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Players' Retreat, Raleigh, NC

Players' Retreat

4.8 (12)
$30 and under
American
105 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh, NC 27605-1648

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A photo of Players' Retreat restaurant

Players' Retreat

4.8
$30 and under
American
Raleigh

Make a booking

2 people
22:00
Booked 3 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Good for groups
Bernie and Mickey Hanula founded the institution known as the Players Retreat. Less of a bar and restaurant, and more of a family, the PR remains a popular respite for the young and the old, the rich and the poor. It is a place where people from all walks of life rub elbows, share toasts, good times, and laughs. At 74 years old, very little has changed since its humble beginnings. In 1994 Pete Jarrell took over the PR and continued the tradition. Our friends Bernie and Mickey passed away several years ago. In their honor, our staff and our guests strive to keep the PR the way that it has always been and as it should always be. Thank you for your patronage and support over the years, and may the PR continue for another 74 years.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu 11:30–00:00 Fri 11:30–01:00 Sat 11:00–01:00 Sun 11:00–02:00
  • Phone number
  • Dress Code
    Business Casual

Concierge
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What 12 people are saying

Players' Retreat reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.8Value

NoiseModerate

10 Reviews
  1. Julie Gold

    New York City34 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 1 May 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a fun time ! Enjoyed our food as well as a couple nice cocktails and some beer! Our go- to place when visiting Raleigh.
    Players' RetreatResponded on 6 May 2026
    Thank you for your five-star review, Julie. We love hearing that Players Retreat is your go-to spot in Raleigh! We appreciate you stopping by and look forward to welcoming you back for more good times. Cheers!

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  2. Claire

    Raleigh8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 15 March 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I have been going to the PR since I was a child! Every meal is excellent and the service is always top notch! Don’t change a thing!
    Players' RetreatResponded on 25 March 2026
    Thank you for the five-star shoutout, Claire! We love to hear that you have enjoyed your time with us over the years and appreciate your kind words. We promise to keep the same good vibes and delicious bites for your future visits. We appreciate you, cheers!

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  3. taylor Gold

    Raleigh13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 7 September 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We always love PR - our server was great and she was super kind. The sandwich I got was amazing and their burger is always a stand out. Order the sausage dip is a must when you are here. Our folks that got brunch really enjoyed it as well! Thanks for always giving us a good time with family!
    Players' RetreatResponded on 30 September 2025
    Thank you for your five-star review, Taylor! We love to hear that you and your family had a great time dining with us, from the service to the food to the atmosphere. Our team appreciates your continued support and looks forward to welcoming y'all back soon. Cheers!

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  4. Jay

    Hawaii17 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 11 August 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We went with friends and , frankly, it was disappointing. Mediocre food and service. Don't order the chicken parm.
    Players' RetreatResponded on 5 November 2025
    Thank you for giving us a try and for sharing your feedback, Jay. We're disappointed to hear the food and service missed the mark during your visit, especially the Chicken Parm. We hope you'll swing by again so we can give you the Players Retreat experience we are known for!

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  5. Raymond

    Raleigh1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 7 August 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had great views of preseason games. Pleased with ambiance and service. Would come again.
    Players' RetreatResponded on 13 August 2025
    Thank you for the shoutout, Raymond! We love to hear that you enjoyed watching the preseason games with us. Looking forward to seeing you on future game days. Cheers!

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  6. Laura

    New York City13 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on 17 July 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 1
    My burger was over cooked - took forever for the waitress to get back to even return it - so everyone was done eating. They took it off the bill, which is fine, but I left hungry… Also, the table is sticky and gross with beer and it was just kind of dirty and dingy.
    Players' RetreatResponded on 6 August 2025
    Thanks for sharing your experience with us, Laura. We're disappointed to hear your visit didn’t reflect the high standards we aim for. We hope you’ll give us another chance in the future to show you the five-star experience we’re known for. Cheers!

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  7. Christopher

    Richmond4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 11 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The PR has been one of my favorite places for 40 years. It has changed somewhat over the years but the relaxed feeling and ambience remain. The food has always been good and the choices include many that we grew up with. Certainly, the onion rings are the best in Raleigh. The PR is a reliable choice for a good and friendly time.
    Players' RetreatResponded on 19 May 2025
    Thank you for the kind words and for being part of the Players' Retreat family for 40 years, Christopher! We're honored to be a go-to spot for great food, good memories, and, of course, the best onion rings in Raleigh. Cheers to many more visits and good times!

