Interior View of Pinhook

Pinhook

Live music venue Dance club Karaoke

Casual bar hosting an eclectic crowd for local bands, DJs, open-mike nights, karaoke & trivia. People often mention night, Great, venue, Pinhook, music, love, Durham, door, show, great,


Address

117 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701

Website

www.thepinhook.com

Contact

(919) 901-3835

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50
(458536 reviews)


Working Hours

  • Monday: 5 PM to 12 AM
  • Tuesday: (Christmas Eve), 5 PM to 12 AM, Hours might differ
  • Wednesday: (Christmas), 5 PM to 12 AM, Hours might differ
  • Thursday: (Boxing Day), 5 PM to 12 AM, Hours might differ
  • Friday: 5 PM to 2 AM
  • Saturday: 5 PM to 2 AM
  • Sunday: Closed

Visitor Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: night (9) Great (8) venue (8) Pinhook (6) music (6) love (6) Durham (6) door (6) show (6) great (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Funda E. 1 year ago on Google
    If I could give Pinhook 0 stars, I would. The cash cover of $10 felt like a complete waste of money. Music was very repetitive and mediocre. The bar was not good and overpriced. Dance floor is small and felt too empty for a Friday night. We could barely stay for 20 minutes. The bouncers are rude!! Simply, was NOT a fun time.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Kimberly M. 2 years ago on Google
    My daughter went there last night and was denied entry...because she is white. She was told that they were a place for "people of color" and she would not be allowed to come in. She thought they were joking and was told nope You're not coming in because you're white. She told them that was racist and the person told her "that's not my problem". This is illegal and disgusting.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 StarSword C. 2 years ago on Google • 29 reviews
    Great little hole-in-the-wall music bar. I love going here both for shows and for karaoke night, which they hold about twice a month. I even started making my own karaoke videos to sing to.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joel M. 1 month ago on Google • 117 reviews New
    “This ain’t no country club”, but it’s a really cool bar in Durham. Blends with Friends DJ Open Decks events are really cool. Great sound system and stage.

  • 1/5 Liam 1 month ago on Google • 20 reviews New
    This bar supports terrorism- I came here a little bit ago for a concert and they had graffiti that said We are the Men of Muhammad Deif 10/07/23 Jihad Forever. When I asked them if it was planning on removing it, they said no, as we support resistance of the Palestinian people and the Al-Aqsa flood Jihad on October 7th. For context, Deif commanded and orchestrated the Oct 7th attacks which saw over 1200 Israel citizens murdered, and 251 kidnapped.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lucy R. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome concert venue. They check vax cards at the door and are serious about people keeping their masks on. Affordable drinks too ($8 for a cocktail, $6 for a beer).
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 BrianDay 9. 3 years ago on Google
    Absolute awful experience. Over priced show and rude staff. Stood in line for 15 minutes to get a beer with no one in front of me, by the time they finally got to me rolled their eyes and acted as if I was ruining their night. I will definitely not be back - better off supporting the bands online
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Nathan S. 5 months ago on Google • 26 reviews
    Fun atmosphere, great people, but the bartenders completely ignored me trying to close my tab for 45 minutes. Also, not really the bar’s fault, but man when I come for a BRAT party I wanna hear BRAT! We were there for 3 hours and only heard three BRAT songs, two of which were 365.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Keyla L. 5 months ago on Google • 26 reviews
    Came here for a Charli XCX BRAT event and left so disappointed. This bar is not built for such a large sold out event like this was. Waited 45 minutes to order a drink at the bar because they only had two bartenders, whoever helped us obviously hated their job as well because they were super short with us. Honestly the whole vibe was off from the employees for a place that prides themselves on being inclusive for all. Do yourself a favor and go to Ruby Deluxe or even The Fruit instead.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jason W. 1 year ago on Google • 56 reviews
    I don't understand how they get such amazing acts, and they aren't common, but are always a great experience (acoustics are surprisingly decent, drinks are affordable, vibes are authentic). Regardless of night, crowd and staff are down to earth and this is a place of love.

