You'll be rewarded with a good time once you make your way to this hidden gem in Durham, which is recognized for its inclusive ownership and atmosphere by the Lesbian Bar Project. With its entrance at the rear of its Main Street home, Arcana Bar and Lounge is your go-to if you're looking for a dance party or unique activities to accompany your cocktail. Depending on the night, you can sit for a tarot reading, practice your figure drawing skills, dance around a disco ball or relax with live music. One thing is certain – creative and tasty alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails are always on the menu.
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Hours:
Monday: Closed Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
The best bar ever from delicious cocktails and just as fantastic mocktsils, beautiful art nouveau interior design, and a hub for so many incredible events.
Taylor Rayle
Apr 12, 2025
5
This place is sooooo cute - dark, moody, good music, friendly people, and they have tarot readings!
Tsion Behailu
Oct 26, 2024
5
Wonderful neighborhood bar. Came in during drag bingo. The staff was super attentive and overall friendly crowd. Fun environment on a weekend.
Sara Schwartz
Oct 10, 2024
5
There is nothing like Arcana Bar and Lounge. The service is incredible. The vibe is great. The drinks are out of this world. The owner is AMAZING! Any event that happens at Arcana is so rad. If I could, I would be here several nights each week. I feel so lucky to have found it.
Sam Stein
Aug 16, 2024
5
Great place. Micah makes absolutely killer cocktails. A true mixologist. The best dirty martini I have ever had. A must visit.
Breezy
Aug 5, 2024
4
Great little vibes in this place! I love the inclusivity and their events are always fun and interesting. Drinks are pretty good for the most part but occasionally I'll get a weird one. Service is consistently slow but it's a craft cocktail experience so it's to be expected. Chill place that I enjoy going to! Great music and love the tarot.
Rachel Cushman
Jul 27, 2024
5
If you want to go somewhere totally different from other bars in Durham in a classy yet not pretentious atmosphere with a creative menu full of delicious drinks with so much intention and thought in their design this is the place for you. Arcana is not only a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies, but such a great spot to check out local art, music, and community events. It’s been my favorite bar for years and I am never let down by the staff or the diverse crowd of regulars and new comers at this bar.
AJ Vrieze
Jun 25, 2024
5
A new lesbian bar added to the registry! The owner has real vision and the decor and atmosphere are dark, sultry and chill. The drinks are top notch, and the events are always kickin. I love this place.
Rebecca Wellons
Jun 17, 2024
5
My review for Arcana is long overdue. Let’s start with the bar basics: their cocktails are unique/well crafted/lovely with a wide variety of options and knowledgeable bartenders. The decor is moody and eclectic without being oppressive. The not-so-basics: this was one of the first bars I went to (perhaps in 2018) in downtown Durham around midnight that I felt safe/comfortable in at a subconscious level. The guests are sometimes introverted, sometimes exuberant, and usually very welcoming. It can be a little challenging to find the first time but is well worth the effort :) I’d check the event schedule before bringing my mom (it can get a little spicy) but it really depends on your mom ;)
