Pinhook

Great venue for small concerts . Good sound quality.

Fun atmosphere, great people, but the bartenders completely ignored me trying to close my tab for 45 minutes. Also, not really the bar’s fault, but man when I come for a BRAT party I wanna hear BRAT! We were there for 3 hours and only heard three BRAT songs, two of which were 365.

Not that i need another reason other than being born here, theres something about being at Pinhook that makes me so proud to be from Durham. I love that theres a melting pot of culture, acceptance , and support from all ages, races, gender, sexuality etc. From a recent show every entertainer was awesome!

Its a small venue but that just makes the shows a lot more intimate and the bartenders are super nice and professional. honestly have nothing bad to say about this venue. Its an all around chill place to hang. 10/10 would go again.

Came here for a Charli XCX BRAT event and left so disappointed. This bar is not built for such a large sold out event like this was. Waited 45 minutes to order a drink at the bar because they only had two bartenders, whoever helped us obviously hated their job as well because they were super short with us. Honestly the whole vibe was off from the employees for a place that prides themselves on being inclusive for all. Do yourself a favor and go to Ruby Deluxe or even The Fruit instead.

I dont understand how they get such amazing acts, and they arent common, but are always a great experience (acoustics are surprisingly decent, drinks are affordable, vibes are authentic). Regardless of night, crowd and staff are down to earth and this is a place of love.

Cool alternative venue with so much character. I love going there and seeing great alternative bands

The last Friday of the month is karaoke. Usually, they have music venues on Friday and Saturday, which is more of a dance party vibe, and they are generally good. And drinks are very affordable!!!

Great little hole-in-the-wall music bar. I love going here both for shows and for karaoke night, which they hold about twice a month. I even started making my own karaoke videos to sing to.

Fun queer friendly bar. I’ve seen lots of amazing performers over the last decade here. A nice Durham staple that has supported the queer community here since forever. You definitely have to see a drag show here for the talented crew that is the house of cox. Always a good time and great vibes. Bring cash to tip!!

Its ok. The show was probably good but if youre not standing in the 1-2 row to the short stage, youll only see peoples heads. Fine for music, not variety or burlesque.

Fun little venue for local shows.

Cannot recommend this establishment. They flaked on a friend that was supposed to do a speech for Trans Visibility Day. Not a good look and I will never set foot in this location.

Awesome concert venue. They check vax cards at the door and are serious about people keeping their masks on. Affordable drinks too ($8 for a cocktail, $6 for a beer).

I was pretty surprised to come back to Durham walked into this place. I have different memories of downtown Durham from 08 and seeing this makes me feel right at home. Nice venue and cool vibe.

An inclusive hole-in-the-wall bar and live music venue. the bar also serves mocktails, and the first place ive been to that will sell capri sun!!pinhook is a two minute walk from the nearest parking garage as well.

Best bar in Durham. Electric crowd. Fun karaoke. Delicious, decently priced drinks. Jus plain fun.

Home of the House of COXX drag family. An amazing group of wonderful people and powerful performances 💜🤠💙Have yet to try the karaoke on other days, but greatly look forward to it!

Had my first visit a few days ago. Loved that they have a mask policy still and are very LGBTQ+ friendly. This is a small venue with a small stage but is a great setup with attentive and kind employees. Sound was spot on too!

If I could give Pinhook 0 stars, I would. The cash cover of $10 felt like a complete waste of money. Music was very repetitive and mediocre. The bar was not good and overpriced. Dance floor is small and felt too empty for a Friday night. We could barely stay for 20 minutes. The bouncers are rude!! Simply, was NOT a fun time.

Had a fun experience, for one of my closest friends birthdays. This is a truly queer club that seems to serve as a safe place for free expression. However I did feel like the DJ was overly trying to accommodate myself and friends bless her heart but at the same time Ive only been in this club twice now and may just be unfamiliar with the vibe

Great venue for live music. More than just a bar as the owners promote and are involved in social movements.

Love this community space! love that its the House of Coxxs home base and that events vary from dances, music acts, community crafting/info sessions, and game nights!

