Rookie's Sports, Food & Spirits is a sports bar in Durham, NC. Open: Mon–Wed 4:00 – 11:00 PM; Thu 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Fri–Sat 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Sun 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 – 11:00 PM. Phone: (919) 474-8833. Average rating is 4.0 stars from 1,337 reviews. Website: https://rookiessportsbars.com/.

Exterior view of Rookie's Sports, Food & Spirits restaurant.

4.0 1,337 reviews Today 4:00 – 11:00 PM

Durham's Game Day HQ Since 2013

Great food, cold drinks, live entertainment, and every game on the screen at RTP's favorite sports bar.

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About Us

A view of the bar area with TVs showing sports. — Rookie's Sports, Food & Spirits — A view of the bar area with TVs showing sports.

Sports fans built Rookie's Sports, Food & Spirits, and that origin story shows in every corner of the place. Since opening the RTP location in 2013, this has been the go-to spot for Triangle locals who want a real bar experience: a room full of TVs tuned to the game, a crowd that actually cares about the outcome, and food worth ordering again.

Sit down, pull up a stool, or grab a table. The atmosphere delivers on all fronts, from pool to a sound system that earns its keep on Friday nights when the DJs take over. Trivia, Music Bingo, and Karaoke nights fill out the weekly calendar for those who want more than just background noise with their beer.

Conveniently located off Central Park Drive near RDU and a stretch of hotels, Rookie's draws a mix of regulars, traveling professionals, and first-timers looking for a solid meal and a cold drink before or after a flight. With over 1,300 Google reviews averaging four stars, the reputation speaks for itself.

What We Offer

Rookie's keeps it straightforward: dine in at the bar, order online for takeout, or let the team handle your next event through catering. The dine-in experience is the full package, food, drinks, and entertainment under one roof with enough screens that you will never miss a play.

Live entertainment runs throughout the week. Trivia nights, Music Bingo, and Karaoke give regulars something to look forward to beyond game day. Friday nights step it up with DJ sets that turn the bar into a proper going-out destination.

Online ordering makes it easy to bring the food home when you can't make it in. And for private events, corporate gatherings, or group celebrations, the catering service extends the Rookie's experience beyond the four walls of the bar.

Why Choose Us

Founded by sports fans in 2013, Rookie's has been Durham's game-day destination for over a decade.

Dozens of TVs mean you'll always have the perfect view of whatever game matters most to you.

Live entertainment every week: Trivia, Music Bingo, Karaoke, and Friday night DJ sets keep the energy high.

Strategically located near RDU and major hotels, making it the easiest pre- or post-flight stop in the Triangle.

Online ordering and full catering services bring the Rookie's experience to your home or your next event.

Over 1,300 Google reviews and a 4.0 rating back up what regulars already know: this place delivers.

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Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

“Wings good, buffalo chicken dip with pita points very good. No sweet tea. Nice atmosphere with pool table, music, lots of tvs.”
— Dave Butler

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

⭐ Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️

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2 months ago

"Wings good, buffalo chicken dip with pita points very good. No sweet tea. Nice atmosphere with pool table, music, lots of tvs."

— Dave Butler

⭐⭐

4 months ago

"Rookie sport bar was okay. My spouse's wings were not up to par, they did not have the flavor that he was looking for just seems like they poured sauce on top of them. My cheesesteak was pretty decent however our waitress fell to come to us more than three times. We asked for a box three times and never receive one. When I did go to the bar to order another round of drinks I found that gratuity of 20% was added for anybody that was one party or more which is outrageous when normally it's a party of six or more before there's a mandatory gratuity. A random bartender walked around and asked if we needed a box we said we had asked for a box she said well you didn't ask for a box from me which was very unprofessional. This was our first time at this establishment and it will be our last. The manager tried to make it right by offering drinks and offering for us to come back the next day to take care of our bill but it only takes one time. I will say the music was good though and the DJ was decent. Hope this helps."

— LJ Hutchins

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6 months ago

"The best Bar in Durham/Raleigh. Great food. Kind service. Best Djs on a Friday night!!! Did i say the food was great. Plus its near the airport and multiple hotels so it's a great place to eat and watch sports if you are in town for a little while."

— Jeremiah Davis

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Rookie's hours?

Rookie's is open seven days a week. Monday through Wednesday 4:00 to 11:00 PM, Thursday 4:00 PM to midnight, Friday and Saturday midnight to noon and again 4:00 PM to midnight, and Sunday midnight to noon and 4:00 to 11:00 PM.

Does Rookie's offer takeout or online ordering?

Yes. You can place an order online for takeout directly through the Rookie's website at rookiessportsbars.com.

Does Rookie's do catering?

Rookie's offers catering services for events and group occasions. Reach out through their website for details on availability and options.

What kind of entertainment does Rookie's have?

Rookie's hosts live entertainment throughout the week including Trivia nights, Music Bingo, and Karaoke. Friday nights feature DJ sets that make it a full going-out experience.

Where exactly is Rookie's located?

Rookie's is at 4911 Central Park Drive, Durham, NC 27703, close to RDU Airport and several area hotels, making it easy to find whether you're a local or just passing through.

Is Rookie's good for watching sports?

Absolutely. Rookie's was started by sports fans specifically to create a great TV sports viewing environment. The bar is stocked with multiple screens so you can follow multiple games at once.

How has Rookie's been rated by customers?

Rookie's holds a 4.0 out of 5 rating based on over 1,300 Google reviews, with customers frequently praising the atmosphere, entertainment, and friendly service.