This is my second home when I'm not in school. I saw C.B. Rae a little while back, and the entire show was just amazing! I am not sure if you could find a better venue in the U.S. read more

This place was so rude to me. I had a real ID and they denied me time and time again. I really just wanted to see the artist and they denied me multiple times. They were so rude! read more

I was pleasantly surprised with my first visit to Cat's Cradle. I took my daughter and her friend to see The Hunts with Matt Phillips and Look Homeward. The girls stayed downstairs and up close to the stage while I looked on from the balcony which was just as great. The sound was fantastic. The small venue provides an intimate setting that lends to a better experience, IMHO. read more

What can I say about Cat's Cradle? This is *the* venue to catch bands both big and small (and Vanilla Ice, once in the late '90s) in Chapel Hill/Carrboro - I can't count the times I came here in college...and high school, for that matter. The space isn't much more than one large room (and a bar in a separate room in the back) with a few elevated areas with some benches, should you be one of the few to sit down during a show. This means there's really no bad vantage point. Since I graduated they've banned smoking, which makes it even more enticing to me these days. read more

Don't call yourself a music fan if you haven't seen a show here. Given how so many venues come and go, the Cradle's staying power is awesome. They consistently have great shows lined up. I'm also a big fan of how they start the shows on time. It's non-smoking like most places in the Triangle now, but I think they have a deck out back for smoking. It's also cash only, but there's an ATM inside. They have a decent selection of beer (bottled and draft). Make sure to wear comfy shoes as there isn't much seating and that's really just wooden benches along the walls. read more

Everybody needs more live music in their lives and Cat's Cradle provides the perfect fix. They have a back room so two shows could be going on in the same night. It's also cool how rich the history is here... even Nirvana played here! The last time I was here I watched Paper Diamonds play and that was awesome. Prior to that I saw Loudpvck and they were great also. You also get a great view of the stage from many points in the room from their elevated areas. I really like this intimate venue. read more

Cat's Cradle caters to more of an Indie music crowd than a pop/punk crowd, so the type of music doesn't really cater to my tastes. The venue itself is pretty large, and doesn't get too crazy during shows. They only serve beer and wine, so if you're looking to drink, do so beforehand. The stage is hard to see, especially if you're shorter, so squeeze to the front if you're under 5'9 or so! read more

It's been about a year since I last saw a show at Cat's Cradle, due mostly to a lack of properly coordinated plans. It's a famously great live venue for a reason. Usually the way it works for me is that shortly after I discover a new band, I find out that they're playing here. It works out too well to be healthy for my bank account. Fortunately, I think most shows are priced well. Cat's Cradle is non-smoking now, which is for the best because it was pretty hazy before. There is a small patio in the back for smokers. As with any popular event, it's important to get there early because that big parking lot fills up fast, and of course everyone has a favorite spot to claim inside. read more

Decent venue Don't advertise a time of 9 PM for a band if they are not coming on until 11 I understand there is always a delay with concert venues I understand that delay is even further magnified with a bar venue However, advertising a start time of 9 and not even seeing the first band until after 10 is annoying I am from Chicago and have been a concert goer since pre-teen This shit wouldn't fly in ChiTown Who's Bad better be fucking awesome! read more

I would have gone insane during graduate school if it were not for the fact that Cat's Cradle had great shows and cheap beer within walking distance. I couldn't even begin to tell you how many great acts at reasonable prices I saw. Don't miss Flicker Film nights either for Super 8 fun. read more

Just a hole in the wall but all music fans on the east coast know about it. It's a dump but it's suppose to be. Nirvana, REM, and sonic youth have played here so that's all you need to know. I just saw rasputina there last year and am seeing them again in November. Great place, wish I lived closer. The parking is good if you get there early. It earns 5 stars just on the talent alone not the actually venue. read more

I don't think I could live in Chapel Hill/Carrboro area if it wasn't for Cat's Cradle. Nice staff, non-smoking venue and they bring in great bands. Seriously I don't think I'd make it here if this place didn't exist. read more

Awesome Venue!!!! Just recently moved here and WOW, great music, good beer and loads of great people!! Cant wait to spend tons of time here checking out good music and meeting cool people!! read more

While going to unc, I frequently came here for live music... The place rocks!!!

