Local 506 is an eclectic bar that manages to attract a wide variety of consistently high quality musical acts to Chapel Hill. The bar itself isn't overly impressive, but it's not the booze that draws big crowds. It seems that week after week Local 506 manages to draw truly good music despite unimpressive facilities. The crowd tends to be a mix of students, locals, and die hard fans of whoever is playing that night. Acts are local and national, and mostly good. There is adequate space for seated viewing perched above the main crowd area where things stay very lively. The music, combined with a full bar should make for a great night out. read more

If you want to catch the band before they were the darlings of Chapel Hill, just hang out here a few nights in a row and eventually you'll be in at the ground floor with someone that's going places. Really, that's the best thing that the Local 506 has going for it. There's a steady stream of fantastic acts, most of them local, that come through as 506 has kind of established itself as Chapel Hill's proving ground. Unfortunately, I don't know that it's set up very well. Typically a band, no matter how talented, will sound uneven with various pieces overpowering the others. I suppose that's a relatively small price to pay (well, that and the ticket price, natch) for catching a good act now rather than after the cool kids have already moved past their buzz. read more

You didn't come for special froo-froo drinks. You came to see the band. Be happy they are here, because someone in the band might overdose and you'd never be able to see them again! (Yikes, hopefully not!) There's decent prices on basic drinks and beers. You want wine? I have no idea if they have it, but I'd never order wine there. Get a beer! Sheesh! 506 hosts all kinds of bands, from your old-school punk to your local hip-hop to your pretentious indie rock. You have to go, just to say you've been. read more

There is not a pair of jeans in my three dresser drawers skinny enough to rival what the band members were wearing the other night. And I couldn't have felt more out of place in my wide-legs and pointy-toed pumps. But I was there to support a buddy of mine, and in that sense I fit in just fine: yes, I too was a groupie... much like many of the other audience members, half of whom were notably of the high school set. And just when I thought the jeans on stage couldn't get any skinnier, I was astounded by an even greater fashion feat. Homegirl on my right was wearing....:footie pajamas: I mean, kudos for keeping comfortable while headbanging at 10pm to your favorite band, but srsly? Back to the bar though. I'll admit I was taken aback at the $10 entry fee ($7 cover, $3 member charge). Bringing it full circle though, I was there to support my buddy so I choked it up and made a mental note that he owes me a drink next time we're out. The 506 has a bar in the front; it's cash only but it does sell liquor. The room opens up to the main event, with a stage at back. It's one of those super dark places, to mask out the lack of decor (and the build-up of grime?). But it's also one of those places where that's okay. It's just a really chill place to hang: a bench down the left and right sides, but other than that you're going to be standing. Which is the real way to support a band anyway. And even though I've never been a huge scene kid, I have to admit I got pretty swept up in the wild-arm-flailing, hair-swooshing, screaming action of it all. Got to love that kind of energy and passion...and the ability to do it all while wearing the tightest pants imaginable. read more

If you want to rub up against your favorite emo artist after drinking a round of pints while watching the basketball game, this is the place to do it. In the front you can watch basketball and drink to hearts content with members of Spoon or Clem Snide or that local folk singer who's name you cannot remember or whoever the hell may be hitting up the show at Local. And in the back you can sing along with the set and laugh at their stupid jokes. It's a ball. read more

I attended the Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band and Lester Coalbanks concert at Local 506 last evening. Two really good bands but the sound system was totally distorted, way TOO loud and just downright painful, and I was using ear plugs. This morning my ears still hurt. The distorted and painfully loud noise made for a miserable evening. I will NEVER set foot in Local 506 again and would definitely recommend avoiding this establishments you wanna keep your hearing. read more

A great small venue! I was here this past weekend to listen to a band called Metz (a friend of mine is a fan, so I tagged along). If this is your first time, you must purchase a membership card, which is $3 I think. Metz had two bands opening for them, so plenty of music all night. Bar was good as well. read more

