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The Tavern

4.2

1900 W Markham Ave
Durham, NC 27705
Phone: (919) 286-7665
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The Tavern is an excellent venue for private parties or a night out with friends. Featuring plenty of indoor rental space, karaoke, live music, an outdoor patio and a dart balcony. Conveniently located near Downtown and DPAC, The Tavern is in The Ninth Street District, across from Duke’s East Campus.


Google Reviews

Photo of Catrice Otengo Catrice Otengo
Aug 12, 2024 3

So, I invited some of my friends I worked with to meet me here. None of us had ever been, but the reviews were pretty good, so why not? We came on July 26th. I loved the fact that they had pool tables and darts. The food.....we absolutely enjoyed it. That is the flavor I expect in a country bar setting. NOW, let me fast forward to this past weekend (Karaoke night) 11/10. Before I delve into it, a bit of background on my life. I have been around, worked with, and been a DJ literally since I was in my teens!! I am now 53. Music is still my ultimate enjoyment. So,I was absolutely looking forward to Karaoke night. And I must say, you all have the rudest, most disrespectful DJ that I have ever encountered in my over 30 years of music experience in the DJ industry!!! Any 5 star I would have given the Tavern is totally obliterated by the lack of people skills and respect that you guys hire to be your DJ which BTW isn't really DJ'ING. So, where I'm from, we would put our songs on paper, dj would rotate it out, we sing. But, in the midst of that, the DJ is also keeping the crowd entertained. So, anyway, I had never seen a Karaoke bar where you scan the QR code and put in your song. So, I did like I do on paper. I put two songs in online thinking it would rotate. So, he calls me up to sing, and immediately snaps at me for putting in two songs!! So, I'm trying to ask him the process of how it works seeing I had never been there on that night and he's like, "you need to read, the instructions are on the screen!" That was totally not my question. I had put in my other song because he deleted it out the system and it never came back around to me. Tons of people that came in after I got there and had been called up. I tried to then ask him how I would check the queue and he lashed out again with his disrespectful self!! Understand something, if you can't hire people with people skills, you shouldn't just hire the first available senior citizen that's tired of sitting at home and hates new people and being interrupted! He should have been grateful that new people wanted to add to the people count of your establishment which in turn, brings in revenue. Unfortunately, my first good experience has been dampened by your DJ and I won't be returning. I love music and people who love music. I am sure there is another spot here in Durham where the DJ personality matches his job description.

Photo of Queen Monkey Queen Monkey
Jun 8, 2024 5

We didn't have any food, but the beverages and service was fantastic!! Pinball, air hockey and darts. Super close to downtown and fun environment.

Photo of Amanda Hall Amanda Hall
Jan 28, 2024 5

Service and atmosphere is amazing!!! My husband is in the hospital at Duke University Hospital and I came here to feel better and I’ve never made a better decision! Had a couple shots and the owner even bought me one! (Don’t expect that though)LOL They were so caring and actually had a conversation with me and it made me feel so welcomed and I appreciated it so much. I’m going to be leaving much happier than I was when I got here. For sure. y’all want somewhere to come hang out where you feel welcomed then come here! They have pool tables and table hockey or whatever it’s called. A good beer selection too. Wings are on the menu! Which is what I’m gonna come back for later in the week!!

Photo of Leah Robinson Leah Robinson
Jan 17, 2024 3

The review really depends on what you're looking for. Some might like the atmosphere. Our office manager booked for our holiday party...not my first pick. Early recon suggested it was a smelly, sticky, total dive bar, but it wasn't that bad. Am I eager to hang out here again? No. My one and only drink was terrible, but I'm told other bartenders were better. We booked the whole place till 10, then they let regulars in, and it got insanely smoky insanely fast. I didn't even think that was legal. Also we catered out, so no info on the food. We found out the kitchen had to be closed about a week before our event.

Photo of Wesley B Wesley B
Dec 29, 2023 5

Casual. Bartenders were great, music was fun 90s hiphop, but then Kareoke dude was really rude, total vibe kill.

Photo of Mischelle Parker Mischelle Parker
Dec 15, 2023 5

Everything was great... karaoke, drinks, games! I didn't eat there but I'm sure the food is great too 😉

Photo of Valeria Valeria
Nov 30, 2023 5

Fun place. Quick bites with family after long drive from NY. Very nostalgic after graduating Duke a decade ago.

Photo of Margi Marsh Margi Marsh
Nov 10, 2023 4

Fantastic, clean, airy "dive" bar with surprisingly good food.