The Players Retreat

American restaurant · Fairmont

The Players Retreat

American restaurant · Fairmont

4

105 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh, NC 27605

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The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null
The Players Retreat by null

Highlights

This classic sports bar offers a robust American menu, standout burgers, and a cozy vibe, making it the ultimate hangout near NC State.  

Featured in Eater
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105 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh, NC 27605 Get directions

playersretreat.com

$10–20 · Menu

Reserve

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105 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh, NC 27605 Get directions

+1 919 755 9589
playersretreat.com
playersretreat
𝕏
@prraleigh

$10–20 · Menu

Reserve

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outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

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@eater

"No Triangle sports bar list is complete without a mention of this long-standing watering hole near North Carolina State’s campus. For almost 75 years PR, as it’s known by locals, has been serving up its legendary freshly ground burgers, like the Bernie with bacon and provolone. But don’t let the sports bar label fool you — this may be one of the only sports bars to have gotten the nod from Wine Spectator for its wine list." - Elliott Harrell

8 Best Sports Bars in the Triangle for March Madness
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@eater

"University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has He’s Not Here, and North Carolina State has the Player’s Retreat — the PR, as it’s known by locals, has been a Raleigh institution since 1951. The classic bar food attracts both college students and alums, as well as a fair share of Raleigh’s movers and shakers. It’s got a classic wedge salad, fried potato skins, grilled steaks, and plenty of sandwiches and burgers. It also has a late-night menu for post-cram-session cravings, as well as a limited brunch menu." - Matt Lardie

18 Essential Restaurants in Raleigh, North Carolina
View Postcard for Players' Retreat
@eater

"A casual option for oysters, this Raleigh staple off Hillsborough Street serves fried oysters, on their own as an appetizer or topped on one of the PR’s signature salads. For just $6, the kitchen will top the blue cheese wedge or spinach salad with fried oysters, adding a new dimension of flavor that won’t break the bank." - Catherine Currin

9 Best Restaurants for Oysters in the Triangle - Eater Carolinas
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@eater

"Before Richard Gusler announced that his Raleigh, North Carolina, sports bar, the Players Retreat, would be requiring proof of vaccination for indoor dining, he asked Yelp and Tripadvisor how he could prepare for an onslaught of one-star reviews." - Gaby Del Valle

Anti-Vaxxers Are Harassing Restaurants On Yelp and Instagram - Eater
View Postcard for Players' Retreat

Neha Patel

Google
Great service, a bit of a hole in the wall but standard bar cleanliness, onion rings good but batter needs more flavor, prices average. Lots of TVs and good audio. Unfortunately, annoying shrieking guests during the NFL game we saw (Commanders v. Eagles). Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating with heating lamps. Free parking lot nearby.

Jeff Cockman

Google
I recently met an old friend for lunch at the Players Club. Classic old school atmosphere. Nice selection of beers. Food and service were very good.

Charles H

Google
** update** they responded to my review and I reached out as they suggested and it has been silent. Very clearly trying to appear concerned or remorseful to others without intending to offer any restitution. Very poor character from this place... Less than satisfying experience. My server was great, but the food was disappointing. The bread on my reuben was extremely over toasted and basically crumbled when biting. It scratched the roof of my mouth, not like the other times I've had it here. However, the real issue for me was the bill. I am now noticing that I was charged more than what was listed on the menu for the food I selected. If you change the price of food, you need to update your menus so customers can make an informed decision. Very upsetting to see.

Erik Gray

Google
The meat is ground on site and the burgers are fantastic. Order it medium rare with confidence. The servers we have experienced take the time to get your order right and guide you to what they like best. The old school atmosphere is great and the beer selection is good. A must visit when at NC State’s campus.

Christopher Shaw

Google
Wolfpack Nation listen up! This is the quintessential bar/pub as its proximity to campus is perfect. Onion rings are top notch, but the staple here is the spaghetti with meat sauce! It is the go to down home meal you’re missing. Enjoy!

kanchana fernando

Google
I was roaming around in Raleigh in the third week of August and saw this place and wanted to do a work lunch. The weather was great so I sat in the outside patio. I ordered a spinach salad with egg bacon and shrimp and it was really nice. The staff was really friendly and I went there the next day also for dinner and ordered the same salad and a soup.

dan smith

Google
Solid neighborhood sports bar with good eats across the street from NC State. You’ll be hanging out with locals who’ve been coming in for decades, professors talking shop, college kids on date night or just hanging out with friends. The service is friendly the food is homey. I recommend anything with PR sauce on it (ribs, wings, etc). The PR sauce is a sweet vinegar mild hardly Buffalo sauce that just manages to tic all the boxes. There’s a bunch of beer choices and a truly impressive collection of single malt Scotch whiskies as well as a full range of other liquor. Bottom line, PR is a good destination for the game or just to grab a bite/drink.