Totally a must-go bar if you are into live music. I've been to the 506 twice for shows, once packed, once pretty empty, and it's got a good feeling to it everytime I'm there. Membership kinda stinks the first time you go, but blame the lovely NC Legislators for that one. This bar is dark and divey, and just fantastic. The acoustics were excellent and the music was great. They have a wide variety of beers, from Schlitz to Magic Hat and everything in between. The servers go with the look, thery just kinda blend in and they are good for beers, but I wouldnt go much fancier. Still, this place ROCKS! read more

This place hasn't changed a bit...and that's a good thing. It knows it's a dive bar and is proud of it. Very intimate place to see a show, although it can get a bit hot and stuffy in the summer. Technically, it is a private club with a $3 membership fee to enter/see a show; you don't need a new one unless you lose yours. They recommend you just take a picture with your smartphone. Great website that tells you "the rules" and why they do it. www.local506.com Cash only for drinks. Raised seating/benches at the back for shows. Like Ron W said - "Local 506 rocks it hard". read more

Local 506 is the perfect place to catch independent bands (local or otherwise) in a divey yet intimate setting. There is a $3 membership fee, but I believe they admit guests 18 & up for most shows (of course they'll mark your hands with Xs if you're under 21). Most tickets are under $20, and some shows are even free. On most nights you can smoke in the bar area, but they also put on some shows that are completely non-smoking (by artist request, I assume). Parking sucks, but if you can't grab a metered spot I'd suggest the public pay lot beside 411 West. As William mentioned, a lot of the acts that perform here haven't hit it big yet so they really strive to impress and entertain the entire crowd. I've seen some of the highest-energy shows of my life here. read more

$3 "membership fee" when you enter, and a bit of attitude with that! Way to get my evening off to a bad start. Otherwise this venue would have been very cool; it's intimate and. Nothing else to rave about, the bartenders were ok. The crowd was moderately into the band, but more into each other: Lots of teenagers making out. What is this?! read more

Local 506 is a great place to see a band. Not too fancy, very simple and safe. Shout out to the bar staff (Alik, Mike, Melissa) for handling busy crowds. Wish that even more people knew about this place! read more

This venue brings in an eclectic range of artists and bands, from indie rock and bluegrassy folk to metal and hip hop. There's also a bunch of local free events (music on Sunday afternoons and a Monday night open mic) that help facilitate a stronger music community in the local Chapel Hill/Carrboro area. Because it's a smaller venue, the music experience is intimate - no matter where you're standing, you'll feel enveloped in the show and have a great view of the bands performing on stage! read more

I had the pleasure of performing here in the 2015 North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival. The venue itself is well lit and has a great sound system for live performance. The drinks they make there are very good and the staff is uber friendly. I haven't seen a band here, but I can imagine it's just as amazing. read more

I love this place. Right location. A good venue. And good shows. I saw Yuna and Nylo and loved the intimacy of the location; and the staff is friendly! read more

I go back and forth on how I feel about local 506. They get some awesome bands to play there, some slightly less awesome local bands, and the cover is always pretty low. That's said, the place is exceptionally tiny. As someone who's not exactly a fan of being crowded into a small open room with a bunch of people she doesn't know this is not really the place for me, especially when I'm going to see a band that's going to pull a crowd. read more

Fun time with live music. Easy to buy their CD on the way out. Good view of the stage enough space for the crowd to shift and dance. Seat and bar up near front door. Great sound people. Will go back. Tan and Sober gentlemen. read more

Just saw the funniest comedy ever!!!## great service, great comedians, great management. ...I can't think of anything negative. ....freakin awesome!!!! Keep it up!!! read more

Loved this little spot! Great beer selection, great sound, friendly staff, and not disgusting bathroom. If you fav local band is playing here...GO! read more

This is a great spot to go hear Indy bands from around the country, the world & right here in our backyards. I've heard some great local flavors play here, as well as, most recently the band "Saraffenland" (which means 'the land of milk and honey'). This is a great band from Denmark, showcasing their talents. They used all sorts of instruments, from the horn & saxophone to tambourines, and of course drums & guitars. The Local 506 is a dark place, painted in all black, kind of a dive that's ran in a professional manner. read more