Absolutely phenomenal venue with an amazing staff and fun drinks. Only downside is that its a small venue and you will heat up fast. Dress cool and have a blast you will never regret a night out here. The drag shows, the concerts, and Pie Pushers upstairs is all you need to enjoy a night in Durham.

Absolutely the best time of my life!!!! We will definitely be back

I was visiting Durham and found this lovely spot on Karaoke Night. Very well programmed and a fun crowd. You won’t regret your visit.

Went here for a political event. Space was better than I thought and bigger too. I was impressed by their beer (both craft and delightfully Americana hipster potentially ironic choices) and their cocktail list. A couple of people brought dogs in, which I thought was pretty great, though Im not sure my dog would endure a punk show there.

Great bar, live music, kinds of weird unisex bathroom, but we had a great time while we were there. Everyone was respectful and nice. Personally, I love the stage and the sound guy. Great place to perform or See live music.

I attended an amazing karaoke night on a Saturday with a friend of mine. Loved every bit of it. The entire place was lit and full of enthu. The best part is you can have as many drinks as you want without burning a hole in your pocket. A must visit when youre in downtown.

Been here once and it was a pleasant experience. We were a large group and the bartender was able to accommodate us without hassle. Good beer selection and relaxing atmosphere. Im sure its a much different place during peak hours/live performances.

Our group booked a karaoke night with Pinhooks new space rental and what a night! We sure miss this place and were so happy to get to celebrate here. The crew at the Pinhook made it so easy to just book and enjoy our night. Theyre the best and cant wait till this fall for shows, but definitely recommend booking a space rental in the meantime!

This is a chill cozy place. They pretty much are open to any crowds. They embrace straight, gay, bi, lesbian, trans or whatever. They usually have a live band and an outdoor section for smokers. This is a must checkout. There is usually a cover to get in probably to help pay for the live band. I think the cover is normally $7. Check it out and enjoy!

Was great, wonderful bartender who made a fun drink! Definitely was surprised about the mandatory mask request that was slightly being followed be some people. Hopefully that will change sometime.

Absolute awful experience. Over priced show and rude staff. Stood in line for 15 minutes to get a beer with no one in front of me, by the time they finally got to me rolled their eyes and acted as if I was ruining their night. I will definitely not be back - better off supporting the bands online

I truly love Pinhook! Its the first place that I DJed in public. Its a very welcoming bar for LBGTQ+ I prefer this venue more than many other places. There are event nights, but house music is regularly played here

Great local bar..Friendly bar tenders and staff.

Ive been to this bar a few times, once for trivia and once for a band. I enjoy the laid back atmosphere, and the no frills environment. They had good drinks and speedy service, which is what you look for in a bar.

Small bar and music venue. Great place to catch some local live music.

This is such a rad inclusive spot to get a drink and dance, karaoke, and see awesome live bands and entertainers. The back patio is one of my favorite views of downtown D-town!

Actually has become a great venue that shares the values of the community. Im a fan now.

Great location, not super busy, wish there was more seating but then again I was here for an open mic. Nice DJ, door person and bartender.

Went on a Wednesday night while visiting the area so it was slow as expected. Im vegan so I was happily surprised to see that they had soy white russians but they had a nice selection of other mixed drinks and beers as well. The grungy look was cool as well as the focus on LGBT inclusivity. However, the bartenders attitude ruined it. She was condescending and really short with us. We felt so uncomfortable by it that we just downed our drinks and left. It was a bummer because I expected a place that is supposedly accepting of all would have been more friendly.

Not as big as Cats Cradle in Carrboro but a great venue for Durham, especially as everything goes more up scale. The bar service is quick, the beer prices are reasonable and theyre booking much better national acts lately. The main floor gets super crowded at bigger shows but theres a little seating area near the front to catch your breath. If you want to help support cool Durham, check it out

My daughter went there last night and was denied entry...because she is white. She was told that they were a place for people of color and she would not be allowed to come in. She thought they were joking and was told nope Youre not coming in because youre white. She told them that was racist and the person told her thats not my problem. This is illegal and disgusting.

