Playmakers Bar & Restaurant

Playmakers always has UFC with NO cover and now offers Theme Night Parties on Friday. They are also now open 11am to 2am seven days a week. They have a new menu and live music on their patio in the afternoon/early evening daily. Their SIN (service industry nights) on Sundays are a REAL service appreciation night. They offer a free buffet after 9pm and awesome Sunday specials. more

We?ll after years of a wonderful Karaoke show by Skid Row and Dangerous Doug the New Owner?s of Playmaker?s Cafe have started to bring the place down. For years Playmaker?s has suffered from the only two things holding the establishment from failure (Karaoke and the FREE Saturday Night Fights) to becoming a failed business venture. Only time will tell. Multiple Management Changeovers, Multiple Owner?s and a final farewell to the best Friday and Saturday Nights in the Hillsborough Street District. Only time will tell before the doors close for their final chapter. Through the last year I have watched with dedication to Playmakers as the business has declined and regulars fail to return to their beloved place they use to call their Second Home. Glenwood South and the Downtown Warehouse District here we come! PS If your looking for a new Friday Night Karaoke Spot Michael Dean's or Champions Sports Bar now offers this wonderful Triangle Favorate. Pros: The Existing Staff That Is Still Left! Cons: Business Slowdown. Declining In Popularity more

I never thought that i would say this, but I wont be going back to playmakers ever again. About a month ago, two new owners bought the place from Robby. I have been a regular there for about 5 years, and have seen changes come and go. However, after Robby sold the place, the two new owners have turned the place I used to spend ALOT of money at, upside down The first major issue is that Edwin (GM/Bartender), Murphy, and Jason (Shift Managers/Bartenders) all left as soon as the new owners took over. (This should have been a warning sign to me, but I gave the new guys the benefit of the doubt) Murphy and Edwin were Playmakers plain and simple. They were there from almost the very beginning, 8 or 9 years ago. And I think Jason had been there a few years as well. All three of them knew everyone by name and what they drank. It was a family atmosphere where they would speak to me and knew that I drink Bud Light in the 23 oz. glass. They would have a beer ready for me before I could even ask. Ive been to alot of bars and nowhere else have I ever dealt with better bartenders. While busy or slow, I always got impeccable service from the three of them. The new owners apparently had their own bar staff that they wanted to bring in, which is their right, but at least bring in better staff than the people you force out the door. Now its awful, and getting worse. I now visit playmakers, and I no longer am greeted as a valuable customer, I wait on average 5-10 minutes for a new beer after mine is completely empty, and twice in the past week, my tab has been screwed up by the "new and improved" bartender, and Im brushed off as just another regular by the new owners. The food hasnt changed much, still bar food Bar Service is beyond awful Atmosphere is no longer inviting New owners are clueless Save your time and money, by a 6 pack and watch the game at home. Pros: it WAS a great place to watch games and drink beer Cons: awful service at the bar, Bad owners, no more regulars, no more Murphy, Edwin, or Jason more

My friend was getting ready to have a farewell bash and we decided on having it at Playmakers. The female manager megan was a tremendous help. I ended up having to call her on the phone to change the guest list numbers and etc. She was more than helpful and cheerful about all the changes. She also reccomended a $5 menu list, reserved seating in case of the weather, and music. It was the best service ever. The food is amazing. I would reccommend them for any outing or party event. Thank you so much for a great time!! Pros: Service, Atmosphere, Helpful more

I had been to playmakers before and it was alright. But recently it's re-vamped!!! The food has changed! They still have the GREAT wings and pizza but now have more variety for meal options. The staff has slightly changed, and seem more friendly. I had a GREAT time the last time I was in there, now there's a reason to keep going back! Oh and they have great drinks specials on top of everything! Pros: new menu, friendly (and cute) bartenders, drink specials more

We went to Playmakers for the Oilers Hurricanes Game on Friday jan 18th, little did we know that we were in for such a great experience. Although there was Karaoke that night, it didnt really bother us since the Canes were beating the snot out of the Oilers. Let me start by saying I have never had better wings in my life!!!!! We sat at the bar, and the bartenders, Edwin and Murphy took care of us, they both were very quick and provided excellent service. We ordered 30 wings total and they came out to about $12 with their Friday wing special! The Carolina Mustard wings are the most unique flavor I have tasted, but I loved them. We will be coming back definitely. GO TRY THE WINGS!!!!!! Playmakers A+ in my book! Pros: Best wings I have ever had, ANYWHERE! Cons: none! more

