Name: Arcana Bar and Lounge
Telephone: (919) 973-1675

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Phone: (919) 973-1675

Directions 4.6

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.

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

Google Rating

4.6

robyn cole 4 months ago

Renee the tarot reader is a 10/10. She’s nothing short of amazing. So talented and knowledgeable. The bar itself is amazing as well. Very inviting and a chill vibe. What a great place!! 💚
Kay a year ago

Friendly, inviting, welcoming spot. You can feel the good vibes when you walk in the door. I love the gender-neutral bathrooms, as they say on the door "whatever, just wash your hands!"

The cons are that is it is very very dark in the bar and our drinks were so-so. Regardless, I would still visit this place again.
Chloe Griffin 5 months ago

I wanted to like this place and I’ve heard good things about it. Queer spaces are important and needed. The bartender eavesdropped on my conversation with my friend and then made a point to call us out on what they thought they heard us say during “community announcements” while very pointedly glaring at us. It was clear a lot of folks are regulars so I don’t want to yuck anyone’s yum (hence 4 stars) but they made it clear we weren’t welcome so guess I wont be going back. I’ve also heard from others that they felt racialized here in weird ways.
Steve W 3 years ago

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 3 years ago

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!