Everett Lybrand

Google
Great atmosphere good food. Great spot to watch the game and grab a bite. Cheese fries with bacon were excellent. House salad was so-so.

Brian M.

Yelp
Good food and comfortable atmosphere....food was great and service was solid..... Great place to revisit after so many years away from this area....

Jeff D.

Yelp
What a great place to have a casual meal and a cold beer! I would call this a Beer Bar with a lot of character! Growing up in the 60's and 70's in Pittsburgh we all had a Beer Can collection! Well here the tradition continues on, I found my go to Iron City Steel Beer Can on the wall. I'm sure you will find your... go to as well. Walk around and look at the aquariums and everything else on the walls. I got a draft to start off with and it was nice and cold! For appetizers we got the Sampler, with Chicken Fingers, jalapeños Poppers, wings and ribs. The ribs, fell right off the bone... very good! I got a Cheeseburger with Onion Rings. Very good! Our waiter was awesome and always checked up on us. Now the feel good part.... The owner stopped by a couple of time to chat with us and he made us feel special!

Olivia S.

Yelp
Absolutely amazing food. The service was great and quick. They're open late so great for a late night snack. They have a nice family style restaurant that also has a bar at it. Highly recommend!

Garret H.

Yelp
30 years ago I ate here often withe engineering buddies. Always got the Gabby burger. But then I moved away. It's not often I remember food from 30 years ago, but this place is special, a staple for locals around NC State. My daughter is now moving here. The menu is much the same and I took my daughter here to introduce her. We sat outside, what a pleasant evening. The food was great and the service was too. I'll come here every time I visit. My daughter loved it too.

Chris F.

Yelp
What Wolfpfan doesn't like this iconic retreat to eat some good bar grub while watching your favorite team? So glad this place is still here.

Tres M.

Yelp
I live one minute away from this place and had a server (Grey beard, early thirtys) complain about his tip. I got one shot and left a dollar. He got very angry and chased me into the parking lot. "do not ever come back"

Lexi G.

Yelp
We came here late at night for a bite to eat with friends in town, and it hit the spot. Great atmosphere with way too many TVs lol, awesome waiter named Matt, and lit hotdog! I got mine with relish, mustard, kraut, and ketchup. My husband got the BLT and loved it. We can't wait to go back!

Kevin W.

Yelp
Average food nothing special Waiter was incompetent I did not know how to use the cash out handheld register that he had to use to correct the mistakes that he made on the bill right Bearish

Justin G.

Yelp
A Raleigh institution! I miss Rusty Bob & Tom Hanula but the PR is my favorite bar in Raleigh, hands down! Used to cut class at Broughton and go there to shoot pool. At 1 point in my youth I worked/ ate/ partied & probably even slept there. It may have matured a bit, or maybe just me, but I'll always think of the PR & I'll think of home...

Nicholas R.

Yelp
A nostalgic spot on NC States campus, that had average food. Onion rings had no distinct flavor and the PR sub is nothing special. Prices are high for what you are getting.

Liz J.

Yelp
Food very good. Service is normally good. We like this place. The only thing would be bug control. The last few times the outdoor flies get to be a bit much.

Lois H.

Yelp
Lunch on a Saturday. Service was excellent. Fries were hot & crispy. Burgers were totally over rated over pressed rubbery & small. Ordered medium & medium rare. It's a sports bar. Loud with the game on. It's a trip down memory lane for NCSU grads & a big local hangout known for the food, but so not impressed with the burgers.

Joel H.

Yelp
Something has changed. We've been coming here for years and just had the worst all around experience here of any of them. First - bartender (older salt and pepper beard dude) was incredibly annoyed and unfriendly with the four of us to the point where it was actually awkward. That aside, the food was sub par. Our sandwiches were barely warm, fries almost cold - terrible. A terrible all around experience. It is not the same awesome PR we are used to.

J S.

Yelp
Love this place! Excellent burgers, ambiance is nostalgic, and the staff is friendly. There is always a tasty special and enough room to seat large parties, indoors or out. Things I always remember; the jalapeño poppers are SPICY (watch out wimps), always ranch with house-made chips, the app sampler isn't worth it (sorry PR!).... Just get the dip for the table!!

Wally T.