I went to this venue on a weekend to see a reggae show. I was not looking forward to a college aged dominated crowd or a claustrophobic venue. Luckily, I got neither! Although the club doesn't look like much(in fact it looks like a shop in a strip mall) the renovations have given it a more spacious feel and the venue is managed well. The lines were moved very quick(both to get in and to buy beverages) and the crowd was interesting and respectful. The sound in the venue was good for the room size and the person working the soundboard made the necessary adjustments as the night went on. I found an equal amount of "characters" to "college kids" and a few more of us 'normal' people mixed in. Based on the other artists that come to play here, I'd say it's one of the top places in the triangle to catch a show. The prices of tickets is affordable and the venue small, but you're sure to have a good time! I also liked the positioning of food trucks outside the venue; it allows for some well needed late night snacking! read more

Excellent venue. Drove up from Wilmington to see The English Beat (Regatta 69 opened for them) and found the location good and easy to access (free parking garage on the next block and a brew pub, the Gray Squirrel, next door!). Friendly, helpful staff, reasonably priced cash only bar, decent sound. read more

I love the Chapel Hill music scene, and have been heavily involved in it and this venue is great- but the staff and employees are incredibly rude. The men at the door are very condescending and disrespectful. I came to a show here with several friends who are under 21 and one of them held his hands out for him to put X's on them and told the guy 'I'm not 21' rather than waiting for the door person to ask for his ID/ask how old he was and the guy responded "Obviously you're not f*cking 21"Why is that necessary, it is just very rude. They book great artists in the main room and back room, but it would be a much more pleasurable experience without the rude men who work the door. read more

I saw a show here for the first time and now I see what all the talk is about. This is such a wonderful little venue. If you ever get a chance then go! read more

The Cradle is a known quantity, I'd say. Not clean or exotic in any way, but they have some good acts and a pretty good sound system. It's not perfect, but at the same time, i wouldn't change a thing. I do dig the guy with the dredlocks who works there--he's quite loveable in that snarky kind of way. read more

Small venune with a horrible parking issue I live the fee of it but they should have more help from shopping center to actually privide parking for guests. read more

Very disappointed in the lack of professionalism and customer service here. I bought tickets to a show over a month ago and was so excited to go. However, the day of the show, it is snowing and freezing rain all day and so the roads are icy. It is not safe to drive and not worth it to me to risk my safety and go all the way out there for a show. I called to ask for a refund, no answer and voicemail was full. Okay... I leave them a Facebook message. They tell me no refund because the show is still on. Really? Hope they enjoy my money because I will NEVER buy a ticket to a show at their venue again. Look, I understand that they're a business and need to make money but you should care about your customer's safety. If you need to keep my money so badly, take a lesson from the Carolina Hurricanes. That same night, they had a game, but if people felt uncomfortable driving in the bad weather, they were offered a ticket for another game of their choice on a different night. For those that went to the hockey game, they got a discount on merchandise. Now that's caring about your customers. Take note Cat's Cradle. read more

Even if there was anything bad to say about the Cat's Cradle, you wouldn't want to say it. It was my introduction to more experimental and indie-centric music all those years ago, and I find myself there at least once every month despite living an hour away. The sound system has gotten visibly better in recent years, probably in conjunction with the new live sound engineers they have been bringing in. A cool selection of beers and delicious Dr. Browns sodas at the bar (try the black cherry, it has actual cherry skin floating around in there!) A big tv and couches for people that are into paying to see live music and sitting in the back. And lots of seating area around the sides of the stage (you'd best get there when the doors open to lock one down!) Though, you can always find me standing somewhere up near the front, leaning on a support pillar. Because those opening bands need applause too, folks! read more

not much to say about this classic venue. been going to shows here for a decade. now i live down the street. the recent renovations have made it spacious but slightly less intimate. but they have really reduced the bottleneck problems. don't forget cash for the bar. read more

Live music five mins from home what's not to like. As far as clubs go, I like this one. I'm not in love with cash only bars or paying for a water cup. read more

I've seen at a number of shows at the Cradle over the last 3 years and I've had nothing by good things to say about this venue. Today was my first visit since the remodel. I DO like that the entrance has been moved to the side so there's no need to reserve a "lane" for in and out traffic in the audience area. I have to say some of the character left with the remodel. I liked the fact that before the remodel you could hang in the back if you weren't into the band on stage and the wall kept the noise down enough to have a conversation. Now its just one big open room. At least they left some of the seating along the walls, but you have to arrive early to have any chance to snag it. My BIGGEST complaint is the ventilation, or lack thereof. I arrived just before the main act (Cut Copy) hit the stage. It felt pretty warm inside right away (in hindsight, this was likely from the two opening bands) and the place had a smell I didn't remember from previous visits, and couldn't quite place. Within a few songs, I was distracted by how hot it was getting inside. I began to notice that there was no evidence of air moving in the entire venue. Over the course of the concert, the air grew heavier and the smell became more recognizable - wet, dank clothing. It began to smell like a gymnasium. Although people were still dancing to the music, I observed a definite ebbing of energy from the crowd that I could only relate to this environment. Several people around me were commenting on the heat, saying things like, "I'm gonna have to go outside to cool off." Despite Cut Copy somehow keeping their energy up, I swear I could see that they were suffering through the intense heat as well. Their shirts were completely sweated through by the 5th song. My wife and I regrettably left during the encore because we just couldn't take it anymore. A previous review stated an issue with the A/C, so I don't know if the problem is being fixed, or even if it is capable of BEING fixed. I hope somebody there realizes that if you increase the capacity of your venue, you're going to need more cooling capacity to handle the body heat. I don't expect it to be 72 degrees in the middle of a concert, but it had to be close to 90 degrees in there. Please, do SOMETHING about the A/C!! read more

