We were looking for a new bar to try in Carrboro and saw B-Tribe on Yelp, and we're glad we did. The entrance is very unassuming, almost hidden behind an Italian restaurant on the south end of Car Mill Mall. The place is quite small, with about five tables, and maybe 12 seats at the bar. We sat at the bar as we only wanted drinks and snack. Christian, the bartender, greeted us right away and brought food and drink menus. He explained the specials and took our drink orders. My companion found an interesting Greek white wine, and I asked for a boulevardier, my go-to cocktail for a new place. The wine was to her liking, and the cocktail was about the best example I've had in recent memory. Christian used Woodford Reserve bourbon and Campari rather than Aperol so it had a slightly less bitter taste and was a lovely auburn color. The food menu was very interesting, with lots of items we've never tried. We ordered caesar salad with anchovies, green beans in garlic-soup sauce, panella (a chick-pea and cream cheese dish), and seasoned French fries. It was all yummy and delivered together. The service we got really couldn't have been much better: attentive without hovering. The food and drink quality was outstanding, and we thought the prices were very reasonable for what we got. In short, thanks Christian, and we'll be back. read more

B-Side Lounge - a bartender at the bar - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Carrboro, North Carolina

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Part of Venables, same menu, but unlike Venables it has the important benefit of being sufficiently quiet that you can hold a conversation. People working there are very pleasant, the menu isn't large but has several interesting options. It's an enjoyable environment with good (though overpriced) food. read more

Came here for cocktails after dinner. Bartender was friendly, professional, and made good drinks. Chit chatted about some of the beers on tap and ended up getting the The old fashioned which was delicious. Did not have an opportunity to try food as the kitchen was closed when we arrived. Five stars...Nothing more you can ask for from a bar. read more

Really weird hours, always changing. Bartender was rude and he seemed bothered to make a cocktail. Asked to speak to the manager- in my opinion she had been drinking; was slurring her words and wreaked of cigarettes- food was tasteless and flat. read more

My sister and I dropped in on Friday night for some shared small plates dining. We each ordered a cocktail, and the beet and goat cheese salad, We also shared the flatbread, empanadas, and Scotched olives. First of all, service was pleasant and very good. I'm picky about my cocktails and would have preferred a touch more acidity. They were at least good for most tastes. The goat cheese salad, flat bread, and empanadas were all at least excellent. These dishes were balanced, complex, as described and as a group would have warranted a fifth star. All of the plates were beautifully done. Overall an excellent experience. We will be back. read more

B-Side Lounge - Beet and goat cheese salad. - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Carrboro, North Carolina

Their Whiskey Business cocktail was good! Also good service! Good little dive bar with good drinks

I finally had the chance to check out B-Side last night and was pleasantly surprised! I wasn't given too much information about the place except that it's a lounge that serves food, but what really stood out to me was the ambiance. This is not a place where you'd find college students, it's more of a graduate student and young professionals spot which is really refreshing in the Chapel Hill area. It isn't a huge place so I could see this place getting really loud and rowdy on the weekends but on a Friday night after the dinner hour, it was perfect! When I first walked in, I noticed the layout and I like how they utilized their space. There are booths, tables and seats at the bar but it all has an intimate feel. Initially, we got to a shaky start because I wasn't really clear if we would get table service or it was like a bar and you order through the bartender and take a seat somewhere. Turns out, it is table service so they come to you! It seemed like the bartenders were a bit overwhelmed but once we got our orders in, we were good to go! I was a little hungry so I was glad to see that they served small plates, and after looking at the menu it was so hard to pick just one! I settled on the pupusa which is a chorizo and potato pancake served with pickled vegetables. It was so delicious, I almost licked the plate! The pancakes look more like flat empanadas but they're very flavorful and actually paired well with the pickled vegetables. The pickled vegetables sort of reminded me of kimchi as they were a bit spicy but, to be clear I would definitely not call it kimchi. But they were still tasty if you like pickled vegetables. They have an assortment of wines, beers, and cocktails on the menu. I thought it was nice that their draft beers were all NC beers (go local!) and they also have wine on tap. Overall, I can't wait to return and share this place with others! Like the other review says, it's hard to find if you aren't familiar with the Carr Mill area but if you see the loading dock area (almost across from southern rail) you're in the right spot! read more