Yelp
Stopped by after another heartbreaker loss of the Lady Wolfpack Basketball Team to Boston College tonight. We tried their Reuben on rye with hand cut fries and their Classic club on rye with their hand cut beer batter onion rings and they were both delicious. The perfect comfort foods after watching the Lady Pack loss 8. The Rueben had a perfect balance of sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, Swiss cheese and piled high corned beef. The Classic Club had sliced grilled chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and Dukes mayo on Rye. Service was spot on again today and the tavern was filled with NCSU and Carolina Hurricane fans watching the game on one of their 10-15 different TV monitors all on various sports channels.

Sean B.

Yelp
I do not recommend this establishment. Would not Meg us in if we didn't show vaccination card

Brian V.

Yelp
All I wanted was a drink and a laid back atmosphere and that's what they delivered. First off, they carded me, meaning verified my vaccination status and gave me a button to wear. Much appreciated. They only had one cider so I got the stem hibiscus cider which was not to sweet and not too dry. It was like Goldilocks- just Right! I had 2 while I ate poppers which are bacon wrapped cheese filled jalapeños with ranch dressing for dipping. There was 7 in an order which was an ample portion. The first 6 were mild and tasted great dipped in the dressing. Then I let my guard down and the 7th popper kicked my tail. Hottest jalapeño pepper I remember eating. Needed 2 waters to get my mouth cooled down and still tasted the heat when I belched on my long brisk walk after my PR stop. Good place to grab a drink and relax. Thanks!

Penny P.

Yelp
Overrated. There's a reason the menu says order the burger "rare." - probably because the quality is garbage if it's actually cooked. Medium well was rubbery and I chewed on a piece of (bone?) something hard halfway through. Didn't finish it. Baby rack ribs were dryyyy. Disappointed. After we had dinner I read the health violations for this place and HOLY MOLY there's a slew of them- look for yourself. Had I had known that I never would have gone but lesson learned. Sooooo many great places in the area don't bother with this one.

Chad C.

Yelp
Proof of vaccine or you get segregated and shunned into a corner... Room smells like urine, not very enjoyable. Used to love this place, shame it's dropped off and the food isn't the quality It was a one time.

Gregg Z.

Yelp
This establishment is hosting our 40th HS reunion, going to try to b there!.. ..............

John B.

Yelp
Terrible service. Manager was extremely rude. Will not be back. Had heard great things but was incredibly disappointed. Brunswick stew was as mid at best

Gene B.

Yelp
From a Duke man/guy This place is amazing and I like it's history. Food is great too. Enjoy being with my NC State brother(s) enjoying the experience. Keep rolling and being the best! -Gene Lavone Banks Duke Hall of Fame-94' ACC Hall of Fame-2017

Markisha D.

Yelp
My husband put me onto this place! It's downtown Raleigh in a nice secluded area. The few times I've eaten here has been to go but the food hits every time. So far I can vouch for the cheeseburgers, grilled chicken club sandwiches, wings, chicken tenders, pasta salad, fries & onion rings AND the sweet tea! I will say the Buffalo sauce on the wings is extremely underwhelming, it tasted more like mild sauce as I was able to let my 3 year eat the wings because they weren't hot at all. I love hot food! Also, the salad was good but for $7 I expected a lot more salad but other than that, we like this place! Staff is always friendly when we order and pick up our food. They answer the phone and the wait times aren't crazy, I appreciate that!

Janice V.

Yelp
Service was great. Prices have gone up and portions on some items have shrunk. Only for four shrimp on my salad when there used to be six supposedly fire too inflation. Will not be ordering this again.

Jennifer C.

Yelp
Worst service. Kicked us out after we had a table for three hours waiting for the state game because apparently it was "reserved". Hostess sat us, waitress waited on us, but nobody told us our table was "reserved" till 10 minutes before we had to leave. Some of my party still didn't get the rest of their drinks served to them and still had to pay. No alternative was offered, as the manager/owner was being extremely rude. Mind you reservations aren't taken at this place- just the owner kicking us out to make room for his friends.

Jeanette B.

Yelp
We are in Raleigh for orientation at NC State. We met a wonderful woman who recommended that we come here to eat. She couldn't stress enough how we had to "see" the history. We have been all around Raleigh and have never been treated as disrespectfully as here. First, we did not carry our vaccination cards because nowhere has asked for them in SO long. Secondly, things have changed so much, why would we? Thirdly, even last year in Raleigh, nowhere required anything. So we were denied entrance to the main eating area because we didn't have them. We were put in a very small room with nothing exciting about it. So we got to see NOTHING that would be interesting. There is nowhere close enough to go to eat that my elderly mother could walk to. Nowhere else we visited in Raleigh asked us for anything. Including NC State university! When I asked to speak to a manager/owner I was told you "just missed him". Convenient. Yes they are a private business and can do what they want. But they don't have to be nasty about it. Oh and there are NO official rules regarding Covid anymore. They need to get over themselves. Our last day in Raleigh was ruined by short sighted, nasty people. We'll be coming to Raleigh often in the future, but will never set foot near this place again. Covid is here to stay. Get used to it.

