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Chapel Hill’s University Place is opening an entertainment district called UP Social.
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Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 16, 21+ customers will be able to take alcohol beverages to-go and shop among participating stores in the development. Drinks can only be carried within the boundaries and posted hours of University Place, a mixed-use development for shopping, dining and recreation.
This will be the first of its kind in Chapel Hill.
“UP Social will support our restaurants, strengthen the center as a community gathering place and give guests a new way to dine, shop and spend time together,” Marni Sawicki, general manager at University Place, said. “Grab a cocktail, stroll through The Commons, catch a movie or window-shop your way through the plazas, all without setting your drink down.”
The entertainment district is similar to growing-in-popularity social districts. (Social districts are ordained by local governments, while University Place’s entertainment district is privately operated.)
Beer, wine and cocktails served in 16-ounce non-glass cups and sold at the participating stores bartaco, Silverspot Cinema, Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill and Hawkers Asian Street Food, will be allowed in stores with display signage in their storefront windows indicating their policy.
“We’re excited for guests to have the freedom to take their margarita beyond our patio and explore University Place,” Eric Carlson, general manager of bartaco Chapel Hill said.
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The concept is not new to the Triangle area. Downtown Raleigh, Village District, North Hills and Southpoint mall offer their own versions of the sip n’ stroll, or sip n’ shop model. While all are separate, there are similar guidelines to each. They all operate with heavy signage to let participants know its physical and retail boundaries.
All options maintain that drinks can only be in 16 ounce containers and follow the North Carolina law. Patrons are not allowed to bring their own liquor to the experience.
University Place’s UP Social will be available daily from 10 a.m to 11 p.m. but individual restaurant hours may vary. Storefront signage will identify how each University Place business participates:
The News & Observer recently reported on four new businesses joining the University Place development by the end of this year and beginning of the next. Barnes & Noble anticipates a mid-September opening, Postino Wine Café and Bliss Nail Spa are slated for the fall and TJX’s HomeSense is planned for spring 2027 next to the Barnes & Noble.
The N&O reached out to University Place but did not receive a response prior to publication.
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