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Came in here by myself on a Friday evening and was happy to find that it wasn't as absurdly crowded as I would have expected. The vibe is really nice -- classy without being pretentious -- and I seated myself at the bar. The two ladies behind the bar were attentive and kept my water full, answered questions about the wine, etc. I ordered a glass of Riesling ($8) and the flatbread (fig jam, arugula, proscuitto, $15). The wine was great and the food was decent but decidedly overpriced. This is the type of place I would go for the atmosphere, not necessarily for the value. If you were on a date or with a group of friends, you could probably spend enough time lounging on the couches to make up for overpaying. But if you're just looking for wine and tapas at a decent price, maybe look elsewhere. read more

B-Side Lounge - Prosciutto and arugula flatbread. - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Carrboro, North Carolina

I sat at the bar. I was on a first date. I don't know what I did to deserve it, but I was treated to the entire $80 affair. That was some 4 glasses of various reds, and three tapas plates. B-Side rotates their on-tap selections, so there's nothing helpful to say about individual tastes. Instead, what makes B-Side a solid new addition to the neighborhood are these key elements: conversational and knowledgeable waitstaff, the reliability of Venable's kitchen, and a classy yet unpretentious atmosphere. Despite what must have been a comical first-date affair to witness, our bartender kept his composure. He tended the background music through a personal collection of vinyls, checked in with us, managed the odd and unexpected (for me) gender-role-swapping bill payment with grace, and he provided a tasting sample of expensive truffle oil we were curious about. We had the Goat Cheese plate, the Lima Bean purée, and another plate that I can't recall because I'm a lightweight and was sufficiently tipsy. Apologies. But all wine was drank and all food was ate. The atmosphere is ideal for everything from a more upscale date to after-work drinks with friends. Now, B-Side is somewhat pricey, no doubt. At $7-$10 per glass of on-tap wine, you can get an entire bottle at Weaver for the same cost. Still, it's wine, and it's quality wine that is presented well, so the cost is expected. And pricing is no mystery unlike other wine servings in town, so your bill will come as no surprise--unless you get treated, as I was, to this delightful small-town Carrboro surprise. Welcome, B-Side! read more

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So I will say while I like this place, I do think it's over priced. The quantity of food and drinks is good, the tapas are just a a bit too small for the cost. Overall experience though---great atmosphere, mellow music on vinyl. Open late during the week, perfect for a small group of friends. Great friendly service, bartender very flexible. Wines on tap in addition to original cocktails. Food is very good and fresh, just small portions for $$. I'd be back more frequently if my wallet could handle it! read more

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This is a nifty, hugely likable hangout spot to chat with friends, have a few bites, and have a few beers or wines. Met some friends there for an evening and between us we sampled probably half the menu. The lima beans blended with EVOO and rosemary looked great on the menu, but just didn't turn out like I expected--it was served very chilled and tasted more of the herb than of the oil or the bean. However, the flatbread with arugula, prosciutto and fig jam was a hit, as was the ceviche and the cheese board. We especially liked the potato and chorizo cake which came with a side of pickled cabbage, of which I could have eaten a quart. It's not a huge menu and could stand a few more options for the carnivore in me, but it seems they rotate items fairly regularly from what we gather. The space is cool, with several tables for four and about 11 seats at an L-shaped bar. The far wall is a nice wood paneling (not '70s den wood paneling) and there's a darkish overall vibe with some retro lights hanging about. They had four wines and four beers on tap, then lots more options in cans/bottles/by the glass. Some more draught options would be cool, but we managed. The staff was super-friendly and helpful and knew their menu well. The music and the crowd had a good vibe and I can imagine I'll definitely be going back and introducing it to others. read more