I love this bar! The bartenders all have been there for years and know your name when you walk in the door, they usually have my beer waiting for me before I even sit down. The wings are second to none in Raleigh, and the pizza is pretty good too. If you go, youll see lots of regulars there, that everyone knows. Thats always a good sign at a bar. I cant say enough good things about Playmakers!!! Pros: Excellent Bar Staff, cheap drinks Cons: Older TV's more

Now, I've been here before and while I haven't been impressed, it was ok. This time We went with a group from work for lunch. We called ahead to let them know we were coming in with a large party. We arrived and given there was only ONE server for the entire restaurant, we were assured there were two cooks. We arrived at 12:15. It is now 3:24 and I just got back to my office, located 5 miles away. When the waitress came around for drink orders we asked if she could do food orders at the same time. She refused. Drinks took 30 minutes. Then came the food orders. Two hours later food started trickling out, one burger at a time. Hotdogs took an additional 20 minutes. House salad (no meat, just iceberg lettuce and some tomatoes) another 5. DID I MENTION WE WERE THE ONLY PARTY IN THE WHOLE RESTAURANT at this point, and before that there was one guy at the bar, and another table of 3. Then, the bartender threw a stack of to-go boxes on our table and told us we could box our stuff up when it came. Then she proceeded to bring the bill, even though 3 people HAD NOT YET RECIEVED their food. When one of my coworkers refused to pay until he recevied his food (not that unreasonable a request, right? He just wanted to actually get something before he paid), the waitress exploded on him with nasty yelling. At that point we asked for the manager, who was not there. One of my other coworkers who had already paid but not gotten her food asked for her money back, (as we have now been out of work for close to 3 hours!) and THEY REFUSED eventhough SHE HAD NOT BEEN GIVEN FOOD. Finally a cook who must have heard the comotion and been embarrassed for the EXTREMELY rude bartender and waitress came out of the back and called the manager. After another 10 minutes, they finally got their money back. The manager never made the effort to come in and apologize, comp our food or drinks, NOTHING. These people do not care about customer service! Also noticed SANITARY GRADE was only 89! Don't EAT HERE more

I'v eonly been to Playmakers for karaoke which is run pretty well. Had a few times where I was never called as the list always seems to be way overcrowded. But that's fine because I'm not that good of a singer anyway. The layout of the place is a little strange. It feels more like a dance club than a sports bar with tight, angular pass throughs and steps. But the beer was cold, the staff was never rude (except for one who muttered something about a tip thinking I didn't hear him, I did) there was never a long wait at the bar, and the food was ok, not great, but passable. But there is something I should share and that has to do with the owner. I was alarmed when I checked my online account and say Playmakers had charged me twice, teh second charge was a total mystery. I called them in the afternoon to ask what that was about and whoever answered put me right through to the owner who took the time to explain that debit cards are automatically charged an extra amount and then refunded after the bill is paid. Not something I had heard of before. he assured me it was nothing to worry about and if the balance did not adjust within 24 hours to call him back and he would personally refund the difference himself. It all worked out but I was very impressed with the way he handled it. Taking the time to explain it and with courteous demeanor. THAT makes all the difference. So muttering, tip whining, bartender aside, I'll always go back. Pros: Good karaoke, lots of TVs, good social scene Cons: weird layout, so-so food, smart mouthed bartender. more

i have been to Playmaker for drinks before the games, and also just had a lunch recently. The pre-games event was pretty ok, but the lunch exprience is horrible. The waitress doesn't seem to know what to do, and the food seem like straight from the fridge. 2 bites for a $6.50 Pull Pork Sandwich. And, all the others has similar opinion about their food. If you have to go, please ask for the wait time for the food and also the quality before sitting down. Really wish you a good luck for having lunch there. more

