The Most Flavorful Music Venues in Raleigh

Wicked Witch

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (6)

"Very cool little club above a tattoo parlor, coffee shop, and another bar. The serve alcohol. The show I attended was 21+ and they card...and I'm old so they carding everybody."

Milk Bar

★★☆☆☆ 2.1 (83) • $$

"Milk Bar is the spot that used to be Cashmere and the failed Duel Ultra Nightclub which was aired on Bar Rescue. The name is because the space is located in The Creamery. Our bartender, I believe her name was Jess, was awesome. A few of my favorite cocktails were the Raspberry Collins, Bourbon Smash, Sun-Kissed Ginger and Southside Ricky with strawberries instead of cucumber. Plus, you get complimentary popcorn!Bring coins or cash to play skee ball and pool to pass time. I really enjoyed my experience here and will definitely return."

Slim's Downtown Distillery

★★★★☆ 3.9 (35) • $

"You will not find hand-blended 'mixologist' cocktails with farm-to-table ingredients, elegant art openings, or the soft strains of delicate chamber music at Slim's. If classy or fashionable is what you want, take your pick from any number of venues downtown. You want old school dive bar goodness with simple drinks at simple prices, varied niche bands from post punk pop to black metal, and an equally interesting assortment of regulars? You got it. Come for the no-nonsense bartenders; stay because you spent as much on drinks as you would at a stylish 'craft' bar but got twice as much for your money and the Uber isn't here yet."

Woodys Sports Tavern & Grill

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (206)

"I read that they had great wings here. We finally went this last weekend and I am pleased! We got a burger, fries, and the garlic wings. I wish they were saucier, but I can't wait to try their other styles. The oil they fry them was SO clean! You can tell by the taste! The fries are amazing and we even liked the queso. I did not expect to! They are not breaded, thank goodness and I really was a fun lively atmosphere.This location even had some fun outdoor space and lawn games!!"

Oasis At Carr Mill

★★★★☆ 3.8 (42) • $

"The decor of this place is adorable, you can literally spend hours studying or working in one of the big pillows on the floor, but coffee wise -- not good. I ordered a double espresso, and I know we cannot rely on American coffee but this was just strange, I was served two espresso shots into two different cups. My friend ordered a smoothie, that was certainly a better choice. They have WiFi and a few books to be bought at the store."

Koka Booth Amphitheatre

★★★★☆ 3.5 (126) • $$

"Koka Booth is a beautiful outdoor venue. I have not attended a concert here but did attend the Chinese Lantern Festival in 2021 and enjoyed how spacious this venue is. I enjoyed some spiked hot chocolate from the concession stand and watched the traditional performances during the festival at the main stage. I look forward to attending a concert here in the near future."

Niche Wine Lounge

★★★★☆ 3.7 (80) • $$

"Nice spot to lounge and have a few glasses of wine. Fully stocked bar. It's not just wine. They also serve cocktails. Anthony explains the wine selection options. This helped me make a decision on the Pinot Noir. It does not get rowdy or too crowded in here. It's just a little off my normal beating path and a cool spot for a chill night. I look forward to coming back."

Lincoln Theatre

★★★★☆ 3.6 (95)

"Lincoln Theatre is located in Downtown Raleigh on the corner of Cabarrus and Blount. Lincoln is a small classic theatre that is only standing room. It provides an intimate environment to indulge in a music artist. The sound quality was excellent. You feel immersed in the music. There are very few small tables on the balcony level, so arrive early. There are similar small venues like Lincoln in New York City. I visited for the first time to see the very talented and vivacious Durand Bernarr. He has performed background vocals for R&B and Soul greats like Erykah Badu & Anderson Pak. After watching his NPR Tiny Desk, I was convinced I needed to attend his Wanderlust tour. This was his first show in North Carolina. Tickets were affordable for a steal at $20 online. We arrived just before 7:00 at opening. The line had already wrapped around Blount St into the parking lot. The staff was organized and managed the crowd effortlessly. We headed to the bar for drinks and there were no lines. We found our spots on the lower level closest to the stage and awaited the start of the show. Durand's opening act was singer Jeronelle. He brought a lot of energy and vocal range. The show featured so many layers of this man's talent. Durand showcased all of his talents premiering a DJ set during the show, showcasing lyrical skills and his wide vocal range. The audience was so engaged during the show and the participation from fans really made the experience intimate. Durand also celebrated a birthday so it made the show extra special. I haven't danced and sung at a show like this since high school and college. Durand Bernarr exceeded my expectations. When you search the word show in the dictionary, his face and name should appear. I would definitely return to see another show."

