Mini golf opens in downtown Raleigh (& right behind one of the biggest bars). Here’s where

The team behind the renowned downtown Raleigh Beer Garden , nationally recognized for its massive selection of brews on tap, has opened a new entertainment concept: Hop Shots Putt Putt .

The new putt putt place features an 18-hole miniature golf course . And it’s right behind one of the largest outdoor bars in Raleigh.

It’s the latest venue from Niall Hanley’s Hibernian Hospitality Group , a company that also operates Hibernian Irish Pub & Restaurant and Watts & Ward, among other destinations.

Here’s what to know about it.

What is Hop Shots Putt Putt?

Boasting an 18-hole course , along with foosball , ping pong and cornhole , Hop Shots Putt Putt is the latest entertainment concept to join downtown Raleigh. It’s open to people of all ages and can host private events, birthday parties and corporate outings, according to the venue’s website.

Hanley found inspiration for the miniature golf course from a friend of his who had a putting green installed at his home, he told The News & Observer. He saw a gravel-covered area at the back of the beer garden and thought it could use some sprucing up, so he decided to add an 18-hole course.

“I just thought it’d be a good addition to the back of the beer garden,” Hanley said.

Raleigh Beer Garden’s full food and drink menu is served. That means all 350-plus beers on tap, along with cocktails, liquor and wine. For food, Hop Shots guests can order salads, pizza, burgers, sandwiches and other dishes.

“A lot of families are coming out with their kids,” Hanley said. And with kids running around with mini golf clubs while parents have a drink, it’s like a “new age kindergarten.”

Where is Hop Shots Putt Putt?

The venue is an extension of Glenwood South’s Raleigh Beer Garden, located at 614 Glenwood Ave.

Other entertainment concepts in Raleigh

Hop Shots is among several businesses offering family-friendly activities that have recently opened — or announced plans to open — in Raleigh.

• Jaguar Bolera : The “eatertainment” venue opened at Raleigh Iron Works in May, featuring duckpin bowling, board games, dartboards, karaoke, foosball, and food and drinks. But the business plans to expand at Salvage Yard with a pickleball concept.
• Pins Mechanical Co. : Duckpin bowling, pinball, arcade games and ping pong will fill a 27,000-square-foot space at Seaboard Station. The concept, expected to open in winter 2025, will serve alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. This will be the company’s first Triangle location and its third for North Carolina.
• ParTee Shack : There’s already a ParTee Shack in Raleigh, but the company is adding two more in the city, both expected to open in early 2025. Each location offers different amenities, but current and future North Carolina sites offer food and drinks, mini golf, go-karts, laser tag, and arcade and virtual reality games.

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