Chapel Hill NC - UNC Game Day Guide

The city that inspired us to create Before90. A soccer dynasty producing over 60 past and present National Team players sits nestled between old southern charm and a fun, fresh, and thriving scene.

Fall 2019 will be an amazing experience for anyone lucky enough to catch UNC Women's Soccer in their new stadium. The design is a soccer fan's dream. Plan a trip, you'll thank us. Where to stay...

I stay with the other half of Before90 but you can’t- it would just be weird. Where you can stay includes a number of hotels around and near campus. I’d definitely suggest if you are flying into RDU- get a rental car for the week/end.

Let’s talk about Franklin Street…

Along Franklin Street, you find yourself popping into merchandise stores, coffee shops, and all kinds of places to eat. My faves?

Coffee...

Carolina Coffee Shop 138 E Franklin St

Even cooler than the black and white photos that adorn the walls, this is North Carolina’s oldest restaurant now owned by the one and only WNT & UNC alum Heather O’Reilly. Inside you can order right from the bar or be seated for some good eats. Sneak peek? I spotted a “to-go” window outside along a walkway to campus. Rumor has it this is for students to grab their coffee on the way to class- where was this when I was in school?

To Eat...

TOPO (Top Of The Hill Restaurant & Brewery) 100 E Franklin St

Brewery, distillery, restaurant, great for large or small groups & events. TOPO quickly became my favorite as I enjoyed a MNT game from the rooftop deck. Everything about TOPO makes it a fun dining experience even if you’re only stopping in for happy hour.

Al’s Burger Shack 516 W Franklin St

Rated 2018 Best Burger in America by Food & Wine Magazine (July 2018) Al’s is a must-go. This was my first visit to Al’s. Admittedly I missed it last time in favor of tacos but after their star-studded rating who could resist the chance to eat here? Want to wait until Sunday? Well, they’ll be closed.

Mediterranean Deli, Bakery & Catering

410 W Franklin St

I visited the Med Deli on my first trip here and was overwhelmed by the rows of different foods available. What seems like an endless display of hummus, roasted veggies, and a large variety of mediterranean-style foods all in one eatery. Although the amount of choices seem daunting, take your time and ask questions as you look around. The staff are well versed in their selections and excited to talk you through it.

Sutton’s Drug Store

159 E Franklin St

Take a trip back in time to an old-school style drug store & diner. Inside you are greeted by buckets of what used to be called “penny candy” to choose from. A wall of sodas ranging from the familiar to ones I had never seen before adorns the shelving. Two Coke machines probably dating back to the 40’s-50’s and antique cash registers out-date even some of the Professors. Hanging from the ceiling and on every other surface possible are photos of people who have dined here before. Undoubtedly you can see some famous faces in them. The diner is everything you would expect it to be. No frills and all southern charm. It’s a great place to go for a quick and cheap (but really good) bite to eat.

Off Franklin street...

Merritt’s Grill 1009 S. Columbia St

A bacon lovers dream come to life. BLT’s is what they do, bacon is the star, but it doesn’t steal the show from anything else on the menu. It packs up quick- get there early and don’t even consider waiting until Sunday- they’re closed. There’s a decent amount of parking around the restaurant and across the street. Once inside place your order, pay, grab some “southern” or “un-southern” tea and wait for your number to be called. You’ll thank me for this one unless your vegetarian. In that case just get an LT.

Shop Gear...

The Shrunken Head Boutique

158 E Franklin St

Small and stacked to the ceiling with everything a UNC fan or visitor could want. There’s a mom and pop quality about this place I find charming. Genny can add in-house vinyl printing to anything you purchase on the spot.