The Pinhook

★★★★☆ 3.5 (69) • $

"A bit cool, a bit hip and very comfortable, the Pinhook is a great little venue to hang out and maybe catch some music! I stopped in a for an art show last night and was surprised at the space. Not much to look at from outside, the Pinhook is long and deep with three separate areas. Up front you've got the pool table and couches, in the middle a smallish bar, and in back the stage and some more seating. Reminds me a bit of the Pourhouse but with a more hipster, arty crowd. Music posters and bills line the walls in various places including the restrooms. They had a drag-fest going on last night which would probably be a little out of place in Raleigh. However after spending some time in this area, I can safely say that Durham does it a bit dirtier then its more conservative sister city across the Triangle! So the crowd was really mixed (figuratively and literally) last night. Mixed gender-wise, lifestyle-wise and across the color barrier, so a thumbs up there. If I were younger and lived in the hood I'd probably pop in here from time to time because it's a reasonably mellow meeting spot and bar. All y'all Durham-ites, enjoy the place for what it is, an interesting little music club that brings in all types!"

Loafers Beach Club

★★★★☆ 3.7 (9)

"I just finished Beginner Shag Lessons last night at Loafers and it was a great experience. Mike and Barb do an excellent job of teaching in a very relatable manner. Class is on Tuesdays for 4 weeks for an hour per session. Although I have two left feet, I learned enough to be able to fumble through with a patient partner. The most positive aspect of shagging is the people. Great Bunch. The club itself is located off Wake Forest Road heading into Raleigh, and is readily accessible. You have to be a Member (included in your fee for classes $40. No brainer), and they have events Wed-Sunday. Good size dance floor, and ample seating, with bars located both inside and out. It is a good way to meet new people, dance, and enjoy Beach Music. Come on out and try it!"

Motorco Music Hall

★★★★☆ 3.8 (183) • $

"I always have a good time at Motorco! It's always pretty crowded, but I never mind. The food is great and the bartenders were really nice, they were more than happy to make me a few mocktails. I've attended a few concerts here and love the bench seating on the side when I wanted to get away from the crowd. They host a lot of different events, if you're ever looking for a night out!"

Cat's Cradle

★★★★☆ 4.1 (150)

"I saw Sleepytime Gorilla Museum here last week. This venue is amazing. I've been to dozens and dozens of venues in lots of different states and countries and this is one of my all time favs. People who live near this are super lucky. Great line of site and layout. Bathrooms in sensible place. There are great prices at the bar (cash only... there's an ATM inside as well as a BoA ATM about 2 blocks away). The venue looks nice and well-kept. Great lighting and sound. It seriously sounded unbelievably good. The location was also amazing. Particularly for out of towners, but there's a huge parking garage (that's also shared with a good hotel practically next door). Lots of bars to visit nearby and a great brewery with good food (Haw River). If I weren't leaving the southeast soon I'd be willing to travel here regularly and wish I'd gotten to more than once."

Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

★★★☆☆ 2.6 (152) • $$$

"Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek exceeded all my expectations! The recent concert experience was simply unforgettable, thanks to the incredible lineup. Lauren Alaina, the opener, set the stage on fire with her energetic and engaging performance, getting the crowd pumped up for the main event. And what can I say about Pentatonix, the closer? Their harmonies were nothing short of magical, and the energy they brought to the stage was infectious. They truly know how to put on a show that leaves you wanting more.But it wasn't just the performers that made the night exceptional. The service provided by the crew was outstanding. From the moment I entered the venue, the staff was friendly and accommodating, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees. Their organization and attention to detail were apparent throughout the event, making everything run seamlessly. Kudos to the crew for their hard work and dedication to creating an unforgettable concert experience. Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek is undoubtedly a top-notch venue where great music and exceptional service come together for an unforgettable night."