Nsm75690 M.

Yelp
went to look at NC State and this place was recommended by staff. Food was awful. The burger was garbage and the fries tasted like they were from two days prior. To make it worse the owner was rude and a Cee yoU Next Tuesday. The staff even commented about his behavior and personality. Only saving grace was our waitress Abby and the bartender. Skip this spot or go if you like eating nasty food from a clown of an owner.

Todd M.

Yelp
We started going to the PR during the pandemic for the outdoor dining. When the PR is on its game it is quite good, both the service and the food. In fact, the burgers are some of the very best in town. Over the past year or so the food has become very inconsistent. Sometimes it's fantastic for what it is, while other times it's just not good. Today I ordered the hotdog with chili, slaw and onions. The hotdog was good, the bun was stale, the chili was cold, it came with relish instead of slaw, and the onions were just thrown on the plate. The only redeeming feature of the meal is that the fries were hot and crispy. Along with the decline of the food, the service has also become very slow and inattentive. Our server today was friendly and competent at his job, but he wasn't paying us enough attention. When he finally brought us the check, the manager eventually took our payment because the server was nowhere to be seen. If the PR wasn't capable of offering good food and good service, that would be one thing. Frankly, there are plenty of bars offering mediocre food and service at this price point that are also a shorter drive. However, we have been to the PR enough times when the service was excellent and the food was hot, fresh, and delicious to make me know that they are capable of more. I hope the owner is paying attention and corrects this decline. The food and service are definitely two stars, but the overall review gets three stars because the outdoor dining is always a pleasant experience.

Read L.

Yelp
Great university style bar and burger place with a bit more home town character than most. Food was good. I think I should have ordered differently, however, I can't complain. I had the fish and chips which were pretty good. Wish the fries had been hotter. Everyone else in my group was pleased.

Yash B.

Yelp
One of our favorite places in town but recently had the worst possible experience with their bartender John! I haven't come across a worse bartender in my life. This guy was absolutely aggressive, definitely racist and rude. We had to leave because we couldn't handle being there for another minute. Hopefully the management does better and make sure this is still the friendly bar it used to be!

Scott P.

Yelp
I've been coming to Players Retreat or "PR" for years. Easily top 3 burger in Raleigh, always great service, and cherished by locals. The burger story has been captured many times on here, but that's just one of the many great aspects of this place. Everything is fresh. From burgers, to salads, to their specials. Always a great casual meal where you can just be yourself, have drinks and stuff yourself to your hearts content. My only wish is that they come back with their nightly specials that they had before Covid. Prime Rib night on Mondays were the best followed by their prime rib sandwich on Tuesday's... can we get this back PR?

Candi M.

Yelp
The PR has just reopened for curbside pickup. We missed you! Easy as pie you pull up, call 1 of 2 numbers, give them your space # & they hustle it out to you. I have really missed my beloved Gabby burger. We also indulged in the sausage dip with Fritos because it is Saturday! They will (just like when you dine in) let you substitute a side. My husband tried the wedge and fell in love. I just went with the garden salad but the herb Vinaigrette adds an incredibly fresh element to the salad. Can't wait to pick up again from the PR!

Devon S.

Yelp
Definitely not worth the price. My burger was very dry and the side of macaroni and cheese had no flavor whatsoever. My husband ordered macaroni salad which was fairly good. Overall the quality did not match the price. McDonald's would have tasted better.

Walker J.

Yelp
The people are nice and the food is delicious and I have lost of great childhood memories there

Kelly C.

Yelp
The oldest restaurant in RALEIGH if I am not mistaken. Epic!

Brian M.

Yelp
This is a great bar! Lots of cold beer, great drinks, and a no-frills food menu that is consistently good. The restaurant and bar staff are always nice and attentive. Very few places like this are still around, so go often and buy a t-shirt!

Tom M.

Yelp
Used to go often to the PR years ago. Went 11/10/23 and not impressed. Baked potato soup was runny and tasted like flour. Macaroni sala pretty heat on mayonnaise. Service was excellent, but if you would like a better hamburger, go to MoJoe's corner and of Glenwood and Peace St. Much better. (Really appreciated the service person who mentioned 4 of my wife's potential choices not to try) This is more a trip down memory lane. Just get a beer. It's nice and cold.

Robert B.

