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About

The Cave, a beloved Bar, Live Music Venue, and Pub, is nestled in the heart of Chapel Hill, NC. Located at 452 1/2 W Franklin St, 27516, we offer a unique blend of great drinks, delicious pub fare, and an electric atmosphere that's perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic evening. Our live music venue features a rotating calendar of local and regional acts, ensuring that every visit is a new experience. Whether you're in the mood for a craft beer, a classic cocktail, or a glass of wine, our expert bartenders are happy to oblige. Come for the music, stay for the camaraderie, and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.

The Cave Review Summary

The summary was generated by AI, based on reviews.

Pros

The Cave is a unique and intimate music venue that offers an exceptional live music experience. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, making it easy to connect with the performers. The sound quality is top-notch, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The venue also hosts a wide range of genres, from indie rock to electronic, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Cons

Some patrons have noted that the venue can be quite small, making it difficult to move around or find a good spot to view the performance. The bathrooms could also use some improvement, and the selection of drinks could be more varied. Additionally, the venue can get quite loud, so earplugs are recommended.

Review Rating Chart

Yelp: 4.5/5

Google Reviews: 4.4/5

Facebook Reviews: 4.7/5

TripAdvisor: 4.5/5

Reddit: 4.3/5

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Reviews & Ratings

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4.5
(252 Reviews)
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John Cameron
John Cameron -Google user
2 years ago
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...Read More
J S
J S -Google user
7 years ago
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...Read More
Rob Dapirate
Rob Dapirate -Google user
3 years ago
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...Read More
Francisco Cappai
Francisco Cappai -Google user
3 years ago
Great underground vibes! Fifty years of tradition printed on its walls and decoration. An intimate place where conversations flow easily.
Kim Adams
Kim Adams -Google user
a month ago
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. Price per person $20–30 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5
Niloy Alam
Niloy Alam -Google user
a year ago
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...Read More
Melanie Jones
Melanie Jones -Google user
2 years ago
Great experience, the bar tenders were very friendly and there was live music. A little hard to find the bar, just look for the sign painted on the brick.
Jay DeRose
Jay DeRose -Google user
a month ago
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. ...Read More
B Anders
B Anders -Google user
3 months ago
Exceptional, very cool place to hang out and meet friends for a drink. Relatively limited beer selection. 1 free pool table in the back. A pinball and arcade machine too. Monday night jazz nights. Friday night open mic. Awesome all around Food: 3 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 5
Suzy Ross
Suzy Ross -Google user
9 months ago
This rad little hidden gem presides in a basement off of Franklin Street, and is home to some of the best local music you'd get the pleasure to hear. The Monday jazz nights are so spectacular, the musicians are incredibly talented. The live shows here...Read More
dirt hutcheson
dirt hutcheson -Google user
9 months ago
love the vibe really feeling like a creature. pool, pinball, lovely staff, what more could a guy want in a bar? oh wait- LIVE MUSIC! they have that too! EVERY NIGHT! and treat their musicians so lovingly. i played a show here and had just...Read More
Daniel Skutvik
Daniel Skutvik -Google user
8 months ago
Super sweet bar, always love the music. The bartender last night quite literally demanded that I tip him more than I was. You have a packed bar, I already tipped the bartender before you very handsomely, and your wallet is not my responsibility. Get a...Read More
Robert Morrison
Robert Morrison -Google user
8 months ago
Authentic concert experience!! To get closer one would have to climb into an amp! Ear plugs are a good idea as the ceiling is low and the Cave is not a cavern. Music was great! Beer was tasty (local IPA)! Bought Manic Third Planet CD!!...Read More
Thomas Taylor
Thomas Taylor -Google user
a year ago
Such a cool place! Had the opportunity for my band to perform there recently and we had a great time! Definitely make sure to catch a show there and come out when Alpha Strain comes back! More
Sam Duggan
Sam Duggan -Google user
a year ago
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 … More
Yas
Yas -Google user
a year ago
COLLEGE STUDENTS BEWARE. The ambiance is definitely "dive" which we loved. At first. The live music was … More
Marvin L
Marvin L -Google user
a year ago
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. More
M Black
M Black -Google user
7 years ago
This place is awesome. It is, as previously mentioned easy to miss, being a basement venue. Still, the location is part of the appeal. One of the coolest bars in the state. The staff was helpful, fair, and knowledgeable. Also they get …...Read More
Prakash Rangaraju
Prakash Rangaraju -Google user
3 years ago
Oldest bar in Chapel Hill area. Easy to miss if you're not looking for it. Literally a cave in the basement 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...Read More
Veronica Yates
Veronica Yates -Google user
3 years ago
This place is cool if you are not a square. Listened to jammin' music and made a few friends. The owner is so cool and made us feel like part of the family. Not a place to dress up all fancy....just a chill place that...Read More
Robert Morrison
Robert Morrison -Google user
8 months ago
Authentic concert experience!! To get closer one would have to climb into an amp! Ear plugs are a good idea as the ceiling is low and the Cave is not a cavern. Music was great! Beer was tasty (local IPA)! Bought Manic Third Planet CD!!...Read More
Thomas Taylor
Thomas Taylor -Google user
a year ago
Such a cool place! Had the opportunity for my band to perform there recently and we had a great time! Definitely make sure to catch a show there and come out when Alpha Strain comes back! Price per person $1–10 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Parking space Somewhat difficult to find...Read More
Sam Duggan
Sam Duggan -Google user
a year ago
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...Read More
Yas
Yas -Google user
a year ago
COLLEGE STUDENTS BEWARE. The ambiance is definitely "dive" which we loved. At first. The live music was nostalgic; the bar wasn't busy at all. Regulars (friends of the bartender/staff) approached us and seemed friendly while we were there. One was a professor at Wilmington, one was a...Read More
Marvin L
Marvin L -Google user
a year ago
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. Service: 5 Atmosphere:...Read More
M Black
M Black -Google user
7 years ago
This place is awesome. It is, as previously mentioned easy to miss, being a basement venue. Still, the location is part of the appeal. One of the coolest bars in the state. The staff was helpful, fair, and knowledgeable. Also they get some...Read More

Features

Service options

Delivery
Takeout

Highlights

check icon Fast service
check icon Great beer selection
check icon Great cocktails
check icon Live music
check icon Live performances

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Offerings

check icon Alcohol
check icon Beer
check icon Cocktails
check icon Happy hour drinks
check icon Hard liquor
check icon Wine

Dining options

check icon Outside food allowed

Amenities

check icon Restroom

Atmosphere

check icon Casual
check icon Cozy
check icon Trendy

Crowd

check icon Groups

Planning

Accepts reservations

Payments

check icon Credit cards