Weathervane a very nice restaurant, and Rose's is a great, nearby alternative to Wal-Mart. Sadly it's just over-matched. Southpoint is too big and too new and too excellent, and U Mall just can't keep up. If you know some specific reason to go there, if you're hankering for a particular restaurant or shop that's only at University Mall, then go there. Otherwise, you can feel ok about letting it die in peace. read more

Just revisited this past weekend and construction is stilllll going on. Hasn't affected the inside of the mall too much. Total old school, one level mall that you can easily walk and browse. Some interesting and different shops. My favorite part are the two art galleries (seems like there was another one years ago?) - Tyndall Galleries and the super cool Animation and Fine Art Galleries. Southern Seasons, which is gourmet/foodie heaven on earth is an anchor. Really neat place to kill some time while in Chapel Hill. Not your typical retail stores = 3 stars. My favorites on site = bumps it up to 4. read more

University Place - Shopping Centers Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

I'll exclude Southern Seasons as part of the "Mall". Seems to be a dying mall but appears maybe they are attempting to face lift. Has that dying mall smell too? (Not sure why dying malls have a certain smell to me, kinda 70's over cleaned smell that "hotter" malls don't) Maybe 40% occupied, the Dillards is small and stock not so good. Maybe they will turn it around a little, but right now i would classify as "dying mall". Still has a Chick-Fil-a:-) Go too Southern Seasons, but skip the mall. read more

I love the restaurants and the stores but security seems like stalkers. I went to pick up to go order from Hawkers and security car decided to follow me then park his car illegally facing me while i was getting out to grab my order. That is harassment! He then waited until i got back in my car and left before he left. read more

Don't waste your gas and time! Very disappointing...there was no department stores. The mall is in desperate need of renovations and revitalization!!! Rating it 1 star cause a rating is required to post it. read more

Big Fan of UMall for many reasons (see my review on 'Chapel Hill Public Library'). Best thing about it? Local businesses dominate the tiny shopping center including the eversogreat Essie, charming Seagrove Pottery, a Mitchell's, Chic-Fil-A, Tyndall Art Gallery, and of course the ever dominating Southern Season. In addition, every Sat & Tues the Chapel Hill Farmer's Market plant themselves in front of the UMall adding to the local flavor. K&W and Harris Teeter too! It is much quieter than your usual mall and much lonelier. It's meant for window-shopping, a nice stroll, not really your place for a shopping spree (though I bet the owners would beg to differ). Very few chain retail stores, I'm surprised they even had a B&BWorks. But basically, in a nutshell, I love UMall and give it 5-stars because all my favorite things are located in this one little space, it's family friendly, quiet, and most importantly of all.... NO TEENAGERS! YEAH! (BTW, a great study spot, free Wi-fi and lots of tables and chairs in the middle of the mall. And for a break just go get free samples in Southern Season :P) read more

Gotten way better and seems to keep improving. The theater is awesome. Will upgrade review as it keeps making things more fresh and inviting. read more

I really like this mall. Why? Because: - It never seems REAL busy, it's relaxing to browse stores. - it still has Dillard's and Dillard's actually has some really pretty women's clothes - it has a Chickfila , which in my opinion (and people in my family own chickfilas in NC) is one of the best locations in the triangle. Tastes fresher than others - even when I go during odd-ball hours. - Southern Season is at the end of the mall - which is like walking into heaven for foodies. - it has a cool antique shop with new gifts too, kinda expensive though. - the library in the mall makes it super convienent to pick up a good book or DVD while grabbing dinner at Chickfila or SS. :)) Overall - it's a great lil mall. I adore the old school (ok.. like 80's-90's) feel of it inside- we don't have many malls like this still around. And.. I don't think Alfredos there is good pizza- I've had pizza in NY and at many places in the triangle and its just not that great. Minus a star. read more

Management might not like me saying this but if I had to drop my tween daughter and friends at a mall for an hour this would be the only place I would feel comfortable doing so. read more

University Mall has always been small, and perhaps that is part of its charm. This is not a mall you go to looking to spend hours strolling through 200 shops and enjoying a large food court or an expensive restaurant. That being said, UMall has a number of delights that keep me coming back here. A Southern Season is, of course, by itself enough to keep this mall on the map. The fact that such a store is one of the mall's anchors speaks volumes...again, this isn't your standard "shopping spree" mall, although it does have a Dillard's and a handful of standard chain stores within. It's delights like Southern Season, Cameron's, and the kitchen store whose name I never seem to remember that make this mall worth hanging out at for lunch with friends or stopping by to find some unique gifts. The Bear Rock Cafe is a favorite of mine as well, for its ambiance and good lunch fare. read more

I've been going to UMall (now University Place) for over 30 years. I went there looking for a birthday gift for my wife and had the worst shopping experience ever at Wentworth and Sloan. After waiting 20 minutes, I asked if there was anyone else helping customers and the old guy behind the counter (who was not helping anyone) was rude. When I replied that it's usually customary to be polite to people who want to give you money, I was told to leave the store. I couldn't believe it. If you look at reviews for Wentworth and Sloan you will see several reviews about rude or sketchy behavior. I and my family will not be returning to this mall, which is unfortunate because it is the only mall in town and there are may great businesses there that we love: Silver Spot, Stoney River, Franks, Night Gallery, the Print shop, etc. There is no excuse for being rude. University Place should do something about Wentworth and Sloan before they alienate all the clientele for the entire mall. This mall will be losing many thousands of dollars a year from my family until Wentworth and Sloan leaves. read more