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  8. Ken Gold

    Raleigh167 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 11 April 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was our first time to Player's Retreat. It was a seat yourself place so we picked a spot away from the bar. We got our drink and looked over the menu. We decided on cheese fries for our appetizer, OH MY GOODNESS, there was enough on the plate for 4 people and they were good too. My wife ordered the chicken sandwich and I got the cajun bratwurst. again, tons of food. We were so full from the fries we could only take a couple of bites from our entree. But everything was hot and delicious. Player's is a hidden treat and off the beaten path on Oberlin but well worth the visit. They also don't break the bank, even with all the food they serve you. Give it a try.
    Players' RetreatResponded on 18 April 2025
    Thanks so much for giving us a try, and for such a thoughtful review, Ken! We're so happy you enjoyed the food. The cheese fries are definitely a fan favorite! Your recommendation means the world to our team, and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon. Cheers!

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  9. Vanessa

    Raleigh2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 25 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was a beautiful night to be seated outside with friends!
    Players' RetreatResponded on 29 March 2025
    Thank you for your five-star review, Vanessa! We love to hear that you and your friends enjoyed your evening with us at PR. Looking forward to welcoming you back soon. Cheers!

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  10. DinnerinDowntownCHS

    Charleston2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 2 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place to eat, watch games, and have fun with friends! The food is always consistent, and the choices are plentiful. Service is awesome! Go pack!
    Players' RetreatResponded on 14 March 2025
    Thank you for the shoutout! We're so glad you love the food, the vibes, and the game-day atmosphere. Our team works hard to keep things consistent and welcoming, so it means a lot to hear this. Hope to see you again soon—Go Pack!

    Is this helpful?

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu 11:30–00:00 Fri 11:30–01:00 Sat 11:00–01:00 Sun 11:00–02:00
  • Phone number
  • Dress Code
    Business Casual

FAQs

Family-friendly seating: yes, guests of all ages dine comfortably here, and families and groups are commonly mentioned. Accessible seating: the listing doesn’t specify accessibility features (ramps, ADA seating), so if you need accessible seating or accommodations, call ahead to confirm and request assistance.

For a lively scene, go during game nights or weekend evenings, guests praise the spot for watching preseason games and for fun nights out with friends. If you prefer something quieter, try weekday afternoons or early evening service when it’s less crowded. Outdoor seating on pleasant nights is also a popular pick.

The ambience is relaxed, friendly, and a bit nostalgic, long-time guests praise the consistent, welcoming vibe that’s lasted decades. It’s a comfortable spot for watching games, catching up with friends, or family meals. Expect lively energy during games and a reliably casual, down-to-earth neighborhood feel.

Busiest: evenings, weekend nights, and game nights, guests often go to watch games and hang out with friends. Quietest: weekday afternoons and early evenings before the dinner rush. If you want a lively sports-bar vibe, aim for evenings; for a quieter meal, arrive earlier on a weekday.

Yes, families and kids are part of the regular crowd. Guests mention family dinners, brunch enjoyed by older relatives, and birthday celebrations, so the environment is welcoming for children. There’s no menu listed here, so if you need high chairs or specific kids’ items, call ahead to confirm.

If you want the most lively experience, weekend nights or game days are best, guests highlight the fun, social atmosphere for watching games and gathering with friends. For a calmer visit, choose a weekday afternoon or early evening when it’s less crowded.

Portions here tend to be generous, guests frequently comment that appetizers and entrees are large and good value. One guest said the cheese fries were enough for four people and several others mentioned sandwiches, burgers, and bratwurst came out very filling. If you prefer lighter portions, consider sharing appetizers or taking home leftovers.

Casual to business-casual is appropriate, the restaurant lists its dress code as Business Casual, but guests commonly dine in relaxed, comfortable attire. Dress to feel comfortable for a casual evening out or a game-night gathering.

Players' Retreat offers casual, seat-yourself seating with a mix of indoor tables and outdoor seating on nice nights. Guests mention choosing spots away from the bar and enjoying outdoor tables; the restaurant does not advertise private dining rooms. Expect a relaxed layout rather than formal private rooms.

Yes, guests mention enjoying outdoor seating on pleasant evenings, so the restaurant offers outdoor tables. If you prefer to sit outside, consider requesting an outdoor spot when you arrive or call ahead to check availability on busy nights.

Yes, Players' Retreat makes a fine casual date-night spot if you’re after relaxed vibes, good food, and a lively atmosphere. Guests mention great views for watching games, strong service, and consistently enjoyable meals. Opt for an outdoor table on a pleasant evening or a quieter booth away from the bar for a more intimate feel. It’s not formal fine dining, but it’s warm, welcoming, and reliably fun for a low-key date night.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill
  4. Raleigh
  5. Raleigh

Make a booking

A photo of Players' Retreat restaurant

Players' Retreat

4.8
$30 and under
American
Raleigh

Make a booking

2 people
22:00
Booked 3 times today
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