4.5
(253)
•
4.0
(9)
4.5
(253)
•
4.0
(9)
$$$$cheap
Bar
Live music venue
Pub
Website
Hours
SuSunday: 3:00 PM–12:00 AM
MoMonday: 3:00 PM–2:00 AM
TuTuesday: 3:00 PM–2:00 AM
WeWednesday: 3:00 PM–2:00 AM
ThThursday: 3:00 PM–2:00 AM
FrFriday: 3:00 PM–2:00 AM
SaSaturday: 3:00 PM–2:00 AM
452 1/2 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
Friday: 12–2AM, 3PM–2AM
SuMoTuWeThFrSaShow times
SuSunday: 3:00 PM–12:00 AM
MoMonday: 3:00 PM–2:00 AM
TuTuesday: 3:00 PM–2:00 AM
WeWednesday: 3:00 PM–2:00 AM
ThThursday: 3:00 PM–2:00 AM
FrFriday: 3:00 PM–2:00 AM
SaSaturday: 3:00 PM–2:00 AM
Hide times
People typically spend 1 hr to 3 hr here
About
The Cave is a renowned underground hangout known for its distinctive atmosphere and live music performances. It exudes a dark and intimate vibe, creating an immersive experience for visitors. This iconic venue features frequent live music shows and boasts a well-stocked bar. Despite its small size, accommodating around 75 people, The Cave has hosted incredible performances that are wild and enjoyable. One unique aspect of this establishment is that all the staff members are talented musicians themselves, contributing to a vast pool of musical expertise.
Why you should go
- Experience the historical charm of one of Chapel Hill's oldest bars
- Enjoy live music performances by both local talents and potential rising stars
- Appreciate the unique underground setting resembling a speakeasy with intimate vibes
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Highlighted reviews
Slide 1 of 3
Popped in early yesterday while the place was still empty, so took a bunch of pictures to post while had the opportunity. Enjoy!Oldest bar in town, and it still retains so much from its 1968 founding. If you've been here before over the years, you'll notice a few changes, such as updated air venting and, of course, furniture, but in essence, little has changed.Biggest change? No thick clouds of cigarette smoke obscuring the view as it was in yesteryears; no smoking and better ventilation make for a very pleasant upgrade!Can still have a game of pool, pop out the back door, enjoy a good variety at the bar, and catch an ever changing eclectic mix of local talent and living legends live on a stage that really makes for an intimate experience. With so many restaurants and shops nearby, there's every reason to make an afternoon and evening of it!Oh, and as for those restrooms,... they are unusual, rustic, small... but not actually bad... they just aren't up to 'modern expectations' of slick uniform construction and display.With so many changes in the world today, it is great to know some places don't!
Oldest bar in Chapel Hill area. Easy to miss if you're not looking for it. Literally a cave in the basem*nt and has that local intimate set up with dark lighting. You get the standard beer and few local beers. If you're looking for a bite with the sip, this isn't the place. Still a good stop by place for a quick beer!
The bartender discriminated against my girlfriend and said she had to leave. When asked why, he said she had a fake ID and kicked her out. Incredibly disgusted by the service at this establishment would not recommend. We should’ve waited until the police were called so that the bartender could read a real ID. After making a long trip to see her and go out, I absolutely would not recommend this establishment, so many better bars on Franklin that welcomed us with properly trained bartenders who know how to read an ID.
Popped in early yesterday while the place was still empty, so took a bunch of pictures to post while had the opportunity. Enjoy!Oldest bar in town, and it still retains so much from its 1968 founding. If you've been here before over the years, you'll notice a few changes, such as updated air venting and, of course, furniture, but in essence, little has changed.Biggest change? No thick clouds of cigarette smoke obscuring the view as it was in yesteryears; no smoking and better ventilation make for a very pleasant upgrade!Can still have a game of pool, pop out the back door, enjoy a good variety at the bar, and catch an ever changing eclectic mix of local talent and living legends live on a stage that really makes for an intimate experience. With so many restaurants and shops nearby, there's every reason to make an afternoon and evening of it!Oh, and as for those restrooms,... they are unusual, rustic, small... but not actually bad... they just aren't up to 'modern expectations' of slick uniform construction and display.With so many changes in the world today, it is great to know some places don't!