Arcana Bar and Lounge

★★★★☆ 4.1 (57) • $$

"Really love this cozy queer-friend spaceBut, it is expensive ($17 for a cocktail in Durham). And the space itself just not accessible to folks with mobility issues (stairs to a basement) or the immunocompromised. There is zero ventilation here with a low ceiling, and on crowded nights it is shoulder to shoulder - it is moist and sticky. A couple of stand-alone air filters would help, but they don't even have fans. And it is incredibly loud. This all wouldn't be a big issue if there was an outside area, but there is no where to get a break from the crowd and noise. I like the idea of the event nights that they have there, but the space just isn't conducive to it, so I tend to go occasionally during down nights instead"

Meymandi Concert Hall

★★★★☆ 4.4 (21) • $$$

"We are all entitled to our own opinions, right? Well here's mine:Parking: 4Location: 5Decor/ambiance: 5Customer Service: 5Meymandi is one of my favorite concert venues in the area! Talk about class... you will find it here. This is probably one of the classiest concert venues in the area. Parking is normally ok downtown just be prepared to pay a decent penny to park. The location is perfect. After a show, its within walking distance to so much. The decor is probably my favorite part about this place. I love the grand entrance. Its drop dead gorgeous. The service from people working events is normally spot on! Be sure to see one of the Christmas plays/shows that take place during the holiday! You won't be disappointed!"

Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

★★★★☆ 4.2 (88) • $$

"I had the pleasure of taking a behind the scenes tour of Raleigh Memorial Auditorium inside the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. We got to see the set of Mary Poppins and meet some of those that put on the show from hair and makeup to the sound. We also saw some of the performers.The venue seats of 2369 and was once used for basketball games. There are photos online if you look for them. they kept the upper seats on the sides from the basketball years. The tour was a special experience after watching the amazing production. The staff was informative and friendly."

Terminal 8 Bar Lounge

★★★★★ 5 (5)

"Terminal 8 is my hump day happy hour destination. Terminal 8 hosts City Soul Cafe's open mic night every Wednesday night at 8:30. A friend suggested the event to me and I'm a fan. There are so many talented spoken word artists that grace the stage every week. I love this venue because it is modern, brand new and the bartenders are excellent. There is ample lot parking, and the drink specials are excellent. Consistently strong and worth your dollar. There is plenty of comfortable seating and I love the decor. Sometimes they serve food and outside food has been allowed. There is also a calzone restaurant next door. Make this your hump day destination."

The Backyard Bar

★★★★☆ 3.7 (3)

"If I took a star off it'd have to be bc the bathroom doesn't have push locks. I need to drunkenly be coordinated to turn the tiny lock horizontal to keep other patrons from gettin a look-see. And the hot water wasn't instantly hot . (lol c'mon).It is a great new place. comfy couches & chairs. Great Indian food truck! Guiness on tap & other top draughts. Wine selection. Rotating 2nd food truck. outdoor music. Outdoor fireplace w chairs. Great place to bring friends, make friends, or be a friend."

Peak Of The Vine

★★★★★ 4.7 (18)

"This is one of my new favorite spots in Apex. This wine bar had a great selection of wine and a good amount of seating available both inside and outside. In addition to wine you can order beer. I liked that the wine options were visible on the board along with the prices. All of the staff members were friendly but we mainly were helped by Kevin and he was awesome. Check out their website and/or social media pages to see what events are going on each day. I (and my husband) can't wait to return."

Kings

★★★★☆ 3.7 (40) • $

"Kings is a pretty cool venue. Located on the second floor, there's a bar, stage, and plenty of room to move around. Acoustics are pretty good too."