  • 4/5 Jess L. 2 years ago on Google
    Great location, not super busy, wish there was more seating but then again I was here for an open mic. Nice DJ, door person and bartender.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tuzelitzey A. 2 years ago on Google
    I was pretty surprised to come back to Durham walked into this place. I have different memories of downtown Durham from 08 and seeing this makes me feel right at home. Nice venue and cool vibe.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 buddy K. 2 years ago on Google
    Dirty, awful drinks. Went for dance party but DJ cancelled. Was made to feel uncomfortable by staff. Only plus was they refunded our door fee.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marissa 2 years ago on Google
    Had my first visit a few days ago. Loved that they have a mask policy still and are very LGBTQ+ friendly. This is a small venue with a small stage but is a great setup with attentive and kind employees. Sound was spot on too!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew R. 3 years ago on Google
    Our group booked a karaoke night with Pinhook's new space rental and what a night! We sure miss this place and we're so happy to get to celebrate here. The crew at the Pinhook made it so easy to just book and enjoy our night. They're the best and can't wait till this fall for shows, but definitely recommend booking a space rental in the meantime!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Abraxas J. 2 years ago on Google
    This is such a rad inclusive spot to get a drink and dance, karaoke, and see awesome live bands and entertainers. The back patio is one of my favorite views of downtown D-town!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Spencer H. 2 years ago on Google
    I truly love Pinhook! It's the first place that I DJed in public. It's a very welcoming bar for LBGTQ+ I prefer this venue more than many other places. There are event nights, but house music is regularly played here
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 robert r. 1 month ago on Google • 35 reviews New
    Dope little spot, probably could a men's and a women's bathroom....lol

  • 5/5 G. Taylor S. 3 months ago on Google • 28 reviews New
    Saw MX LONELY at Pinhook (capitalized per the band). They are an amazing grungegaze/heavygaze band. Pinhook's atmosphere is excellent; Chat Pile's song "King" emanated over the speaker as filler music prior to the show, which was awesome (and really set the tone for the show). 💯

  • 2/5 Sahil D. 1 month ago on Google • 22 reviews New
    This bar is ass

  • 5/5 Guy De G. 5 months ago on Google • 19 reviews
    Great venue for small concerts . Good sound quality.

  • 5/5 Michael B. 10 months ago on Google • 16 reviews
    Not that i need another reason other than being born here, there's something about being at Pinhook that makes me so proud to be from Durham. I love that there's a melting pot of culture, acceptance , and support from all ages, races, gender, sexuality etc. From a recent show every entertainer was awesome!

  • 5/5 Tammy F. 1 month ago on Google • 8 reviews New
    They host great musicians! Get out and support a local band at the Pinhook!

  • 5/5 Kenya H. 1 year ago on Google
    Fun queer friendly bar. I’ve seen lots of amazing performers over the last decade here. A nice Durham staple that has supported the queer community here since forever. You definitely have to see a drag show here for the talented crew that is the house of cox. Always a good time and great vibes. Bring cash to tip!!

  • 5/5 Jeremy “Cut Throat” K. 1 year ago on Google
    Fun show! Great sound. Fast bartenders. Fair drink prices.

  • 5/5 Hailee P. 1 year ago on Google
    an inclusive hole-in-the-wall bar and live music venue. the bar also serves mocktails, and the first place ive been to that will sell capri sun!! pinhook is a two minute walk from the nearest parking garage as well.

  • 5/5 Hannah S. 1 year ago on Google
    love this community space! love that it's the House of Coxx's home base and that events vary from dances, music acts, community crafting/info sessions, and game nights!

  • 5/5 Connor R. 1 year ago on Google
    I was visiting Durham and found this lovely spot on Karaoke Night. Very well programmed and a fun crowd. You won’t regret your visit.

  • 1/5 Kelsey B. 1 year ago on Google
    Horrible front door. Tried to enter and pay. ATM was broken and door man was rude. Offer to pay at bar and was fused. How do you required cash at the door and then card at the bar?

  • 5/5 diana l. 1 year ago on Google
    Had a fantastic pride night! Music slapped and vibes were good.

  • 5/5 Stuart W. 1 year ago on Google
    Great local bar..Friendly bar tenders and staff.

  • 5/5 Matthew B. 2 years ago on Google
    Great venue! Loved seeing the Samhain Shimmy here! Please have them back!

  • 4/5 Devon Y. 2 years ago on Google
    Was great, wonderful bartender who made a fun drink! Definitely was surprised about the "mandatory" mask request that was slightly being followed be some people. Hopefully that will change sometime.

  • 3/5 Khayi B. 2 years ago on Google
    Had a fun experience, for one of my closest friends birthdays. This is a truly "queer" club that seems to serve as a safe place for free expression. However I did feel like the DJ was overly trying to accommodate myself and friends bless her heart but at the same time I've only been in this club twice now and may just be unfamiliar with the vibe

  • 5/5 Joshua William B. 2 years ago on Google
    Historic music venue with cultural significance. Friendly and welcoming yet in-your-face. DIY aesthetic. Great place to see a band up close.

  • 1/5 Max Z. 1 month ago on Google • 1 review New
    Weird, overpriced, bad service, drinks not good. DO NOT GO HERE


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