Ignore what the citysearch is telling you, this bar/restaurant switched over to having servers cater to you at your table. Seat yourself, then get served. The bar staff is fun and relaxed, but they don't put up with BS or stupidity (which is probably what the last reviewer gave them). This is a great place to go out to eat with friends, grab a drink, sing karaoke, or kick back and enjoy the many TV's that are constantly playing sports. This bar also has UFC fight nights, with no cover charge and the best turnout I've ever seen. I highly recommend Playmakers to everyone in Raleigh. Pros: Service, bartenders, food (especially wings and appetizers), drink specials more

I've been to this bar a few times and everytime I went I was completely put off by the bartenders, not pleasent, to say the least and old.. How about something cute behind the bar instead of that old blonde bat. I tried to ask what was on tap, with an eye roll and groan she simply stared at me and yelled next.. I think she forgot she was in the customer service business. The servers are another thing.. I was knocked into repeatedly by them as I waited in line, not nice.. The regulars there are scary I have never been so put off.. I give this place two thumbs down.. The place is dirty and could use some upgrades. Just stay away. Pros: the deck more

I have been a regular of Playmakers for about 5 years and think is bar none the best karaoke/sports bar in the area. The karaoke is sure to entertain all with the highly entertaining host and singers. I am glad to say that the songs have been more crowd friendly for a while as many are steering away from downbeat songs and slow country. The bartenders and wait staff are excellent and build a genuine repoire with the customers. The drink specials are great and way less than what you would pay for one on Glenwood...who can beat a 23oz imported beer for less than $5 on Friday nights? Do yourself a favor, pay a visit and see for yourself. Pros: All around great bar for sports and karaoke Cons: I don't live there more

Went there Friday night for a friend of mines birthday and had so much fun. We wanted to go out without going to a dance club, and this was it!. I'm usually not into karaoke, but this was different. Everybody was friendly, and I didn't feel like I was in a "meat market". The singers were great, and the DJ was very entertaining. I would recommend this to anyone looking for the alternative to the typical club. Pros: good parking for a "downtown" club more

Great place to watch sports- and drink cold beer- the food isn't great, so Eat before you go and save your stomach. more

I love the karaoke at Playmakers. Yes, a lot of people sing, but that makes it more fun and who wants a one man show. I love the KJ he is so hilarious. Ignore the bad review below. I've never seen people sing multiple times while someone else doesn't get a turn, unless they are helping out their friend when it is their friend's turn. more

There are 8 huge TVs plus another 30 or 40 other tv. its the biggest sports bar i've ever seen! the bar itself takes up an entire wall! The bartenders there WORK HARD and do a great job. This place can get packed during football season and any State, UNC, Duke, or Hurricanes game. The drink specials are great too. on tuesdays you can get a 23 ounce budlight draft for $3. $3!! thats what you pay for a bottle in every other bar. they also have 35 cent wings on tuesday. try the wings and you'll see why they win Best Wings in the Triangle and other awards every year. They also have Karaoke a few nights a week, poker, and trivia too. Pros: Service!, Food!, Sports! more

I was there for 2 hours and I signed up to sing ONE measley song and didn't even get to do that, but yet there were other people, who obviously have nothing better, let me stop myself, anyway, these people got to go up and sing MULTIPLE times, I sat and waited patiently and they never called me to sing. This place is horrific and I will tell anyone who asks me that I'd rather sing karaoke in a graveyard, because at least then I would have the chance to accomplish the goal I went for in the first place. Cons: unfair more

The place is good if you just want to grab a couple of beers but don't plan on eating there, the food is horrible. The only eatable things on the menu are the chicken wings and the pork sandwich. The place has great potential if they would improve the food. Pros: Location, Beer selection, Outdoor patio Cons: Food, Food, Food more

This place has it all. When you walk in you see 8 or 10 HUGE (at least 10') screens on the side walls. and probably another 20-30 smaller televisions hanging all around the rest of the place. so no matter where you are you can see the action. They have a good sized menu for a bar. we had the wings, and i must say they were the best wings ive had in raleigh. im from buffalo ny, so i know about some wings. I cant wait to get back to try some other flavors. The bartenders were fast, curteous, and knew what they were doing, which is more than i can say for most bars in this area. They have huge 24 oz. drafts for you drinkers and your beer will not get empty before the staff offers you another. Overall, my favorite bar in raleigh! Pros: Lots of TVs, excellent bartenders, lots of bar seating more