Farotage Lounge

★★★★☆ 4 (11)

"I enjoyed our evening here and the DJ was excellent in the Reggae room. There was a nice selection of Hip Hop and old school reggae in abundance. I enjoyed the mature crowd who attended and how polite and in high spirits the men and women were. The night club was very well kept, but has a very cheesy ambiance with several laser lights, disco balls, cheap furniture and flat screens. Security was professional and really ran a tight ship. I felt safe in this environment. I felt the $20 admission was a joke for the lack of seating throughout the night club. After all this is located in the international strip mall. This dollar amount needs to be revisited. The bartenders here also need to attend school. The drinks are very weak for what you pay for. Who can't make a sex on the beach ? If the admission were free, I would definitely return to enjoy the DJ who spins for the reggae room."

The Ritz

★★★☆☆ 2.8 (189) • $$$

"I love the Ritz. It's my favorite venue in the area hands down. The sound is great, they get incredible artists, the air circulation is fantastic and I love that there are options to upgrade into seats if you don't want to be on the floor. Being a live nation venue they have pretty standard concessions, the staff are consistently friendly and quick. It's $14 to park across the street and they have a clear bag policy."

Durham Performing Arts Center

★★★★☆ 4.4 (291) • $$

"I can't say for sure that I'm DPAC's biggest fan, but if not, I have to rate up in the top few, as I've been coming for years and been a season member of their broadway series for years as well. All I can say is I recommend anything and everything if you love live entertainment. Having experienced many other theaters, I can heartfully say this is the best venue we've ever experienced anywhere overall. They do truly care and strive to give us the best theater experience possible. I truly believe that. TIP: Don't wait until the last moment to show up! You will need to park, walk to the venue, go through security, etc. Allow time and it will be much more enjoyable. There are tables on the second floor to lounge around and enjoy munchies and drinks, but there aren't many of them. It would be great if they had more as you won't get them if you don't get there super early.Do know it's important to follow the rules. Do not ever attempt to take a partially filled sippy cup of alcohol out of the theater. Ever. You will be treated like a criminal. So do not order anything you can't drink during the performance. Believe me I learned this one the hard way.Most importantly be prepared. Biggest frustration for us after covid is online tickets. No problem for most, but for those of us with androids it's not been easy. Try to figure it out before you go and if all else fails, know they are there for you to help out when you get there.I cannot be more grateful for this venue that they continue to bring the best and highest quality shows and talent to our area. They hire amazing people who will brighten your day with their greetings and caring."