In order to see shows at Local 506, you have to be a member (it's less than $5 though). The venue hosts local bands from the Triangle area, and that's about it. The space is relatively small and the stage is hard to see, so I only come to see my friends' bands when they play here. Otherwise, I tend to stay away from Local 506. read more

I love this place. Some of my favorite musical memories resonate from within its walls (though top honors belong to the dearly departed Go! Room 4 which is now the Resevoir). A nice selection at the bar, free water for the dehydrated and an intimate setting to see your favorite up and coming band. Beware though kiddies, every show is 18 and up! read more

Came here for the Wet concert, and it was a decent music venue with an ok beer selection. I had a "Not Your Father's Ginger Ale" for 6 bucks. More of an intimate, small music venue. The annoying thing is their $3 membership fee. Nothin' special, but an a-ok bar. read more

I loves this place! Very casual and intimate. Great music and affordable entry prices. I just saw Gary Jules a few weeks ago and Bell X1 there recently. Drinks prices are pretty standard, but they do allow smoking in the bar area. It can get pretty hot around the stage, so dress like it's going to be 90 degrees. read more

Great, fun place. Very chill. Definitely stop here!

How do you not love this place? Glen (owner) is a really nice guy who usually working the bar and up for a chat when not grabbing beers. Great mix of local and touring bands, they get some great ones in too just before they move bigger venues like the Cradle. Seriously, this place helps me make it in this small-ass college town. **update: I did just start working here a couple of times a month** read more

Great Venue. I had the pleasure of performing here and have seen many bands play at 506. It's a wonderful place to play and see shows!

I love the Local 506 and have great memories of awesome shows with a wonderfully intimate atmosphere. It's not overpriced and really exemplifies the casual, tight-knit community here in Chapel Hill. My criticism is that it is SO smoky. There are times I have not gone to see a show at the 506 just because I didn't want to suffocate. It's very hard to have any stamina while dancing when you have to breathe secondhand smoke. I guess the same is true for other bars in Chapel Hill, but this one sticks in my memory as the worst. It caters to the 20% of people who smoke and it's miserable for the 80% who don't. When Cats Cradle went smoke free, I felt an amazing difference in how long I could dance without getting winded and having my lungs hurt. I wish you would go non-smoking 506! Smokers don't really mind having to go outside and it encourages them to smoke less (and even smokers appreciate that). read more

Had a great time here and met some cool people! Service was really great and some great music too!

This place was alright I guess. They charge a crappy membership fee so you get ripped off for an extra 3 dollars a ticket if you have never been before (total b.s.). The band we saw was really great, but the venue was super super hot. Beer wasn't cheap either. Like I said.....the place is ok. I would only ever go if a great band was there. No reason to go otherwise. read more

Small, intimate venue with decent acoustics. Would have been a great place to see a show... But BEWARE of their deceptive advertising of a show as "seated general admission". I assumed there would be seats for everyone but apparently they really mean "seated if you get here first otherwise you must stand or sit way back in a bar area with an obstructed view"!! False Advertising!!! Really not cool as I was pregnant and not wearing shoes I could stand in for a long period. Will not return. read more

I like Local 506. Fun place to see a show, good bands pretty often. The current owner has spruced it up a bit from how it used to be 10 years ago - it's actually pretty clean in there as live music bars go. Good sound & if you get there early there are places to sit where you can actually see the band. To those complaining about $3 for membership: it's NC liquor law. To get a license to sell distilled spirits by the drink in NC, you have to either be a restaurant or operate as a private club. $3 is the minimum charge allowed. And if you can't afford $3 for a lifetime membership, then you probably shouldn't be going out to shows and/or drinking in bars in the first place. read more

a gem surrounded by an uppity college town. by gem I mean comfortable dive bar with good shows.