Carolina Brewery — Restaurant in Chapel Hill

We’ve been coming here for a couple years for the burgers and chill atmosphere. The last couple times ive gone the service and food have both been lacking.

Most recently went this Sunday evening around 5:30pm (super early, not busy when we arrived). The wall of booths on the right was completely empty, so I asked the hostess if we could sit at one. She checked her iPad for a while before telling me the best she could do was a half table/half booth. I could see all the empty booths behind her, but maybe they were reserved. Whatever, no biggie.

We are sat at a table and it takes several minutes for our server to greet us. We order beers and water. A good while later he comes back with just the beers, and leaves before we can say anything. I assume to get the waters. About 10 minutes after that he comes back and asks if we’d like to order. We do, and I ask again for water. 5, 10, 15 minutes. No water, can’t catch his eye. Finally flag down another server and it is brought promptly. Our server finally brings the food. Fries were cold, didn’t come out with the sauce for the chicken. Server brought sauce after another several minutes but didn’t ask how the food was or check if we needed anything. I saw his other tables waiting a long time to order, and having to ask for refills. Our waters were never refilled, and we did not see our server again until he put the bill on the table. Didn’t ask if we wanted more beer or dessert, which I did want but honestly was just ready to leave.

Could have been an off night, but like I said the last couple times have been similar. Inattentive staff that seems disinterested in helping customers. I was a server for years, I get its a tough gig. Hope management is properly supporting their team.

Anyway, their burgers are yummy and beer is good. Bring your own...

If 3.5 stars were an option, that's what I would have chosen.

This is essentially a sports bar, with large TV screens located so as to be within view from pretty much any seat. But unlike many sports bars, this isn't a chain. It has a more personal pub-like feel. It's very popular with UNC students and locals who want a burger or the like. The food portions are large and much of the food is fried. It's all very tasty but your cardiologist may not approve. There are a few vegetarian offerings but even those seem heavier than what most restaurants offer. Don't get me wrong, if you like burgers, fries, onion rings, and the like, you'll find really good ones here. But if lighter fare is what you're looking for, or if heavy, greasy food is a turn-off, your options will be far more limited and you may just do better going somewhere else.

The beers are great. They're made on the premises. There's a wide variety of offerings including some that are year-round staples and others that are available seasonally. All are very good examples of their respective styles. The Flagship IPA and Imperial Stout are among my favorites but the mainstay Copperline Amber Ale is also a gem.

If there's a big national game on TV when you visit, the place is likely to be pretty packed and also pretty noisy. If that's your thing, you'll love it. If you'd rather have a quiet conversation with your dining companions, choose your time more carefully or go elsewhere.

The Carolina Brewery is unpretentious and it does what it does very well. The real decision is whether what it does (provide large portions of fried foods in a collegiate atmosphere) is what you're looking for on any particular occasion. If it is, you'll have a great time. If...

Carolina brewery in Chapel Hill.

We got there early for seats reserved. Got sat right away and it was not very busy when we got there a little before 6. If you go during any sports game or weekend try to reserve ahead over the phone or online, it's a lifesaver when it does get busy. They have small child accommodations with highchairs.

Food, Chicken strip breading was excellent and fried perfectly. Great crunch and bursting with flavor. Not too oily either but retaining the flavor from the oil. The chicken itself was sub-par and left me looking for more. The chicken did not deserve to be inside that breading. The 'local' burger with the works is always excellent. Supports local farms and farmers. The fries were alright. Also breaded very well but on the thin side for half of mine. One of the orders had fries seasoned heavier than the other which left us confused.

Hospitality, Once we ordered our food we only saw our waiter when he brought it and when we asked for the check. I was out of the water just as we started eating and never got a chance to get a refill. The gingerale also tasted a bit off, flat, and carbonated at the same time, plus metallic.

Overall, This is a good place to eat. It's right off Franklin and has a stellar bar, indoor and outdoor seating, plus a lot of TVs to watch sports on or whatever else. When it gets busy the wait can be a lot but if you get reservations that makes it pretty fast. Chicken shortages seem to be hitting them but they honestly do make up for it with the breading. I would eat here again and even bring my family. It's a very nice establishment filled with college and high...