Patio Season is Here: Your Guide to Summer at PR
The first day of summer is officially Friday, June 20, 2025, but let’s be real—around here, patio season kicks off the moment the sun’s out and the beer is cold. That’s why we’re rolling out your ultimate guide to summer at the Players Retreat—including the scoop on parking, patio seating, summer sips, seasonal eats, and more.
Whether you’re stopping by after work, pre-gaming before a game, or just looking to soak up some sun with a sandwich and a pint, we’ve got you covered.
🅿️ Parking Like a Pro
Parking in the city can be a headache, but we’ve got a few easy options for you:
- Roundabout parking lot – Yep, free.
- Street parking – Standard City of Raleigh meters out front and on the side streets.
Pro tip: If you’re coming on a weekend or game night, give yourself a few extra minutes to find a spot and enjoy the walk. Even smarter? Consider using a ride-sharing service so you can skip the parking stress altogether and enjoy that second margarita guilt-free.
🪑 Patio 101: Getting the Good Seat
While we can’t guarantee you a patio seat, you can make a reservation and note that you’d like to sit outside—we’ll do our best to make it happen.
Our patio is big, shaded with umbrellas, and equipped with TVs—perfect for catching the game or just the breeze.
💡 Hot tip: On beautiful days, the early bird gets the patio seat.
🍻 Hydrate Accordingly: Summer Drinks We Love
You can’t do summer without something cold in your hand. Fortunately, our bar doesn’t mess around. Here are some favorites to beat the heat:
🍺 Summer-Friendly Beers
Whether you’re into crisp lagers, fruity wheat beers, or something with a tropical twist, there’s a beer on our list calling your name. From our beer menu, these brews hit exceptionally well in warm weather:
- Crank Arm Rolling On Sunshine Fruited Wheat Ale (NC, 4.7%)
Light, fruity, and practically made for sipping in the sun. - Terrapin Watermelon Gose (GA, 4.5%)
Tart, juicy, and just the right amount of weird—in the best way. - HopFly Key Lime Pie Blender (NC, 6.5%)
A sour-sweet, dessert-in-a-glass situation. Like pie… but beer. - North Coast Scrimshaw Pilsner (NC, 4.5%)
Crisp, clean, and endlessly crushable. - Downeast Peach Mango Cider (MA, 6.0%)
Okay, not a beer—but it’s fruity, fizzy, and made for summer.
**Menu Items are Subject to Change Daily or Multiple Times a Day**
🍷 Wines to Sip on the Patio
- Lamberti Prosecco (Italy) – Bubbly and bright. The perfect way to start (or end) your patio hang.
- Valkenburg Riesling (Germany ‘19) – Light, a little fruity, and super refreshing—this one plays well with spicy dishes or just sunshine.
- Frenzy Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand ‘20) – Crisp, citrusy, and built for summer. If wine had a patio mode, this would be it.
- Lagaria Pinot Grigio (Italy ‘19) – Clean and crisp, with just enough zing. Ideal for sipping with salads, seafood, or a sandwich.
- Huber Sparkling Rosé (Austria) – A rosé with bubbles? Yes, please. It’s festive, flirty, and very much in season.
- Domaine Houchart Rosé (France ‘17) – Classic Provence rosé vibes—dry, elegant, and made for pairing with laughter and good company.
**Menu Items are Subject to Change Daily or Multiple Times a Day**
🍹 Summer Cocktails
Cool off with one of these favorites:
- Tequila Honeysuckle – Tequila, Honey, Lime, need we say more?
- PR Margarita – Bright, tart, and just the right amount of kick
- Dark & Stormy – Spicy ginger beer meets smooth dark rum
- Aperol Spritz – Light, bubbly, and not too sweet. The classic “it drink” for sunshine sipping.
Looking for something else? Our bartenders can mix up just about anything you’re craving, with a serious selection of vodka, tequila, scotch, whiskey, and more behind the bar. Just say the word.
And don’t forget—we’ve got daily drink specials, too!
🥪 Summer Food Vibes
You know what goes great with a summer drink? A seasonal bite. Here’s what we’re loving right now:
🌈 The LGBTQ+ Sandwich (June only!)
It’s back and giving back—layered with lettuce, guacamole, bacon, tomato, mayo, and queso fresco, on multigrain bread. 100% of proceeds from the LGBTQ+ sandwich will be donated to Equality NC—a local organization doing critical work to build a more inclusive, safe, and equitable North Carolina for LGBTQ+ people.
🍗 Other Summer-Worthy Eats
When the sun’s out, your appetite should be too. Here are a few Player favorites that hit just right in the warmer months:
- PR Salad – Start light (or level up with grilled chicken, shrimp, fried oysters, or anchovies). Bacon and cheese make it anything but boring.
- House-Made Chicken Salad – A simple classic that hits the spot. Served with saltines for nostalgic, no-frills charm.
- Turkey Sheila – Turkey, bacon, provolone, and all the fixings. You’ll be a fan before the last bite.
- Wolfpack Burger – Slaw. Chili. Mustard. One of the best burgers in Raleigh—officially. Add a side of homemade chips and thank us later.
- Wings – Tossed in PR or Buffalo sauce with your choice of blue cheese or ranch. Great for sharing… or not.
Prefer handhelds, crave something hearty, or sticking to salad? There’s something on the menu for every summer mood.
🌞 Final Thoughts: Come Hungry, Come Thirsty, Come Often
The only thing better than summer in Raleigh is summer at PR. Whether you’re here for a quick drink, a full meal, or just to enjoy the sunshine with friends, we’re always glad to see you.
See you soon on the patio! 🍻