Pinhook is the most amazing place I have ever been too! It is very welcoming of everyone and an absolutely perfect place for my first Hanukkah celebration! The bathrooms are beautiful with graffiti and I was gifted a beautiful raccoon hoodie from here by a friend of mine!

Fun venue for smaller bands and local talent. Also a great bar with friendly bar staff and a bunch of alcohol. I got pretty drunk here once, which is how I know. I still had a blast.

Great concert venue. Ive seen some excellent touring bands as well as my favorite local artists. The micro-brew drafts give the place a very local and welcoming feel.

Went with my fiancé for the 1st time (being that Greensboro lgbtq nightlife is so played, needed a change of scenery and Winston has absolutely no LGBTQ venues at all!!) and we really enjoyed ourselves. Didnt enjoy some of the odors coming off of ppl in there but the music was acceptable, the drinks were strong and the entertainment was actually entertaining. It was worth the hour drive!! No drama!! Just good people and good fun!!

Horrible front door. Tried to enter and pay. ATM was broken and door man was rude. Offer to pay at bar and was fused. How do you required cash at the door and then card at the bar?

Dirty, awful drinks. Went for dance party but DJ cancelled. Was made to feel uncomfortable by staff. Only plus was they refunded our door fee.

Last night was my first time at this place. The drinks were fantastic, the staff was great, the show was fun and the crowd was one of the most diverse I have seen in a long time.

Historic music venue with cultural significance. Friendly and welcoming yet in-your-face. DIY aesthetic. Great place to see a band up close.

First time here and didnt like the atmosphere. I walked in and no on greeted me. And as i stood in front of the bar waiting for a welcome or why are you hear? Someone finally asked y was i here and then i told them. But i wasnt welcome being an african american and i dont know why. I wanted to do something different and they had A letter writing event this night which i wanted to do. But if the atmosphere is not welcoming im not coming back and i hope.they do better.

A far cry from their rough and tumble early days. Pinhook is firmly a DURM staple. Featuring great live performances, inexpensive drinks and the fabulous Pie Pushers attached. Located in the heart of Durham’s revitalized downtown this is the place to be for a unique night. Tourists: want to meet the locals? This is the place. Gender neutral restrooms are a plus.

Queer Country Cosmic Country Night was everything! ❤️

Phenominal dance party, generous drink pours, friendly staff, amazing new friends. Its a safe place where everyone is welcome and affirmed. Go get your dance on.

Super-friendly and cosy live music venue with much more to offer than just concerts such as trivia, dance parties, and lots of other activities! Great selection of drinks too.

Nice little hole in the wall style club! Very accepting atmosphere, cool decor, a nice full service bar, and awesome local acts. Definitely worth a visit.

Walked in on a saturday night with the wife. there was about 8 barstools and 2 booths. no seating at all. bartender and patrons just sat there staring at us like we ruined their party. so we left...nothing good to talk about

Fun show! Great sound. Fast bartenders. Fair drink prices.

I cant say I liked it. The acts are always terrible. If I wanted to see karaoke-grade musicians, Id go to a karaoke bar. Nobody is ever dancing, and the people usually look like they want to disappear into the walls. Uncool.

Great beer and prices and an awesome atmosphere. Bartenders were very personable and the owner was serving beer when we got there. Alternative style. Live music.

The bartender/manager is cool. He helped me out when I needed it. Yup, forgot some things on the dresser. Amex is no good here so I learned about Notty Bo. Uber is a good way to get here. The omni-sexual restrooms were a surprise. I liked how karaoke participants support each other. Heard some fantastic pipes and earnest renditions. Learned that Shonen Knife and SCOTS are active in this century. Rock on!

So last night was my first time here. Everyone was very friendly; patrons and staff. Relaxed atmosphere and great venue for live music.

Great DJ on Friday

Karaoke night was fun except for the man running the karaoke. He has a bit of a complex. He would sing when there was a full list of people waiting. Seemed like he was on a power trip.

The staff is usually friendly and the patrons are usually respectful. Their dance parties are really fun and I really enjoy their drag shows.

Hipsters missing their grungy big-city haunts will feel right at home at the Pinhook - and thats meant in the best way possible. Outspoken, progressive, and unabashedly cool, the Pinhook and its team of PBR-pushers have made it a must-visit for those patrons who are tired of typical Triangle bars.

