Sip. Stroll. Socialize.

UPSocial transforms University Place into Chapel Hill’s most vibrant social district—where your favorite drink travels with you from bar to boutique, restaurant to live music, and everywhere in between.

UPSocial isn’t just about where you can take your drink—it’s about what you’ll discover along the way. Catch outdoor concerts under the stars. Browse local boutiques without rushing back to finish your cocktail. Settle into spontaneous conversations at community events. Dine al fresco, shop local, and relax with friends—all while enjoying your favorite beverage. This is University Place reimagined: a place where every corner invites connection and every visit brings something new.

So grab your favorite drink, wander a little longer, and discover what makes University Place Chapel Hill’s place to gather—cup in hand.

UPSocial Entertainment District Boundary

Rules and Requirements

1. Drinks may be carried and consumed only within the posted UP Social boundary, during posted hours.

2. Only beverages purchased from a participating, ABC-permitted restaurant on the property are allowed — no outside alcohol.

3. Finish or discard your drink before leaving the district, or before entering a business that doesn’t welcome outside cups.

4. By state law, one guest may be served up to two beer or wine drinks, or one drink containing liquor, at a time.

5. Drinks stay out of vehicles, including bikes and scooters, at all times.

Cup Requirements

Every drink leaving a participating restaurant travels in a cup that meets these specs, so ambassadors and neighboring businesses can recognize it at a glance.

Size: 16 fl oz maximum

Material: No glass, ever

Branding: UPSocial logo and participating restaurant logo

Required text: “Drink responsibly. Be 21.”

Code of Conduct: Link to Code of Conduct

A note on conduct: UPSocial is part of University Place’s actively monitored common areas. Property security patrols the district regularly, and we ask all guests to be respectful of others enjoying the space. Large groups gathering or loitering may be approached by staff, and management reserves the right to ask any individual or group engaged in disruptive behavior to leave the property

Drink Responsibly: Never drink and drive. Arrange rideshare or designated driver. Know your limits. Must be 21+ with valid ID

Participating Merchants

Order Here

stoney river steak house and grill
silverspot cinema
bartaco
hawkers asian street food

Drinks Welcome

fifth third bank
flying biscuit cafe
jewel recycle llc
swithz
hawkers asian street food
chapel hill tire

Not Participating

first horizon
fifth third bank
flying biscuit cafe
swithz
What is UPSOCIAL? 

UPSOCIAL is University Place’s designated outdoor consumption area where you can enjoy alcoholic beverages from participating restaurants while exploring our vibrant shopping and dining district.

How does it work? 
  1. Visit any participating UPSOCIAL restaurant
  2. Order your favorite alcoholic beverage for “to-go”
  3. Receive your drink in an approved UPSOCIAL container
  4. Enjoy your beverage anywhere within the marked UPSOCIAL boundaries
 Who manages UPSocial?

UP Social is managed by JLL on behalf of University Place ownership, which oversees signage, compliance, and coordination with the town of Chapel Hill. UP Social operates under a Common Area Entertainment Permit issued to University Place under N.C.G.S. § 18B-1001.5.

Which restaurants participate?

Look for the UPSOCIAL logo in restaurant windows or check website for most up-to-date information at [LANDING PAGE URL].

 What are the boundaries?

UPSOCIAL boundaries are clearly marked with signage throughout University Place. The UPSocial boundary runs from Stoney River Steakhouse,  to and including The Commons greenspace, down to SolidCore. View the full map at [LANDING PAGE URL].

 What are the hours?
  • Monday – Saturday: 10:00AM – 11:00PM
  • Sunday: 10:00AM – 11:00PM

UPSocial’s daily hours start at 10AM to accommodate Sunday brunch service, with standard rules in effect throughout. UPSocial hours reflect with the district is active – individual restaurant hours will vary. Please check with each restaurant for individual operating hours.

What can I drink? 

You may enjoy beer, wine, or mixed beverages purchased from UPSOCIAL participating restaurants. All drinks must be in approved UPSOCIAL containers.

How many drinks can I carry? 

Customers may not possess more than one alcoholic beverage in the common area at a time.

What do the containers look like?

All UPSOCIAL containers feature:

  • The UPSOCIAL logo
  • The name of the restaurant where purchased
  • “Drink Responsibly – Be 21” message
  • Maximum 16 oz capacity
  • Non-glass material
Can I bring my own alcohol? 

No. You may only possess and consume alcoholic beverages purchased from UPSOCIAL participating ABC- permitted venues within University Place, served in an official UPSocial cup within the designated area.

Can I take my drink to my car or outside UPSOCIAL? 

No. All open containers must be consumed or disposed of before leaving the designated UPSOCIAL area. Open containers are never allowed in a vehicle, including bikes and scooters. Disposal stations are located at all exit points.

What if I'm not sure if I'm still in UPSOCIAL?

Look for boundary signage throughout the district. If you’re unsure, ask any nearby retail employee or visit a participating restaurant. When in doubt, dispose of your beverage at the nearest station.

Can I take drinks into stores? 

That’s up to each individual business. Stores will display signage in their storefront windows indicating their policy. Please respect each business’s decision.

Is UPSOCIAL family-friendly?

Absolutely! UPSOCIAL is designed for the entire community. Adults can enjoy beverages responsibly while families shop, dine, and play together.

Are there ID checks? 

Yes. You must be 21+ and have valid ID to purchase alcoholic beverages. Participating restaurants will check ID at point of purchase.

What if I see someone violating the rules or need anything requiring on-site assitance?

For non-emergency concerns, please notify University Place security at (919) 428-6158. For emergencies, call 911.

Who do I call for more information about UPSocial?   

Management Office: (919) 945-1900 or email universityplace@jll.com

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