The Blue Note Grill

★★★★☆ 4 (239) • $$

"We enjoyed our time at The Blue Note Grill in downtown Durham. I think the food is three stars (okay), but the live music, laid-back atmosphere, and friendliness of both the staff and the patrons bumps this business up to four stars (good) for me. Barbecue, ribs, and music succinctly sums this place up.We ended up here because we were looking for a barbecue restaurant in Durham that was open for dinner on a Wednesday night after 8:00pm. There weren't many options. We didn't know about the live music aspect of The Blue Note Grill until we arrived. This place is popular.We showed up and checked in around 6:45pm. They don't take reservations. We were told the wait would be about 30 minutes and I was given a pager. The estimated wait time was pretty much spot-on as we were seated around 7:15pm.On a Wednesday night, we were told the main indoor dining room and bar - the one with the stage and live music - was full. If we wanted to sit in there, there would be a $5 cover charge per person. Our other options were the fully-enclosed patio and the open-air patio. I asked if I could see all three options before making a decision and one of the staff obliged.I ended up choosing the open-air patio for our small group of three because: (1) We wanted to catch up and the music was too loud inside. Sitting inside is for those who primarily want to enjoy the music. (2) The enclosed patio was actually warmer and stuffier than the open-air patio. We ended up liking the open-air patio, even though we had to deal with flies and mosquito bites, because we could hear each other easily and still enjoy the live music coming from the inside. The patio was decorated with plants and string lights. It had picnic tables, most of which were covered by umbrellas. We got the only table that was under a canopy.By the way, I also noticed another indoor dining room called the "Rib Room." It's to your right upon entering. There was no one in there and it appeared to be closed. Maybe they didn't have enough staff to open that room.The night of our visit, it was "Brett's Open Mic," 7-10pm. "Brett" being Brett Chambers, who's been doing Open Mics since September 1996. Go to https://www.thebluenotegrill.com/events to see all upcoming events. According to The Blue Note Grill's website, they've been around since 2010 and moved to their current location at 709 Washington St in June 2015. They have live music nightly, Tuesday-Saturday. They're closed Sunday and Monday.The business is located on the northern edges of Durham's Central Park and Warehouse District neighborhoods. The building is old. Free parking is located next to and behind the building by an old wooden train trestle bridge and some defunct oil tanks. I'm not sure what was here before. Be careful pulling into and out of the parking lot because the ramp from the street was very steep. Sitting on the patio, we heard many cars hit and scrape the curb/driveway. The ramp needs to be redone/regraded.Along with barbecue, The Blue Note Grill serves burgers, sandwiches, chili, Brunswick stew, wings, barbecue/Southern sides, appetizers like crispy pickle fries and deviled eggs, and desserts like banana pudding and chocolate lava cake.Here's what we got:* Redneck Cheese Fries ($9.99) with Pickled Jalapenos (+$1.00) - French fries smothered with melted housemade pimento cheese, served with ranch dressing* Alaska Wild Wings ($9.99) - eight fried pollock bites with sweet red chili sauce and tartar sauce* Baby Back Ribs Full Rack ($31.99) with hush puppies, fried okra, and housemade coleslaw* Baby Back Ribs Half Rack ($19.99) with hush puppies, substitute salad (+$2.00), and fried okra* Pulled Pork BBQ Plate ($13.99) with hush puppies, collards, and green beans sauteed in bacon and onionsOverall, I thought the food was fine. Nothing stood out as either great or bad. My wife enjoyed the Redneck Cheese Fries more than I did. The ranch dressing was a nice touch. I liked the Alaska Wild Wings. They were crispy and boneless. They also came with celery and carrot sticks. The Baby Back Ribs were a bit too tough and chewy. However, the portion size was generous. The Pulled Pork was OK. In general, I think it and the sides lacked a bit of seasoning and flavor. The salad was fresh and came with onion, cheese, tomatoes, and carrots. The fried okra was yummy.The condiment basket included two kinds of barbecue sauces, Eastern NC (thinner, more vinegary) and Western NC (thicker, sweeter).Our server Kai S was great. He was funny and did a nice job. The other staff was great as well, including the hostess/manager. Despite a busy night, all of our food came out fast.There was a scan-QR-code-to-pay option on the receipt. I usually prefer this over using my physical card, but The Blue Note Grill uses Heartland Payment Systems who makes you download/install their app, sign up, and then pay. I didn't have time for that and paid with card instead. From a guest experience, Toast is better."

Red Hat Amphitheater

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (135) • $$

"I gotta say, I loved seeing a concert at Red Hat Amphitheater. First off, parking is so easy! Between the deck and the parking lots all around downtown, it really is not hard to find parking. I also appreciate that with all the options for parking it doesn't take you an insane amount of time in traffic once you leave the show. Security was easy and they had plenty of staff working. Of course the drinks and food are insanely priced, I would expect no less considering it's a concert venue. I appreciate how they let you bring in one sealed water bottle. The seating options are easy to figure out and overall there really isn't an awful seat in the place. I look forward to seeing another show here, I know the Amphitheater is moving so I'm sure the next rendition will be even better."

Back Then Bar and Grill

★★★★☆ 3.9 (64) • $$

"Back Then Bar and Grill was a good option for lunch. My mom and I both started off with a beer then it was the BLT with tater tots for me and the champagne chicken for her. The food and service were both good. I will definitely be returning to try more of their menu items soon."

Farmers and Merchants

★★★★☆ 4.1 (21)

"Happy to see Farmers and Merchants reopen! Daily special today was tacos and margarita for $12. We had the brisket and fish tacos, both were delicious. Tacos came with queso with corn, guacamole that we ordered be placed on the side, and chips. You have your option of margaritas, we started with a classic and then tried the pineapple and blueberry flavors. All very good. This is a cute restaurant with exposed brick and large windows. Staff was attentive and helpful . Welcome back F&M!"