Hipster dive bar

I always feel welcome at the coolest venue in town!

Only been here during moogfest. During mf this place is a damn sweatbox but always gets some of the dopest music. Heres a pro tip, drink lots of water, sweat, then when you dance you just slide off the people around you. Try it, it just works like nature or god or whatever atheists believe in intended.

Pinhook one of the lasting venues in the ever-changing Durham North Carolina known as The Bull City home of the Duke Blue Devils yes we went out to watch a up-and-coming artist Jay guns from Durham he was okay he could do a lot better on his marketing promotions as well as have a better sound guy in house here since Im a Sign by myself it was a bit difficult to hear anexo system sound so bad but we got through the evening we enjoyed the show the atmosphere was very diverse lots of people there enjoy the artist and actually talked about bringing other artist there amongst the artist managers who were in the building and sharing an evening observing this J guns artist from Durham the management was all of course at the door and was very cheerful collecting the tickets I notice that the ticket cost is very very from time to time and thats good thats good at this location great location Grapevine you bring your artist there and do an album release party it will be essential to keep the independent Market open help the Pinhook stay in business we hope to see you out there just do a little bit better with the sound guy he didnt have a clue what it was doing using the Venice board at all but all in all we got through it great venue good bar good and great cold drinks see you again this Saturday July 9th

This place wins best queer bar for a reason. Never been to an event there that wasnt fantastic. Particularly the drag shows by the House of Coxx!

Durham staple for independent music.Blends with friends every other Wednesday.

Ive happened to wander into the Pinhook for all the following amazing, strange, welcoming events:*Karaoke*A Sing Along*Hedwig and the Angry Inch*A Metal Show*An Indy Rock Show*A Dress Up Dance PartyYou name it, they got it!Cheers.

Super crowded! Music is good but low quality sound. Bar needs to improve their drinks menu.

A fun place that hosts a variety of events that will cater to all your funky desires. My go to there is Yolo Karaoke (best in The Triangle :D)

The best people, bsst vibes, and best shows I ever did have the pleasure to know/experience. The Pinhook is one of the reasons I choose to live in Durham.

Pinhoom is to Durham what Cats Cradle is to Carrboro. A lil dingy and grimy but a great place to go for music shows. Decent bar, open space for dancing or crowds. Smaller than the Cradle, but some pretty amazing shows and events come thru here. Check their calendar often!

Stopped in for a beer. Everything was fine with her visit. Staff was very friendly. cant really rated higher since I dont know much more about it

Best Queer dive bar with great clientele reasonable $ good bands on the regular.

Awesome venue!!! Great show!!!

It was hot as hell but worth every minute, the show was great and the energy of the staff was dope. A true staple in Durham that welcomes EVERYONE.

Great venue! Loved seeing the Samhain Shimmy here! Please have them back!

Great atmosphere with wide diversity of people. Love the enviroment settings and the mixed groups of people!! Comedy was funny with open vipes for all!!

Had a fantastic pride night! Music slapped and vibes were good.

The only place I know that serves the coldest beer ever! Great variety of food, great love music, great staff! I highly recommend this place!

My second favorite dive bar. Great for small shows, including music and comedy, and the best karaoke in the triangle!

Super cool spot. Very nostalgic. I had a pretty good time no complaints.

We saw Smoke from all the Friction and The Nevernauts! Both great shows! Always a great crowd of people who gather there.

Saw BANGZZ and Severed Fingers here, loved every moment. Great bartenders and an inclusive atmosphere. Highly suggest.

An eclectic and funky music venue/bar with fantastic bands, artists and more! A great place to have conversations and to meet new people.

I had so much fun here. Nice music, good dancing, friendly atmosphere.

Great place, great shows. Very inclusive and an awesome vibe.

Great bar scene for the LGBTQ crowd. Very accommodating and drinks were strong and cold

Decent beer selection for a small place, friendly bartenders, and good local music seems to filter through here.

My fave hangout spot in durham. i love queer country night!!

