Cat’s Cradle

We saw a show at the back room. It’s great venue with great acoustics. Glad that there is a space to see lesser known bands that may not bring in a large crowd.
Love that there is a bar there. Love that there is a loft to stand. There is plenty of space to stand. My only complaint is that the atm is in the main cats cradle. I always forget that they only take cash at the door.
The entrance to the backroom is in the back of cats cradle. It’s a nice little area where you can wait until the doors open. There is also plenty of parking which is nice! I love Cats Cradle, remains one of my favorite music venues.

We were in town visiting family and saw Matt Pond PA was playing in the back room. This is great place to see an act. I think there must have been a school break because the Chapel Hill area was dead. This made for an od show because maybe 30 people were there. Still the acoustics were good, once the sound guy started paying attention. The feel of this place was very intimate and made for a great show. The staff was a little gruff.

I’ve been going to Cat’s Cradle as soon as they banned smoking indoors, which I think was in 2003. My first concert there was Brand New, and as a thirteen year-​old at the time, it was the greatest thing ever. Now when I look back on it, I can’t believe my parent’s let me do that.
Since that Brand New concert, Cat’s Cradle has been a big part of my life. From Battle of the Bands in High School, to seeing Toro y Moi a few months ago, I’ve made an effort to see shows and enjoy everything that Cat’s Cradle can offer. I’ve loved their renovations, and while it’s not the same Cat’s Cradle I grew up with, it’s still a vital and important part of Carrboro, if not even better.
Diversity of music is great, I haven’t had any creepy or bad experiences, and that’s pretty much what I care about in a music venue!
I still haven’t been to the back bar, but I’m looking forward to checking it out the next time I’m at a show (end of March, if not sooner!).

Nice venue for music in both the main room and back room. As far as the bar goes I would say the back room definitely has the better bar. Bartenders in the main room definitely have some social issues or maybe its part of the vibe.

Very disappointed in the lack of professionalism and customer service here. I bought tickets to a show over a month ago and was so excited to go. However, the day of the show, it is snowing and freezing rain all day and so the roads are icy. It is not safe to drive and not worth it to me to risk my safety and go all the way out there for a show. I called to ask for a refund, no answer and voicemail was full. Okay… I leave them a Facebook message. They tell me no refund because the show is still on. Really? Hope they enjoy my money because I will NEVER buy a ticket to a show at their venue again. Look, I understand that they’re a business and need to make money but you should care about your customer’s safety. If you need to keep my money so badly, take a lesson from the Carolina Hurricanes. That same night, they had a game, but if people felt uncomfortable driving in the bad weather, they were offered a ticket for another game of their choice on a different night. For those that went to the hockey game, they got a discount on merchandise. Now that’s caring about your customers. Take note Cat’s Cradle.

Everybody needs more live music in their lives and Cat’s Cradle provides the perfect fix. They have a back room so two shows could be going on in the same night. It’s also cool how rich the history is here… even Nirvana played here! The last time I was here I watched Paper Diamonds play and that was awesome. Prior to that I saw Loudpvck and they were great also. You also get a great view of the stage from many points in the room from their elevated areas. I really like this intimate venue.

Cat’s Cradle is a great place to see a live show. I’ve been here several times over the last few years and they’ve made a lot of positive changes (in my opinion), to the venue since I went to my first show there about eight years ago. They now have a back room, so two shows could be going on in the same night. You don’t get into both for one price, but I think it’s pretty awesome you can choose between two shows. You now go in the back entrance which I think is much better than lining up in front of that shopping center the venue is in. And there is a parking garage right next to the venue now, and I’ve never had trouble finding a spot.
They schedule lots of great shows that includes a great mix of well-​known national and international bands, as well as regional and local bands.
I’m not going to lie and say it’s the prettiest place in the world on the inside. It’s your typical big room with a cement floor and peeling paint. But you’re there for the awesome music! And it’s a pretty intimate venue compared to some. The only thing that sort of stinks is that the bar is CASH ONLY. They do have an ATM but you’re going to get hit with a charge so get cash before you go!
If a band you love is coming to Cat’s Cradle, don’t miss it! In fact, just go and check out some live music and support!

