The Cave

  4.5 – 299 reviews   • Bar

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Iconic underground hangout with a dark, intimate vibe featuring live music most nights & a full bar.

The Cave 27516

Address and Contact Information

Address: 452 1/2 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Phone:

Website: http://caverntavern.com/

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Related Web Results

The Cave – Since 1968

MARCH CALENDAR. The Cave NC, United States. Suggested Donation $10. Thu … Franklin St. Chapel Hill, NC 27516. Events · Tech Specs · Contact. Monday – Sunday

The Cave (@thecavenc) · Chapel Hill, NC – Instagram

Chapel Hill’s oldest bar. Established in 1968. Cold beer, liquor drinks, live music. ️ We are 21+ Booking: therealcaverntavern(at)gmail.com

The Cave | Chapel Hill NC – Facebook

Chapel Hill’s oldest bar. Established in 1968. Now open every day at 4 pm, with cold beer, cocktail

Reviews

Kate D
Super cool local spot I had no idea was famous! Very cool vibes- I think the flickering fluorescent lights attribute to this the most (outside of the cave like walls)
If you go for the live music, definitely bring noise cancelling/ noise reducing AirPods/ loops/ etc. the sound bounces around a lot and is very loud inside- you have to shout to say anything

Cheap drinks but I would skip the bathrooms, a bit of a BO/ musky stink but you get used to it pretty quick, and it is very humid with a lot of people
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John Cameron
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!
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Jasmin
The bar is super cool itself and definitely a vibe, however the bartenders for the night of 9/26 late night had horrible attitudes. It’s my birthday on Monday (9/29) so I simply asked if there were any birthday drinks and a simple no would’ve sufficed but he said definitely not if it’s in 2 days. it was a simple question?? could’ve just said no and then continued to mock me and say “oh my birthday is in 3 weeks i want a shot” that response was sassy and unacceptable. other then the bartender, the spot is cool!
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Kim Adams
I didn’t eat here. This place is the most perfect dive bar I have been to. Drinks are cheap, bands are very eccentric and not too loud.
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J S
Cool place. I really dug it. Very small which in my opinion makes it feel more exclusive. 2 separate rooms. In the front a nice 12 foot? bar and a little hallway takes you back to a nice lounge and billiards room. Easy access to the back door for tobacco users (which I’m not anymore, but still find convenient). Very cool vibe for small intimate shows. Would be great for a little 3 piece band to play or solo acoustic act. I went to support my buddy doing a hip hop/rap act and it had a good time.
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Dave Hause
Great place to see bands in a very intimate atmosphere. The live sound is exceptional in this space. Great place to shoot some pool before the music starts and to hang and catch up.
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Kyle O’Brien
Love this spot! Great basement hole in the wall style bar. Great lighting and awesome vibe. Be brave and walk down the steps.
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Rob Dapirate
Great place to go. Music was great. Met the owner, she was very friendly. All patrons were friendly also. We are not locals from around here, but we were told this is usually where the locals hang out if you don’t want to hang out with the college kids club. We will go back next time we come visit our daughter. Not your typical place, but that’s what we love! Thanks, Autumn!
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rico houston
On the surface It’s objectively a cool looking place with decent affordable drinks and interesting live bands It is unfortunately also super woke ,dirty,and judgmental. Expect to be kicked out if you don’t agree with the BLM violence,theft and murders,Biden’s obvious failures or any other independent criticism related to their agenda.These people want you to live in a town covered in propaganda telling you what to think.
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Jay DeRose
This is a great dive bar. The jazz nights are packed on a Monday which says this place is awesome for sure. Low ceilings and low lighting, and this place 100% embracing the atmosphere. It can be cramped when busy. Bartenders are awesome and friendly. Everyone is welcome, and I mean EVERYONE. No one cares as long as you are enjoying the vibe. Beers in bottles about $4 to $5, and drafts $7.
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