Heading to the Triangle area for Christmas. I'd be interested in any recommendations for good bars/breweries. Stuff in Raleigh and/or in striking distance of PNC Arena would be much appreciated, since I'm going to a Hurricanes game and that will be the day I'm most likely able to get away from the family and enjoy the local scene.
Not too much right next to PNC Arena. The arena itself has Lynnwood Brewing Concern, Deep River, Aviator, and possibly other local breweries represented. Your best bet will be Lynnwood Hop on Top, but beers at the arena cost $11 for a 20oz. Make sure you bring a few beers with you and enjoy them in the parking lot before the game! A few miles from the arena is Bond Brothers in Cary, and in the other direction you have Trophy Brewing in Raleigh (two locations, Maywood location for taps, Morgan St for pizza). Those are your best options!
Several bottle shops pretty close to PNC (5-10 minute drive) - Ridgewood, Bottle Rev, Wine 101. All three have their taplists on their websites and keep them updated. Take it easy on us, we need the points worse than your Bruins
$11 for 20oz is way better than the $12 for 8oz of Lebatt they sell us at the TD garden. Though to be fair, there is a beer garden with some better options upstairs now. Would probably be rooting your team if they were still the Whale. I'm more of a Hockey East fan anyway.
Oh, I almost forgot, Raleigh Brewing Company is not far from there either. Might be the closest of the bunch. They might have bottles of thier barrel aged Toll left. You do need to check that out if you like BA stouts!
From the PNC arena you would be approximately 15 minutes away from Sam's Bottle Shop in Durham as well, which might be your best bet when picking up locals. It's only a few minutes off of I-40 as well. Enjoy the area!