Cat’s Cradle is an excellent place to watch a show. Not only does it have a rich history of bands and artists playing here, it also has a decent amount of space to fit a good crowd, including some seating on the sides and back for those who don’t want to stand. It rarely gets stuffy, in spite of how many bodies are able to fit in one space, and there’s a neat space in the back if you want to take a break from the show or grab a drink. The bathrooms are a little dingy, but that is kind of too be expected. Tickets are almost always reasonably priced, too.
Parking used to be a huge hassle, but now with the hotel parking deck next door, it’s so much easier to find parking before a show.
I don’t like the recent change of moving the front door to the back of the building. It’s a bit confusing, and makes for a longer walk around the building just to get in. I guess it’s a larger entrance, but I much preferred the original entrance.
If you ever get a chance to come here to catch a show, by all means do it. Especially if it’s a band you like or if you’re able to find some friends to go with you.

It’s really hard to comprehend how awesome Cat’s Cradle is. You know Nirvana played here?
The booking for Cat’s Cradle is absolutely insane. They basically run the Triangle music scene, and will often push shows to bigger venues like Haw River Ballroom, The Ritz, DPAC, Memorial Hall, and The Carolina Theatre.
The renovation of the Cradle a few years ago changed the atmosphere a little bit. I kind of enjoyed grabbing a seat in that shoddy wooden structure they had around the sound board. But, I understood that they had to increase the capacity. You can still grab a seat to the right of the stage if you’re an old man, like me. And they haven’t changed the grungy bathroom!
In the back, you’ll find the merch booth and the bar. The bar serves up Carolina Brewing on draft, beer, and maybe wine (idk, I certainly don’t drink wine at shows). The bar is cash-​only, but there’s an ATM in there.
On top of all that, Cat’s Cradle added the Back Room. The Back Room is basically a totally different music venue next door! There almost needs to be a separate Unilocal entry for the Back Room. A lot of the smaller tours go there, and I find myself there more often. The venue is pretty awesome, and I love hanging out on their balcony.
A membership is technically required for the back room, which is why I think they are able to serve liquor in addition to beer and wine. Beer options are slightly better there — they have Bells Two Hearted Ale, PBR, Sierra Nevada, and some rotating taps. They also accept credit cards!
The addition of the parking deck has made parking for Cat’s Cradle A LOT easier. You may still have trouble finding a spot during sold out shows, but keep in mind that there are still some public lots down the street, and some parking around the building.

Best place to see local bands from the chapel hill music scene and some new artists. Entrance is in the back. Bring cash for drinks. Can get your tix online got shows. Park in the hotel parking deck. Lots of spaces. tons of local restaurants nearby