Very intimate venue. I really like the bands that play there, but that's pretty much it. If it wasn't for the bands, I wouldn't continue to go. The people running it are not very nice. For example. I called to ask if a show was completely sold out and the guy on the other end of the line said," there's only one kind of sold out and that's completely", and then then they hung up on me while laughing with some other people in the back ground. Not professional in the least...very disappointed. Who hangs up and laughs at a potential costumer? read more

In the past I've loved this place. they've gone through a remodel recently and you now go in the back of the building to enter. That, in and of itself is not an issue. I went there for a Weepies show last night. The acoustics were great, beer was reasonably priced and the band was amazing. The one issue, and its BIG: No AC. Halfway through the show I had sweat dripping down my face and was feeling light headed. When I went to the back to try to cool off, I found dozens of other people wandering around also discussing the heat and trying to find a cool spot. Even the band mentioned it. Poor form for no notification if the AC is broken. I'll go back, but will ask about the AC first. Come on Cat's Cradle. I usually love you, and you're better than this. read more

I mean...the place is fine. It definitely isn't terrible. I've been to some good shows there. It is pretty sketchy though and the beer isn't terribly cheap. They get pretty good bands in, and that is the reason I would go. No other reason really to be there in my opinion. read more

I was recently invited to join a group of friends attend the Spider Bags show in Back Room. While I was pleasantly surprised with the amenities at the venue, there are a few things you should know up front. First, Cash... bring it. Whatever $$ you're bringing to get you through the door, add $1.00 as this place will charge you a one time "Membership" fee. This gains you a paper membership card and entry to the venue (along with whatever the cover charge is that night). Once you sign in with your newly minted membership card, you may wander over to the bar. Just know that (at least when I attended last weekend) this is strictly a Cash Bar. There is a nearby ATM but you will have to leave the venue to access it. Back room is comprised of two levels: the main floor and the second floor balcony that hangs over the bar on the first floor. The first floor is pretty spacious and both the first and second floor have a good view of the stage. Restrooms are located on the first floor. They are single stall restrooms and were surprisingly clean late on a Saturday night! Upstairs you'll find a series of large U-shaped booths and small tables located within the booths, which actually make for a really relaxed setting where you can stand up to watch shows happening on the stage inside the booth! This is a great venue and I hope I get out to see more bands here soon! read more

wanna hear some good music, plz come here!it's wonderful and cheap

This place was Horrible! My mother and I drove from VA to see a show at the cats cradle. She called ahead to request seating for disabled. She was told we would have a private section. When we arrived we did have a section with signs posted "reserved for handicap". One big problem. No one to enforce "non-handicap folks to not stand there. She was bombarded with folks bumping her and over crowding the handicap area. I asked the folks to please clear out. They did not comply. When i found the manager he told us we should of found him to have him get a bouncer. "I", in the middle of my concert have to leave to find the manager to get a bouncer to get drunks off my handicap mom? What a joke. We left the show early. Dont go to the cats cradle! read more

update- Well, I am happy to contradict my former review. The Cat's Cradle did a fantastic job sound quality wise at the recent Swans show, a challenging band due to their extreme volume. Great job, folks! read more

i have been to a lot of venues and i love this one! staff is nice, the sound and lights are top notch.

Absolutely shit venue. The bouncers/workers go out of their way to be dicks to people who are hardly even interacting with them. The sound is pathetic, I've never seen such a quiet show as I have at Cat's Cradle, you can't even feel the bass. And to top it off, they shut the sound off before the last song finished BEFORE 10 pm. read more

The issue here is not that the Cat's Cradle can't book great bands or have good prices; it's their staff. For several years now I've gone to shows there, and they are some of the meanest venue staff I've encountered. Not to mention they seem to just love to buzzkill the crowd every time, by overly "regulating" the mosh pits (which is impossible), getting in fights with concert goers over dumb things, and occasionally even playing such cacophonous music between ridiculously long stage setup times that it feels like CIA torture treatment. I would like the place better if they changed to a friendlier staff, got some better AC, and most importantly: STOPPED TRYING TO CONTROL THE MOSHING AND CROWD SURFING AND JUST PUT UP A SIGN THAT SAYS "DO AT YOUR OWN RISK." That is seriously the most annoying thing that could happen especially at a Metal show and there are plenty of venues that handle it just fine, like The Orange Peel in Asheville for instance. Every single time I go, it never fails that the staff piss me off. read more