Best queer bar in Durham. Amazing cocktails, good vibes. Highly recommend. The service is phenomenal. Very cozy.
Taylor Esteban
Sep 22, 2023
3
Its a good bar but could easily be great. If they had designated seating areas and had space for dancing it would be perfect. If they are not going for a dancing environment then softer music and their current seating arrangement would be just fine.
Christopher Kaminski
Sep 1, 2023
5
The queerest bar that isn't a specifically queer bar. Amazing cocktails lovingly crafted. Many low and zero proof options. They even have zero proof seasonal cocktails sometimes. Check out all their events. I love everything about this place other than the air circulation. The basement location makes it hard not to get stuffy.
Sara Wall
Jul 17, 2023
5
A true hidden gem in Durham! They have some of the most interesting and delicious cocktails in town. The bartenders are all so friendly and knowledgeable. I find we have the most amazing conversations! Tarot readings there are super fun too! We had Emily last time we were there. She was so kind and patient with the reading. Check this place out!
Steve W
Jul 4, 2023
5
Favorite place to go in Durham. It leans into a New Orleans style mystic vibe with Tarot readings, live music ranging from Jazz to folk to the occasional goth/industrial DJ night. What's really nice is that it has a nice group of patrons.
It's the kind of place you can hang out, have a drink, meet new people if you want or be left alone if that is what you prefer. Everyone is welcome except people who don't understand boundaries. The crowd tends to be more adult and eclectic than some of the other bars in Durham that cater to the tech bro and more traditional folks.
The drinks are very good. Kind of like the place itself, the drinks are simple, good and easy to enjoy. The prices are reasonable and the bartenders are very nice and professional.
It's just a great casual place.
Still a great place, post pandemic.
Amelia Lee
Jun 27, 2023
5
One of my favorite bars in the triangle area that makes you feel like you aren't in the triangle area! This bar is tucked away behind the usual strip of businesses like Viceroy and gives almost a speakeasy vibe with it's close sitting and being low lit. The drinks range from $13-$16 depending on if you want something like their classic, absinthe, or espresso martini - which I highly recommend. There are also non alcoholic drinks along with light snacks, but there is a menu for Viceroy and stairway to get your food from there. Arcana starts to come alive around 8 pm with live music ranging from low-fi to folk bands and tarot card readings. It gets loud and packed afterwards but the bar allows close convos with their little lounge areas being intimate. I love coming to Arcana and can't wait to come back for their music, drinks, tarot readings, and even friendly service!
Victoria Garner
Jun 19, 2023
4
The drinks were great, we were able to request a well known cocktail which isn't on their menu and they were able to accommodate us.
There was live jazz on one of the nights we went and it was awesome.
The vibe of the place is cool, low light, and pretty quiet.
Lovely experience and very beautiful vintage feel.
Stephen Daniel
Jun 15, 2023
5
If you are looking for a friendly, accepting place to have a quiet drink, alone or with friends, this is it. My "food" rating is more of a rating of the drinks and the drink menu. They have snacks, but I chose not to partake. The drinks menu is extensive, interesting, and the drink I had was wonderful.
Kevin Chamberlin
Jun 7, 2023
5
Where else are you gonna find a Theremin performance and have your cards read? The mocktails were delicious too
Charlotte Milton (Charlatte101)
May 13, 2023
5
Quite literally the best cocktails I’ve ever had. They taste AMAZING! Usually I find that bars pour drinks too heavy on the liquor but arcana has this down to a science and I don’t think I’ll ever find somewhere as good as this! April Fool pictured in the photo.
Lindsay M.
May 3, 2023
3
Cool vibe inside, and there was live music. It was a bit loud though. The Google maps will put you in front of the Viceroy, and you have to walk to the other side of the block to find the Arcana door. I got a mocktail, (purple matcha based, idk the name), and though it was good, it was really tiny and cost more than alcoholic options.
Javier Hernandez
May 1, 2023
4
Good lil gem. I really enjoyed my time there. Definitely I'll go again. The only thing is that is a bit small, so obviously tend to get crowded and hard to get drinks. But other that that. This place is amazing
Jaime Lassiter
Apr 25, 2023
5
Erin was truly an amazing mixologist! Not just throwing drinks, but showing a passion with every drink she made. Will definitely go back! And the events they hold there are so much fun, amazing local artist showing their craft...