This is a friendly neighbourhood mall. This mall epitomizes Chapel Hill: it's small, oddly quiet yet very safe, and certainly eclectic and unique (if not a little overpriced). The stores that I go out of my way to visit include: A Southern Season, Kitchenworks, Cameron's, and Roses. There are several high-end art galleries and jewellery stores, and the clothing stores seem to cater to women of a certain age. However, with the recent re-location of both the public library and The Red Hen to U-Mall, as well as offering many kid-friendly events (e.g. The Travelling Teacher Show), this mall is starting to revitalize itself and draw in younger families. The renovations undertaken within the last year have really improved its atmosphere and appearance; now, if only they could bring in several more interesting and varied dining options other than Alfredo's Pizza and Chick-Fil-A, it would make this mall that much more attractive to patrons, young and old alike. read more

Can't really say anything BAD about Umall. Growing up in Chapel Hill it's a quiet and cute little mall, always has been. I'm just sad at the rate of turnover (lack of shoppers and weird shop collection). This place is great if you like unique stores and taking it slow while shopping. I'm looking forward to see what the new movie theater brings when it's ready in the next couple of years! read more

I think this place doesn't get enough credit. Yes, it's small, in comparison to Southpoint Mall or other places you would normally shop at, but what I see after visiting a handful of times is a place with decent quality stores. I first came here to get my eyebrows threaded and was impressed with that service, but I never had time to explore the area. Recently, I was able to walk around most of the mall and browse in a couple places that caught my eye. I saw a Planet Fitness, not that I really go to the gym, but it is nice to know it is there. There is a Bath & Body Works - definitely not as busy as others, but I personally enjoyed that. I also went into Southern Season and was thoroughly impressed with the place itself. I think once more people see how University Place has tried to rebrand itself, it will have the potential to be just as popular as other places. Until then, I don't mind enjoying the less crowded atmosphere. read more

I like going here with my kids and we usually enjoy ourselves. Simple outing for food, play at kidzu and some treats at Southern Season. But yesterday my husband and I encountered a young man at the AT&T store whose arrogance and lack of understanding and kindness were frankly disgusting, not to mention generally upsetting. His lack of customer service skills made we wonder why he was working as a salesman at all, what was his decision making paradigm in regards to seeking such employment? His curt and abrupt dismissal of anyone who may live their life differently than he does is an obvious sign of his immaturity and ignorance. He was the epitome of over sheltered and under educated. Lastly, his appearance was unappealing- I'm not picky. I'm all for personal expression, tattoos, piercings, what have you - it's all okay - I have ink, my husband has ink - seriously, I don't care. However, when your facial hair looks like you shaved your privates and used elmer's glue to stick them to your face to look "manly" or "older" I begin to doubt your ability to do your job and groom yourself. While the mall is great - this AT&T store, at least, this particular fellow in it's employ is not great - not even close, and he should re-think his job, attitude and appearance. read more

Barely any stores in here! Will never go back again. The only stores worth going to in this "mall" are Bath and Body Works and Chik fil a, which you could go somewhere else. The Footlocker in this small is very small, barely any shoes. Would give this zero stars if I could! read more

Odd, quirky former mall seeks to find a place in a post-Internet retail world. Very little in here to recommend it. It does have celebrated food-haven Southern Season (especially handy if you enjoy paying too much for things you really don't need); its other big space is filled out by a glass-fronted gym that replaced Roses Department Store. The small former Radio Shacks and B Daltons sized spaces now house a few odds-n-ends shops and a couple of quasi-galleries along with a decent pizza joint that's been there for some time. The Silver Spot Cinema is not a place I'd recommend for cinema. It's an exercise in excess. The space is modern and sparkly but I find the over-sized padded chairs and assigned seating both uncomfortable and unforgiving. Also, the sound is too loud and adjoining screen's special effects buzzes and noises can sometimes bleed through, especially if you're trying to watch a "quieter" film. In all, a disappointment. read more

The Mall is being restored. Southern Season is great, the new SilverSpot theaters is the other main anchor. A few good restaurants and shops as well. A stop in general. read more

We were freshmen and we wanted to go the mall. But we were freshmen and we had no cars. We were freshmen and it was 2000 and there was not yet a beautiful Southpoint in Durham. So we called up a cab and had him taxi us to University "Mall." I put mall in quotations because the building actually bore very little resemblance to a mall. When we arrived, we looked at the old outside askance. We entered, to find the "mall" was one floor, with most window shops papered, abandoned, empty. Save the department store and Cameron's, it really was a waste of space. We walked through it in about 15 minutes flat, and disappointed and $25 cab fare poorer, we walked our car-less butts all the way from the "mall" to South Campus. Since then, U Mall has taken great strides -- and though I still wouldn't call it a mall, it does make a pretty decent shopping center. Cameron's is still one of it's highlights -- but now there's Southern Season, Modern Times, and Details, plus some other definite goodies. read more

I gave it 2 stars but this is because what it offers now does not interest me. The mall does not seem to want my demographic, as it has driven away all the older mainstays like Dillard's and Rose's. A newly expanded Harris Teter and K &W across from the mall have plenty of parking. It still has Chick-fi-lay (sp?), Bath and Body Works, GNC, Burlington Shoes and a few others like that. Otherwise the only store there is Southern Season. It has several galleries and niche stores, unfortunately too rich for my blood. There are rumors that the old Roses will be a gym and the old Dillard's will be a multiplex theatre. If you are of moderate means, you have to go to Durham to buy clothes, or better yet, buy online. I miss the mall with the authentic looking Santa I could take my son to at Christmas, where he realized that the Easter Bunny wasn't real when he saw the Bunny's "plumber's crack". I miss the mall I could buy everything I wanted at a reasonable cost, even if I had to wait for a sale. read more