Oldest bar in Chapel Hill area. Easy to miss if you're not looking for it. Literally a cave in the basem*nt and has that local intimate set up with dark lighting. You get the standard beer and few local beers. If you're looking for a bite with the sip, this isn't the place. Still a good stop by place for a quick beer!
The bartender discriminated against my girlfriend and said she had to leave. When asked why, he said she had a fake ID and kicked her out. Incredibly disgusted by the service at this establishment would not recommend. We should’ve waited until the police were called so that the bartender could read a real ID. After making a long trip to see her and go out, I absolutely would not recommend this establishment, so many better bars on Franklin that welcomed us with properly trained bartenders who know how to read an ID.
We gathered reviews from Google and Tripadvisor, and summarized helpful tips as well as commonly mentioned things others might find useful.
- Consider bringing food from nearby food trucks as The Cave does not have on-site dining options
- Visit during early hours or when empty for photo opportunities before it gets crowded
- Check out Monday jazz nights for top-tier live music experiences
- Take advantage of easy access to outdoor space through the back door for tobacco users
Reviews
The Cave in Chapel Hill is described as the oldest bar in the area, hidden like a literal cave in the basem*nt with an intimate setting and dark lighting. While it doesn't serve food, it offers standard and local beers. Reviewers mention its historical charm dating back to the 1960s, with updates like improved ventilation and no smoking allowed. The venue hosts live music acts ranging from local talents to established artists, providing a unique and intimate experience for patrons. Visitors appreciate its simplicity, friendly staff, eclectic decor reflecting fifty years of tradition, and small size that adds to its exclusivity.
Review score
4.5
out of 5
Review score
4.0
out of 5
Few reviews
9 reviews
From Tripadvisor5 stars
189
4 stars
37
3 stars
11
2 stars
1
1 star
15
Popped in early yesterday while the place was still empty, so took a bunch of pictures to post while had the opportunity. Enjoy!Oldest bar in town, and it still retains so much from its 1968 founding. If you've been here before over the years, you'll notice a few changes, such as updated air venting and, of course, furniture, but in essence, little has changed.Biggest change? No thick clouds of cigarette smoke obscuring the view as it was in yesteryears; no smoking and better ventilation make for a very pleasant upgrade!Can still have a game of pool, pop out the back door, enjoy a good variety at the bar, and catch an ever changing eclectic mix of local talent and living legends live on a stage that really makes for an intimate experience. With so many restaurants and shops nearby, there's every reason to make an afternoon and evening of it!Oh, and as for those restrooms,... they are unusual, rustic, small... but not actually bad... they just aren't up to 'modern expectations' of slick uniform construction and display.With so many changes in the world today, it is great to know some places don't!
Oldest bar in Chapel Hill area. Easy to miss if you're not looking for it. Literally a cave in the basem*nt and has that local intimate set up with dark lighting. You get the standard beer and few local beers. If you're looking for a bite with the sip, this isn't the place. Still a good stop by place for a quick beer!
The bartender discriminated against my girlfriend and said she had to leave. When asked why, he said she had a fake ID and kicked her out. Incredibly disgusted by the service at this establishment would not recommend. We should’ve waited until the police were called so that the bartender could read a real ID. After making a long trip to see her and go out, I absolutely would not recommend this establishment, so many better bars on Franklin that welcomed us with properly trained bartenders who know how to read an ID.
If anything describes this place, it’s a hole in the wall. Or rather a hole underground! Pretty friendly staff, good drinks, and fun live bands! There’s nothing fancy here and it’s pretty simple. Perfect for a quick drink out with a mate or to kill some time and have some fun.
You can bring in food from a food truck but The Cave is very small and doesn't cook food down there.It's great, it's always been great since the 60:s like most underground storage rooms turned speakeasy type joints. Classic Chapel Hill laid back locals.
All Google Maps reviews
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