The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (78) • $

"Entering the Pour House is an experience of its own, you'll walk down a narrow, brick alleyway and enter a dark and somewhat dungy bar/music space. The Pour House isn't much to look at, but it's one of the OG's of music halls in downtown Raleigh. Feeling a bit too crowded downstairs? Head up to the balcony for pool and a view of the band. The Pour House typically has smaller known bands coming through, but they're always participating in downtown festivals and events. Pretty decent drink specials, and are sure to draw a local crowd. It's a good venue for locals to check out but probably wouldn't go out of my way for a show here if I was visiting the area."

HomeSlice Tavern

★★★★☆ 4.2 (14)

"Bottom line: HomeSlice Tavern is a pretty nice place to grab a drink in Youngsville. Attractive aesthetics, spacious indoor and outdoor areas, and good service. The Deets:I got to try out the new HomeSlice Tavern up in Youngsville during their soft opening period recently. First of all, the aesthetics are what draw you in...a neatly renovated house with an inviting open door (see the pics I nabbed). Inside is a good open space with tables, the bar, and a large access to the outside area in back. There are a few electronic games available to play inside and a electronic jukebox on the wall near the bar. Mentioning the bar, a full bar awaits on the right when entering the front with one end of it adjacent to the outside area...and that outside area! Large, well groomed, with picnic tables/high tops to use but a very wide open enough space to enjoy (again, check those pics out I made). I noted a food truck at the very back of this open outside space, which I overheard one of the bartenders tell a patron that would be serving pizza starting a bit later in the month (May 2023). The bar has a good variety of alcohol/beer/wine with a small dedicated cocktail menu (possible suggestion...?maybe some "zero proof" alcohol choices and sugar free Red Bull to go with the regular Red Bull choice?). The bartenders were nice and attentive during my visit with good service, and as the afternoon went on there was a fairly good crowd building up to check out the place. My first impressions of HomeSlice Tavern are good ones, and I will hopefully enjoy more visits here in the future."

Tin Roof

★★★☆☆ 2.8 (108) • $$

"Don't kid yourself and think your going to get anything other than frozen & reheated whatever.If you want to listen to Live music and maybe never discovered artist any day of the week this is the place. Eat before you arrive and drink while you listen to maybe the next discovered artist or maybe not. Time will tell."

PLUS Dueling Piano Bar

★★★★☆ 4.4 (136) • $$

"I am giving 5 stars because of the overall experience and good time I had. But I do have one issue/complaint and it has to do with house keeping.The staff were really friendly and nice, our waitress was awesome drinks were not too pricy and were really good. Didn't eat any food.We put up 6 songs and all 6 were played. We did 5 @ $5 and 1 @ $20 because we wanted to get it played as we were ready to leave..and they did. So early they played the $5 and pretty much in order as people gave them...but later some paid $40, $60 and 1 girl paid $100 to get song played and to sing the song and the band let her...pretty cool..The band was awesome the way the 4 of them interacted and changed spots were awesome not just piano but full rock band (guitar, bass, sax and keytar) at times really cool. All 3 had great voices, one guy was more the soft rock and country, another was rap and all in between and the other was the rock voice..The bathrooms were good but to me everything was sticky..when walking the floors in main area and bathrooms super sticky (you could feel your feet stick and the noise too) and even the table was sticky) I think a good deep cleaning and hot hot mopping would be good but I do understand it's a bar and stuff gets spilled and people also may get sick...lol...So over all not a big deal knowing I was in a bar and not a fancy 5 star restaurant.I highly recommend this place as I had a blast...$5 cover charge, free Jell-O shot when you paid but I didn't not take the offer as I don't do jell-o shots."

Caffe Driade

★★★★☆ 4.2 (426)

"Super cute little shop with extensive grounds. Best in good weather as the indoor seating is quite limited. The brown sugar oat milk latte is a house favorite - they make the brown sugar syrup in house. The pour overs change day to day and are quite good. The grounds are adorable but can be buggy if it's humid out. Baristas are helpful if you need guidance. Baked goods are top notch and there's vegan options. Watch out for snakes outside though! Parking is tight but there is more around the corner if you go to the roastery so keep driving through the parking lot!"