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    The Cave

    3.7 (55 reviews)
    InexpensiveBars, Music Venues
    Closed 4:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    The Cave Photos

    THE CAVE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Casual
    Loud
    Live music

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    Tad Dreis
    Andrew W.

    My friend Mark was playing a show here on a Saturday night. After struggling to find a parking spot that was remotely close, I helped him carry his gear down to The Cave. Having never been here before, I have to say that it was almost exactly as I had pictured. It's very dark, and small--which makes sense since it has a Being John Malkovich-esque address. My head almost could hit the cavern ceiling! Technically, The Cave requires a membership since they are a "private club", but they weren't enforcing that at all. Since I'm a law-abiding citizen, I signed in as a guest. The bar had PBR, Downtown Trolley Brown (Carolina Brewery), and Flagship IPA all on tap. I chose the latter, and enjoyed people watching AND dog watching on a Saturday evening. Apparently, dogs roam freely in The Cave. The front room has the bar and some booths. I can't imagine more than 15-20 people sitting comfortably. Be prepared to know your neighbors if you're seeing a well-known band or musician. The back room has a pool table, but I didn't go back there. Overall, it's a pretty chill place. The sound is good and the bartenders are friendly. If you like local music and hang around CH, this should be on your shortlist.

    a bar with colorful streamers hanging from the ceiling
    Melodie S.

    Beware claustrophobes and really tall people. This place should be experienced at least once for novelty's sake. Down a really steep, narrow staircase and beyond a creaky door lies the crypt of a bar, The Cave. I am of the belief that any departure from the norm can create a unique experience which is probably what made the night so fun. The smoke gets almost unbearable, likely due to the impossibly low "being john malkovich" ceilings but if you go with the right crowd and in the right frame of mind, you'll have an odd, entertaining night on your hands.

    Kianna M.

    I came here with a friend of mine for a drink before we went to another spot to hang out. Apparently, he really liked the place-- I think this was my first time actually in there. Honestly, it really does look like a cave-- perhaps worse. I felt kind of weird in there-- I think maybe the cave effects were overdone and it had ventured into a scary movie set of some kind. I don't mind scary movies, but it just felt kind of grimy in there to me-- not my cup of tea. The bartender was really nice and attentive-- also the crowd was interesting yet not too weird or distracting like the space of the cave. So I suppose I'd say this isn't my most favorite place in Chapel Hill. I'm the kind of person that I'll try a place another time-- maybe that particular time was just off or something, nevertheless at this point until then I'll leave the rating where it is.

    William J.

    I've never been a huge fan of The Cave, though that's not really its fault. I'm a pretty tall guy, to the ceilings make it really uncomfortable for me to stand around. With my sensitivity to cigarette smoke I have real problems (there's supposedly a smoke-free area, but there are also supposedly unicorns in the world). The covers are usually a bit much for me, too. On the other hand, the clientele is excellent. Everyone here seems to be a great balance of cool and real, hipster and chill, serious and fun, intellectual and spirited. Not once have I gone to the Cave without meeting someone who I really like. The beer selection isn't great, so be ready to crank back some PBR (not necessarily a bad thing, if you're ready for it). It can get pretty crowded, depending on the entertainment, so you might want to show up early.

    a sign for the cave

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    11 years ago

    Nice cozy place! Nice vibe and the bartenders do their best to make you feel at home!

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    15 years ago

    beauty is in the eye of the beholder. and this place is a stunning dive bar.

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    (OK, very telling about me, but still AWESOME) Make sure to have your hangover cure handy for the next morning.

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    The Gathering Place - Exterior entrance

    The Gathering Place

    4.4(8 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    TLDR: cute place, a bit pricey, interesting ambiance but I like the idea of it…read more Came in on a Wednesday for the more open random game night with friends. The place is pretty tucked away and didn't know it existed until I was invited. First thoughts were uh this is a bit shady walking up stairs and the building itself was not super well kept (not their fault). The bathroom looks so outdated and wasn't super comfortable that the bathroom is a shared one (two stalls, a urinal and it's just open to all) so wouldn't feel comfortable drinking alcohol and then possibly being alone in a bathroom where men are peeing right next to me. That's just my opinion and comfort. Regardless the place was cute- the bar had a lot of options for tap, they had MEAD! Extremely exciting as I LOVE Starrlight mead. The music was kinda all over the place from like 70s music and then the next was like a Fern Gully song -would just stick to one genre. The employees were also pretty nice (they ?Meredith? helped me over the phone as well). Notes: DO NOT PARK IN THE GRAVEL PARKING LOT- it's not theirs They seem to automatically tip, not sure how much, I wasn't given a receipt and didn't have the price of my drink so I can't deduct from my charge. They seem to have a pretty big card charge as well so maybe cash is better? They have a ton of events so check when you want to go during the week! I've added a photo.

    So there's this human-hybrid bathroom where men and women can use the restroom at the same time??…read moreI'm all for equity at a logical level but this is a disaster waiting to happen. Also the bathroom was disgusting and I threw all my clothes in the wash. It's near the college which I guess explains the sounds coming out of the speakers. Actually they were more like a series of constant screams accompanied by the unplugging and re-plugging in of instruments. Major cons: *limited parking *pee * about 10 tables * no one asked me about board games or cared. Pro: that brief period when the music stopped. Thankfully there were plenty of edgy hairstyles Do places like this care about money or is it just a front for the magic the gathering store?

    Photos
    The Gathering Place
    The Gathering Place - Shared bathroom

    Shared bathroom

    The Gathering Place - I want my own glass next time

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    I want my own glass next time

    The Cave - bars - Updated September 2026

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