Yelp
Horrible food and horrible service time after time... No wonder this place is about to go out of business... Don't waste your time at this dump

Vance F.

Yelp
Consistent friendly service and the food is surprisingly good for a bar centric restaurant. Outdoor seating is great, some of it is heated even. Good spot to watch the Wolfpack.

Dave W.

Yelp
This is the kind of bar that I hope to find when I travel.....with a bonus.....pool. I did not partake in billiards this round but great beer selection. Delirium Tremems? On draft? Yep. Lots of great craft beers, local and far from. Burger was fantastic, the scotch selection is mind blowing. I like it, yes I do.

Nick N.

Yelp
Came in from out of town to watch a game with my girlfriend. Had a great time until the owner shows up, sits right up against me, and then tells me I have to stop swearing or he'll have me arrested. Wasn't aware I stepped into a convent that also showed football, but I'll be sure to head elsewhere for better food and kinder staff next time I'm in town.

Whitney W.

Yelp
Bartender was nice but that doesn't matter when the food is terrible!!!! And I mean AWFUL. Would have done better and payed way less with a sack of fast food.

Bry M.

Yelp
Mediocre food and slow service. Stopped in with a client for lunch and wanted to enjoy lunch but underwhelming was all we experienced. Management requires proof of vaccine be shown to enter the establishment which my client did not have with them so we sat outside. As we sat water and menus were dropped then 10 minutes went by with no additional contacts even though it was slow both inside and outside of the business. Sandwiches were lacking corn beef in my opinion for the price of $12. Seems like it could have potential to serve a decent sandwich and kitchen just was not having an A game! If you at outside you will be swarmed with flies immediately upon food arriving. You have been warned.

Ashley A.

Yelp
I bet this is one of those Cheers-ish type places for a lot of people who are regulars to this place so they keep going back but as a first timer, the place had a very 70's vibe decor wise. Our server looked pissed before he came over to our table and seemed to be having a "why the f am I here, just do what you have to do" pep talk with himself as he grabbed our menus and cutlery, I literally laughed at the dramatized outburst and wondered if I was in an "Ed Debevics" type restaraunt where that's part of the experience lol. When he made it over to our table, though, he shook it off and saved face to do his job. The food, which was a breakfast dish with eggs and fries and meat and toast, was one of the most basic and bland things I've eaten in a long time. I found the layout of it a little confusing. I did think the fish tank was nice to look at as well as the aged decor of collected things, but whenever I see stuff like that everywhere, I just think dust magnets. I won't be back but it's aged appearance let's me believe it is a classic staple to some, especially the college crowd, and that it won't be going anywhere anytime soon.

Matt C.

Yelp
I went here all the time as an NCSU student several years ago and have great memories. I should have left it at that. I went recently and to say I was disappointed is huge understatement. Apparently has a new management. The place looks the same, needs a lot of cleaning though. Ordered a medium burger and I had to check to see it had a Hurricanes logo on it because it seemed like I got a hockey puck. Person with me got the Chicken Gus, but could not eat much of it because it tasted funny. Server did not ask what was wrong when we left two half eaten meals on the table.

Stephanie J.

Yelp
I did not have a positive experience at Players Retreat in the past but I decided to check it out again since we were in the area looking for somewhere to eat, drink and watch football. Let's start off with the service.. well we sat at the bar and it was slow and it sucked. It got better when it was time for a shift change but we were paying at that point. Now for the food.. we started off with an order of the sausage dip and chips. This was good plus I love fritos which are the chips they serve with it. For our meals boyfriend got the burger special with chips and I got the meatball sub with pasta salad. I did not care for either dish outside of the pasta salad plus there was a hair in the last few bites of my sandwich.. And, finally, the beer.. they had a good selection of bottles, cans and drafts so that was a plus. In the end, would I return? Probably not. It was too loud for me personally and the experience was not a positive one. PR does have tons of TV's so if you are looking for just drinks to watch a game, this may be your spot.

Sara B.

Yelp
This is the absolute most liberal restaurant I've experienced in all of the country. I travel all over to big cities for work and have NEVER been asked for my vaccine card except for when I went to players retreat! All the employees were extremely rude and disrespectful.

Greg G.

Yelp
Raleigh OG. Best burgers in town and coolest NC State memorabilia alongside Amedeo's.

Elijah P.

Yelp
Me and my family traveled to Raleigh to watch a NC State sports game so obviously we wanted to go to one of the most historic restaurants on campus. Little did we know, you need your vaccination cards to enter the restaurant. Not only do I not carry my card on me, I don't even know where it is. If you don't want me and my family to eat then just say that...