Y'all are missing out on the best kept secret in Carrboro. The food is amazing small plates of very fresh, vegetarian-friendly,?ethnically diverse specialties. I think it's cooked across the wall at Venable. But the food is not expensive, the place is quiet and romantic (if you're looking for romantic) and the drinks are varied and amazing. Enjoy! read more

One of our favourite speakeasy-like cocktail bars. This place is located behind Veneble and looks very unsuspecting. The bartenders there are awesome and the vibe is very chill and relaxing. We tried some of the small plates and they were unbelievably good. I wish I lived in Carborro because I would definitely be visiting there weekly if I did. I live in Durham now so will definitely need to make a trip up there soon. read more

TLDR: I would eat here again, but only if my fiend was having their birthday dinner here or something. Expensive food and drinks! I had the chèvre salad and the mixed drink with jalapeño bitters (the name escapes me). Both were wildly OK, the salad might have been with $6 given the type of establishment, but I've had bigger and better salads for less money. read more

They have some really great cocktails and the bartenders know what they're doing! Good selection of beer and wine as well, and it's a nice cozy spot for a date too. It's a little hard to find, but if you're looking straight at Venable go around to the right in the alley and it's just around the corner. read more

A not-so-secret but hidden gem in Carrboro! Located behind Venable (go right around the building & you'll see the painted sign on the wall), B-Side Lounge is a great spot to enjoy a drink and catch up with a friend. Although, on Thursday nights, they have a live band, so it gets pretty loud, a little too loud for me, to talk to people. Good music; I'll chit-chat on another night! They have a decent selection of cocktails, a better selection of beers, and a generous list of wines. Another cool thing is that they have beers, ciders, and WINE on tap. They offer a few tapas-style food items. A little too pricy for the quality and taste IMO. (Sometimes I just want a simple little somethin' somethin' to munch on without paying as much as my drink...) Oh and there is table service, and it's great service. I love how it's not as rowdy as some other bars on Franklin St. Here, it's a cozy, casual, and overall pleasant atmosphere. I definitely plan on returning to grab a drink with a friend which probably won't be on Thursday nights (live music) and not on weekends because it's not quite an expansive lounge so I assume a crowd surely develops. Anyways, another great Carrboro find! read more

I never would have found this place unless someone told me about it so here we go!! It's in the same building as Carr Mill mall, but don't go inside where all the other shops are. Instead, stand outside Venable and walk to the right on the road that goes behind the mall. Look to your left and there's B-Side! For Chapel Hill natives, it's where DSI used to be. The atmosphere inside is very personable and date like. Mood lighting, couches, lounge chairs, and bar, take your pick. The waitress came to our table right away and raved about the food but we were there for the wine only. I'll update this review once I get a chance to try their food. The wine is great! The have bottles, glasses, and also wine on tap which is interesting. The wine on tap comes in a half quart (~3 glasses worth) or a full quart. The half quart was priced so that you pay for 2 glasses and get the third free. Such a great deal. We got the mix of merlot and cabernet. Spot on the money. I'd highly recommend this lounge for dates or friends! There was a large wedding party when we went and the acoustics where so that they didn't seem too loud. read more

I love the look and feel of this lounge. They specialize in wine but they also have beer and cocktails, plus you can order food from the Venable kitchen. I met with a book club here, and the background music made it tad hard to hear members who were sitting on the other end of the table, but we managed OK. My only gripe really is that wine by the glass is too pricey. I was charged $9 for a Petite Syrah blend that was just OK. Wine by the bottle is probably a better deal. The lounge can be tricky to find and parking is tough - but give it a try! It's hidden away in the back of the building. Look for the loading dock. read more

My husband and I love B-side! We used to go most Wednesdays for the half off bottles of wine special. It is a relaxed and quiet environment with great wines and good small plates. We especially like the curry, cheese board, and flatbread, but all the food is good. The service is great too. We are sad we moved and will not be able to go there as often now that we live further away :( read more

