Located at 105 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh, NC 27605, The Players Retreat stands as a significant landmark in the local culinary landscape. Often referred to by regulars simply as the PR, this establishment has cultivated a reputation for being more than just a place to eat; it is a community hub where history and modern hospitality intersect. For decades, the restaurant has served as a gathering spot for residents, students, and visitors alike, maintaining a consistent atmosphere that feels both familiar and welcoming. The architecture and interior design reflect a commitment to preserving the character of the neighborhood, providing a comfortable backdrop for those looking to enjoy a meal in a setting that values tradition and authentic human connection.
The philosophy behind The Players Retreat is rooted in the belief that a great dining experience is defined by the quality of the environment as much as the food itself. By focusing on a balanced approach to service, the establishment ensures that every guest feels acknowledged and comfortable from the moment they step through the doors. Whether you are visiting for a quiet lunch, a lively dinner with friends, or a casual afternoon break, the space is designed to accommodate a variety of social needs. The longevity of the restaurant is a testament to its ability to adapt to the changing times while remaining steadfast in its core values of reliability and warmth.
Key Features of the Experience
A Storied Atmosphere: The interior of the restaurant carries a distinct sense of history, offering a unique aesthetic that separates it from modern, sterile dining environments. It provides a cozy, inviting space that encourages conversation and relaxation.
Community-Centric Location: Situated in the heart of Raleigh, the location on Oberlin Road makes it an accessible destination for those navigating the city. Its proximity to local landmarks and residential areas reinforces its role as a neighborhood staple.
Consistent Service Standards: The staff at The Players Retreat prioritizes a friendly and efficient approach to hospitality. This focus on the guest experience ensures that the environment remains professional yet approachable for all patrons.
Timeless Appeal: By avoiding fleeting trends, the restaurant maintains a classic identity. This focus on enduring quality allows it to remain relevant across generations, serving as a reliable choice for those who appreciate a steady and high-quality dining experience.
Reflecting on a Raleigh Tradition
The Players Retreat continues to play an essential role in the social fabric of Raleigh. Its presence on Oberlin Road is not merely about providing a service, but about contributing to the ongoing narrative of the city. By fostering an environment that welcomes diverse groups of people, the restaurant has secured its place as a cherished local institution. For those seeking a dining experience that emphasizes comfort, history, and a genuine connection to the community, this establishment remains a noteworthy destination. As the city continues to grow and evolve, The Players Retreat stands as a reminder of the importance of maintaining spaces that prioritize character and consistent, thoughtful service.
Ultimately, the success of The Players Retreat can be attributed to its unwavering dedication to its guests. By focusing on the fundamentals of a good restaurant—a welcoming space, attentive service, and a commitment to the local community—it has managed to build a lasting legacy. Whether you are a long-time resident or a newcomer to the Raleigh area, the doors at 105 Oberlin Rd remain open to those who appreciate a dining experience defined by its history and its heart. It is a place where the simple act of sharing a meal becomes a meaningful part of the day, reflecting the very best of what local hospitality has to offer.
Amenities and More
Menus
Starters
Chicken Retreats$7.50
Cheese Fries$7.25
Chili Cheese Fries$8.25
Stuffed Jalapenos$7.25
Fried Mozzarella Sticks$7.50
Chili, Soups And Salads
Chili
Pr Brunswick Stew
Soup Of The Day
Spinach Salad$6.50
Caesar Salad
Chili, Soups And Salads - Salad Additions
Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast$3.50
Grilled Shrimp$4.50
Fried Oysters$6.00
Cheddar And Bacon$1.50
Sandwiches
Nc Pit Cooked Bbq Sandwich$6.25
Turkey Club$9.75
Roast Beef Club$10.75
Ham & Swiss Club$9.75
Chicken Club$9.75
Steaks/entrees
Hamburger Steak
Pork Chop
Grilled Marinated Chicken Breast$9.95
Danish Baby Back Ribs
Open Faced Roast Beef$12.95
Dessert
Undy Arms Sticky Toffee Pudding$5.95
Cheesecake$5.95
Chocolate Volcano$5.95
Key Lime Pie$5.95
Bourbon Pecan Pie$5.95
Photos
Reviews The Players Retreat
Crowbird
30-05-2026
What a great bar/restaurant for NCST! The vibe and ambience are top-notch!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Fran Seaman
30-05-2026
Edited to add, at the suggestion of my daughter, how good the mac and cheese is. We went yesterday and it was her first time going, and she's already asking when can we go back again! I had the turkey Sheila with chips, and my son had a … More
Misty
30-05-2026
Picked up dinner here and was really surprised, its a really cool little place and their burgers are really good! The chili was good but pretty spicy, a little too much for my taste but all around its a great place. More
Charles H
30-05-2026
** 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 … More
Jeff Cockman
30-05-2026
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. More
Elisa Mondragon
30-05-2026
Came here on a friend's recommendation and did not disappoint. Our server was friendly with the right amount of attentiveness, food was flavorful, and the whiskey selection was superb. If we lived in the area, we would be regulars. More
dan smith
30-05-2026
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 … More
Scott Frye
30-05-2026
So, first of all, it has been years since we have been here. They have the best chili cheese fries. It's my staple here. It didn't disappoint this time either. We decided to grab entrees as well. I got the fish and chips and my partner … More
Christopher Shaw
30-05-2026
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! More
Neha Patel
30-05-2026
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 … More
Pam Bridges
30-05-2026
There’s no place like the PR for lunch on a cold windy day in January. The food was delicious and the service was great. You can never go wrong at Player’s Retreat! … More
Dana D
30-05-2026
Vibes here are so fun. Beer specials, tons of TVs for hockey, basketball etc. Service is friendly and food was that bar style good. … More
Erik Gray
30-05-2026
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.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Burger, Fries, Hamburger
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Crowbird
30-05-2026
What a great bar/restaurant for NCST! The vibe and ambience are top-notch!
Food: 5…
More
Erik Gray
30-05-2026
The meat is ground on site and the burgers are fantastic. Order it medium rare with confidence. … More
Brooklyn Smith
30-05-2026
I'll give it a second chance one day but my first impression wasn't all that great. I met up with a friend for dinner on a relatively quite Tuesday night. It has a slight dive bar feel - which I love. I ordered a Pineapple Cider and our … More
MelissaCWilliams1
30-05-2026
Was my favorite place to go back when St. Mary’s was a Junior College. Loved the burgers and had my first legal beer there when I turned 18. The PR will always have a special place in my heart (and on my front porch)!! More
Robby Beamer
30-05-2026
Nice vibe with lots of TVs.. Onion rings are amazing. Good drink specials and friendly staff. We will be back.. Maybe tomorrow. More
Dwight H
30-05-2026
I’ve been here 3 times. 1st time, it was impressive. Burger was juicy and delicious. The 2nd time, it was decent. Today it was extremely disappointing. Ultra dry, and my waiter was checked out. I wish the consistency was tighter here. I’ll be avoiding for a while. More
Carlo Quagliaroli
30-05-2026
Good beer list. Drinks are good. It was busy and service was slow. I believe the kitchen was slammed or in the weeds since it took a long time for the food. The Rueben was greasy, soggy and the meat was hard, kind of burnt and salty. Stick … More
Keith
30-05-2026
This was our first time dining at this restaurant after hearing good things about the food and atmosphere. Overall, the experience was mixed. … More
Patrick Sullivan
30-05-2026
This was our first visit. It's one of the oldest restaurant bars in Raleigh. It has the feel and smell of an old time college bar, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. We stopped in to watch the Padres and Cubs game on the … More
Reviews The Players Retreat