I’m not sure why I gave this a 4 star review and not 5 stars. Maybe because I remember past shows where it felt swelteringly hot. Well, that problem seems to be a thing of the past, because I’ve been to a few shows over the summer and I can’t remember any problems in recent memories.
Anyway, having seen Father John Misty at the ritz about a week ago and seeing destroyer tonight at cat’s cradle just made me appreciate this place that much more. You can’t even compare the sound quality between the two venues. Dan Bejar had an 7 piece band (not including himself) and you could really hear each individual instrument, the saxophone, the flute, every guitar, even the maracas. The sound wasn’t muddled at all. You could also hear Dan’s vocals clear as a bell — every word. That’s important, because he’s a great lyricist.
I also had a great vantage point. I’m not going to tell you where I was standing because I don’t want you to take my spot when I go to shows. Just kidding, I like you guys. I’ll tell you, and you can stand there if you get there first. It’s a free country. So there’s an elevated area stage left with stools and next to it is another elevated area that used to be an additional bar before they renovated (I think they called it the litter box?). Anyway, I don’t miss the second mini bar. They only sold a couple different kinds of beer there anyway, my short ass prefers the additional elevated viewing area so i can see over your tall heads. There was even a guy who must have been close to 7 feet tall, but he still didn’t ruin the view for me.
I have one complaint, but it’s not enough to knock off a whole star. When did they start charging for water cups? Yeah, it’s 25¢, but I vaguely recall they used to have cups out for free? Maybe they were the paper cone kind, maybe I’m misremembering and thinking of another venue, but it’s room temperature tap water. And they don’t have ice. I don’t want to spend one cent on lukewarm tap water. If you ask for a glass of ice water at the back room next door, they will charge you 0 cents (though I might be inclined to tip anyway, so that actually costs me more in the long run? So I should shut up and stop complaining. Okay, I will).
Speaking of the back bar, I really appreciate that venue too. It’s adjacent to the cradle if you’ve never been (the entrance is to the right of the cradle), and it’s a more intimate venue. It’s great to have another smaller venue for bands that might not attract a huge crowd, though I did see Sloan in the back room, and I’m pretty sure they could have filled cat’s cradle??? Or maybe I just feel that way because I’m remembering they girl who wrote an entire album of love songs for their singer Jay Ferguson called Songs in the Key of Jay (that was a great night too).
Anyway, the back room has a full bar with mixed drinks too, whereas cat’s cradle only had beer so they don’t have to charge for memberships due to antiquated Bible Belt liquor laws. I guess there back room still charges for membership cards? I think mine was a dollar. If you’re seeing a show, though, I think they now say membership fee is considered basically a package deal with the ticket price? I don’t know how it works. I don’t care. But I do care that both cat’s cradle and the back room consistently bring great acts to the triangle. So thanks for all the music memories, and I look forward to more (it’s not even mid October and I’m planning on coming to at least three more shows here this month!)
Oh PS the cradle is centrally located, so you have at least half a dozen excellent pre-​show dining options, within spitting distance. Except don’t spit. That’s gross. I’m saying it’s really close by. You want meatballs? There’s that meatball shop that just opened over here, the same as the one in Raleigh. Chinese? Gourmet kingdom. Burger and a beer? Tyler’s. Grilled cheese? Dude, Tom+Chee couldn’t be closer unless they moved inside cat’s cradle (though that meatball place might be a smidge closer). Moules frites? Milltown. Empanadas and tequila? Calavera. Pizza? Well, I guess you could go to amante, but I wouldn’t advise it. But hey, it’s not like Franklin street is that far. If you drive, you can be on the main drag in a minute and there are more dining options there too.

I’ve been to 2 shows at Cat’s Cradle so far, Basement and The Good Life. The venue is small, but in my two experiences never felt too crowded even during a sold out concert. I like that the venue offers a more intimate experience. In addition to standing room, there is also a small upper level/​balcony with some (limited) seating. Tickets have been cheap so far ($ 14 the day of), and although there is a membership fee, it’s only $ 1 (and you can bring a guest if you’re a member). Another major plus is that the drinks are cheap and decent. I had a Nitro Milk Stout for 4 bucks. All in all, I am glad I have a go-​to music venue in Carrboro!

Excellent venue. Drove up from Wilmington to see The English Beat (Regatta 69 opened for them) and found the location good and easy to access (free parking garage on the next block and a brew pub, the Gray Squirrel, next door!). Friendly, helpful staff, reasonably priced cash only bar, decent sound.

I will always love seeing shows at Cat’s Cradle, and when I no longer love it, it will only be because I can no longer hear because I’ve been to too many shows! Cat’s Cradle has definitely changed in the past three years, and I know there were many more changes prior to that. They now have their «back bar» serving up cocktails and liquor drinks (and $ 5 fireball shots – what, what!), as well as showing some smaller bands. The main venue next door serves up $ 5 Carolina Brewery drafts, the variety of bottled beers for a range of prices, $ 2 sodas and $ 1.50 bottled water. They have a main bar in the back, and installed a side bar more recently which is very convenient if you don’t want to leave your spot to long.
Cat’s Cradle is a more intimate venue then some of our Raleigh music sites, but, I think that’s why so many love it. It can definitely feel cramped and people aren’t afraid to break it down and step on your toes (beer + hipsters + music). There’s always a diverse crowd with lots of college students and the avid triangle music lovers. Pro tip: wear breezy clothes because it also tends to be warm, even with the AC blowing. Cat’s Cradle does an awesome job with sound quality and lights, even for a small venue. They’ve put a lot of thought and money into making the space competitive and obviously it’s working because they always bring in tons of great musicians (Haim, Toro Y Moi, Twin Shadow, Phantogram and so many more!). It’s definitely worth it to come a little early and get a close spot to the stage. Since the stage isn’t raised very much, it’s hard to see the further back you get (at least for a female of 5’6″). They do have some seated spots on the sides you can snag if you get their early enough, and there’s usually plenty of open space in the back if you get claustrophobic easily. Overall, definitely one of my favorite venues in the triangle. Plus, it’s convenient to downtown, lots of restaurants and drink spots for pre and post concert activities!

