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Each month my wife and I have dinner out with another couple. We pick different restaurants to visit. Since the new Hibernian Pub on FON is very close to our house and neither of use had been we picked it. My wife and I arrived at 5:55pm....the parking lot is very small and was of course full. Cars were parked along the curb, in front of Tookies,everywhere. After 5pm, Hibernian customers can park in the far back lot of the other business. Luckily, there was one spot in the back corner and we got it. There were 3 other cars lined up sitting/looking for parking. We entered Hibernian and was promptly seated in a booth for 4. We also noticed a sign on the door warning Hibernian customers not to park in Bent Tree Plaza (Kroger parking lot) next door or they would be towed. We ordered drinks are were waiting for the other couple to arrive. At 6:20pm, they called informing us they had been in the parking lot for 10 mins. waiting/looking a place to park. 10 mins later they call back to tell us they were at Kroger, telling us they were going to park there and walk to Hibernian. We then informed them of the towing sign on the door. At that time, we decided to give up on Hibernian and go to the Village Grill at Lafayette Village. As we left there were 4 cars sitting in the parking lot waiting for parking, with one following us to our spot. When inside I noticed many servers, bartenders,etc....I wonder where they are parking.
While waiting, I walked through the restaurant. It is really big and nice with more tables/seating than the old Duffy's had. I saw several empty tables....empty tables inside, with no parking outside go figure. Obviously, Hibernian has more seating than the parking lot will accommodate. We will try again at a later date, hoping the "new" will wear off and be less crowded.
The real problem for the Hibernian is that when customers can't get in, the place isn't making money. I thought the parking lot was small, and the location isn't really conducive to walking, so it just keeps people from spending money there.
The real problem for the Hibernian is that when customers can't get in, the place isn't making money. I thought the parking lot was small, and the location isn't really conducive to walking, so it just keeps people from spending money there.
I agree. We were not the only customers we saw leaving either. Hibernian should work out some deal ($$$) with Bent Tree Plaza to allow parking in their big lot. That is the closest option for overflow parking. The other option is park at Lafayette Village and walk through the two convenient store lots to Hibernian.
Sounds like a pretty typical evening of dining out in "downtown" Chapel Hill, but for the fact that your car hadn't already been towed by the time you stepped off the lot. The lack of parking for businesses that obviously require it drives me crazy.
We went recently and got lucky. The parking lot was packed but the Hibernian wasn't. I don't know what they can do really. Those dentists must hate having them there. Maybe if they move out, that building can be replaced with a parking garage.
Sounds like a pretty typical evening of dining out in "downtown" Chapel Hill, but for the fact that your car hadn't already been towed by the time you stepped off the lot. The lack of parking for businesses that obviously require it drives me crazy.
Really? Chapel Hill is the most walkable town/city and has the best bus services in the Triangle. How many businesses in downtown can there be that "require" parking?
I often use the gas station next to the new Hibernian, and each time I see that the Hibernian's lot is full, with people looking for spots. This area also is quite commercial, with lots of cars at relatively fast speeds pulling into and out of lots, etc. Not an ideal spot to go for a walk.
Saw this on Hibernian FB page...
Wyatt:
You are aware that your customers cars are being towed who park in the shopping center across the street arent you? The Shopping Center owner has tow trucks towing at $125 per tow.
Hibernian:
We actually have a sign posted at our door that we don't have an agreement with Bent Tree Plaza. We're trying to work something out with neighboring lots. We'll let you know when we have something worked out.
Chapel Hill is the most walkable town/city and has the best bus services in the Triangle. How many businesses in downtown can there be that "require" parking?
I live 4 miles north of Franklin Street, so I can't really walk there for dinner. And I'm certainly not taking my wife on a dinner date to Elaine's (or other W. Franklin restaurants) on the bus.
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The lack of parking for businesses that obviously require it drives me crazy.