Favorite place to go on a Wednesday (when they have half price bottles of wine). Love everything on the menu and it's never crowded. We've had the same waiter every time and the service is always very good. Favorite dishes are the curry and cheese board. They also have rotating wines on tap. Good place to go if looking for a relaxing and quiet night out. read more

This is an awesome date spot. Great wine list, and small plates menu. Limas, chorizo, and pickles. We liked them all. Get a room...I mean, BOOTH! read more

hidden in the back is this tapas bar. they dont serve entrees so be sure your only going for the small dishes. very classy and romantic setting. great for a snacking, drinking, and long conversations. the food was very good. the cheese board and bacon wrapped dates were my favorite but I do love bleu cheese too. if you have a date or a group of friends that want to carry a conversation in a classy atmosphere; this is the place to do it! read more

I went here with a friend to check it out last weekend and the place is small but the decor was warm and funky. Great place for date night or to chill. The house wine-on-tap was actually good and a good deal @ $16. They have a pretty extensive wine list though its pricey. Lots of beer! We ordered 3 app's to share (they don't do dinner or lunch). My friend enjoyed dates stuffed with gorgonzola wrapped in bacon, we both liked the bean dip, but i would pass on the "flatbread "....which is 4 flat crackers with a bit of fig jam and a slice of gently melted cheese with unseasoned arugula $11! Its suppose to have some prosciutto but I'm a veg so I had it without. Eat before you come and its a good place to hang for a couple of hoursn read more

A sit down, service oriented bar. Great for a girls night or nice drink with friends. I love this place for a cocktail or two. Their cocktails are priced decently for the area and are delicious and fun. The appetizers are worth a shot too! read more

Classic hipster lounge in Carrboro! Excellent wine, beer, and cocktail selection as well as an incredible tapas and small plates menu. Tough to locate if you're not familiar with the area. A must try for all foodies and lounge lovers! read more

Not too happy to pay $5 PER PLATE to bring and serve a small cake for a friend. My understanding from server was that it would be a $5 FLAT FEE but if fact I was charged $5 PER PERSON for 7 people (and only 5 people actually ate a piece of the cake). Oh well. I think they need to be clear it is $5 PER PERSON and actually take the time to ask who is partaking. Anyway, I think this is an overcharge. Not pleased. Otherwise, I like B-side a lot and wish they could be a bit more flexible. read more

Excellent food, great cocktails, loved the décor, atmosphere and crowd. Definitely worth the trouble finding it the first time, and you will have trouble finding it the first time. It's on the backside of Carr Mill mall, the entrance faces the parking lot BEHIND Harris Teeter. read more

Let me first start by giving a rave review for Joe. I am sure there are other great staff members, but as a former wine bar and art gallery owner, Joe is the quintessential bartender. Like the haberdashers of old, his customer service, drink knowledge and careful attention to detail was spot-on. I abhor an up-sale, but when it came to Joe, he almost had me ordering the menu! The added art gives B-Side one more notch in the likability scale. This place is a perfect date night! The cheese tray was to die for, great selections! And the wine list was carefully thought out. Kudos to your wine reps. I'm having a hard time however, adjusting to the metal lattice that adorns the entrance as it makes the venue unwelcoming, but outside of that aesthetic, this place deserves 5 stars! Oh and great price points. A little high for Carrboro, but well deserved for the service! read more

We liked this place alright. We just had drinks. Service was fine. We'd go back. Great ambiance and no tv. Nice for chatting with friends.

Nice little spot to have some drinks and share appetizers. Yummy cocktail menu. Just don't expect quick or friendly service.

Visited this place for the first time last night and I loved everything about it. Cozy, quiet, cool atmosphere - great for catching up with friends or going on a date. We happened to be there on half-price wine bottle night, and we ordered delicious chocolate mousse. Great staff, beautiful space. I'll definitely return. read more

B-Side is my go to place whether I'm having drinks with my friends or a date with my husband. The service here is awesome and the staff is very knowledgable. The vibe is relaxed and the food is great. I love their flatbread! read more