Cat’s Cradle books some excellent Indy bands (I saw The Antlers there last night), and the size is just right (not too small, but not so big you feel like you are in an empty warehouse). They have a limited amount of drinks, mostly in cans and bottles (you can get mixed drinks in the bar behind CC) and the prices are average. But here’s what they need to work on fixing — the sound! Seriously, for a place that’s been around this long, I shouldn’t hear a buzzing or humming sound the whole time a band is playing. Every time I’ve been here it’s been an issue. Also I think they would benefit from some sound insulation on the metal roof. There is nothing more frustrating than hearing an awesome band, and the sound being crap. I used to think it was something the band was doing wrong, but after being here so often, and always hearing the same thing, I am pretty sure it’s the venue screwing things up.

Smaller than expected and that’s not a bad thing! I saw Cracker on 1−2−15 and loved the show and venue. Entrance was in back and a bit hidden. No parking fees, which was nice. The sound was good. There are some seats on the perimeter, but it’s pretty much standing room. All the staff were friendly. Beer prices were nice: $ 3 for PBR and $ 5 for a pint of microbrew. That beats paying triple that at most arena venues. One drawback is bar is cash only, so plan in advance. I look forward to returning.

I love the bands that come through Cat’s Cradle but I’m currently freezing my ass off to the front left of the stage. You don’t need AC on; it’s plenty cold outside!!!

The greatest venue I have ever attended. This place is legendary in the community. I’ve attended multiple shows here, and it has a very intimate setting. Although it gets crowded, that’s a small sacrifice for being so close to different bands. Some of my favorite performances were the EELS and Mike Doughty amongst smaller 80’s cover bands.
Everything is more or less fairly priced. Parking can be a little tricky, but generally going near Harris Teeter is the solution. Parking regulations seem to change all the time in this community, so I’ll just say, be careful where you go to avoid getting ticketed. The effort is still worth it.
Awesome date place. Cat’s Cradle fits the definition of hole in the wall. I’ve attended shows here for 10 years and love it each time, regardless of the performance.

Hands down the best place to see shows, but still a couple of complaints.
The venue is small and intimate. I saw a sold-​out Two Door Cinema Club show here, and it was crowded, but not uncomfortably so. If you are seeing a loud band, try your best NOT to stand near the sides. We found a spot on the left side of the crowd, but my left ear was ringing for three days afterwards. It was especially strange since it was only in one ear! The crowd is rather close to the relatively small stage, so the view is awesome, and the sound is blaring. Great for a stand up, squish together, jump up and down type of concert!
I wish they would allow re-​entry. Parking wasn’t the easiest to find, even though we arrived for the second opener. Or perhaps this can be attributed to my unfamiliarity with Carrboro. I’m from Raleigh, so Carrboro is a little out of the way, but the venue is definitely worth it. The venue itself is also difficult to find at night!

I stopped in last night to catch a popular local band, the Cat’s Cradle is by far my favorite venue to see a band at in the Triangle. I’ve been coming here since I was in high school I’ve seen numerous musical acts and have some great memories of this place.
What’s changed over the years a few interior renovations and of course it’s nonsmoking now, I know nothing new here but to think about how smoky this place use to be is crazy. Everything else has pretty much remained the same. Cash only bar with beer and wine (there is an ATM next to the bar in case you forget). The sound is always incredible in this place I’ve never been disappointed.
Being only 5′ tall it’s hard to find a place to stand and see a band in a lot of the other venues in town. At Cat’s Cradle I never have a problem I can always find a space or if I’m lucky grab one of the benches against the wall.
It’s important to remember when you exit from this place you leave through a different door then when you entered. It gets a little confusing if you don’t know. If your going to see a show try to get there early to snag a parking spot in the lot in front of the venue.
I highly recommend checking the Cat’s Cradle out you will not be disappointed.