Great venue, relaxed atmosphere and they showed a free screening of a Nina Simone documentary. awesome.

The YOLO karaoke was a joke, too many people means you barely get a turn. They should call it YOGO: You Only Go Once. Nasty bathroom too.

Not a good experience. Drinks were bad and music not great.

Loved the vibes, and they had a real good selection of NA options

Some sneaky good bands and a great beer selection. Ive seen some really good shows here.

This is a great place to go for a night out. Cozy little bar with a great indie scene and staff is great

A beautifully affirming space. The heart of Durhams luminous queer scene.

Love the pinhook and all the staff its a fantastic music venue with a great atmosphere come down and check it out

Amazing Atmosphere and great place to have a company party! Very accommodating and the DJ was great!

Divey rock club. Good beer selection.

Love the all ages drag show at 8:30... so does my 17 year old!

A fun place to go for various dances, shows and events. Always a good time!

Theyve got great music and trivia. The bartenders are the nicest in the city.

So the place is cool, but I worked production for a guy theyd hired for the Moogfest festival and he was a bit racist!

Great bartenders and good music. Appreciated the accepting vibe of the place.

Went for KaraokeIt was pretty nice!Too bad we could only do one song per person

Almost singlehandedly responsible for the revitalization of that section of Main street, THE place to see smaller shows downtown.

Lovely venue!

Really cool bartenders (Jesse is rad), great events, really welcoming and safe space.

Went for an open-mike event. Friendly space, nice people, above average beer selection.

We always love and enjoy a great place to come and be free to meet other Great people!

Great drinks, nice venue! Awesome time :)

Awesome

Great music, fantastic dance parties, queer friendly and community oriented!

Great little spot for drinks and a show.

Cool karaoke night.A lot of weird people in just one place for me, but it was OK and fun.

You have to wear a mask but I had a great time!

Good crowd, karaoke was entertaining. There was a cover though.

Sometimes overly crowded. So many good concerts come to mind.

Great venue. Great beer.

Best little bar. Karaoke is a lot of fun!

SCAMMERS. USES ARTISTS NAMES AND NEVER HAS THEM PERFORM (Fauni) 👎

Great venue. Safe space and friendly staff.

Great bar with a fun atmosphere and good drinks.

Always a fun place to visit

LGBTQ, punk, great patio, great sound setup. What more could you want?

Dive bar with live entertainment, great staff, and reasonable prices!

Great inclusive bar with many fun events.

Bar staff is friendly and fast, great intimate venue

LIVE MUSIC MECCA!!!!! If you like hole in the wall music venues this place is AWESOME!!!!

Cool atmosphere remind me a little of some spots back home in Miami

Great place to see local and national acts.

It was a waste of time going there the waitress was a hot mess didnt know anything about drinks no I wont be going back there anymore just left there it sucks

Rude bouncers, waste of the cover charge, and poor music

Rustic! End of the story! No food. Bartender choice of decor interesting!

Was here for karaoke night. It was fun, drinks were okay.

A welcoming, safe space. Good drinks 🍸

Cozy venue, very queer, very comfy, $2.50 natty bo

Grungy punky bar. Not for everyone. Go inside, leave your hangups outside!

Had a lot of fun there but the bartender is very rude

Loved the vibe of this dive bar. Had a blast

Great place for dance parties, music, and keeping Durham weird

Great dive bar with live music! Embrace the grunge!

They have live music here. Go!

Pinhook is a great little venue in Durham. A staple of downtown.

Great service and nice beer selection

Great events, well attended, small space

Great stage, cramped floor space. Small bar.

Great small venue!

Wish there were more bartenders during peak times

Very intimate setting to enjoy a live show.

Thank you for providing a wonderful fun place for us to be ourselves

Great place to see new bands

Cozy little dive with a nice stage and cheap drinks.

Nice, smallish, gets crowded. Very nice staff.

Great place for a beer and watching a band

Feels like an artistic, enlightened punk bar.

My favorite bar/venue in the country.

Good DJ. Nice crowd!

Fun bar, fun people, great service.

A very different environment

Intimate venue with many great acts.

Decent beer list. Kinda grundgy

Excellent shows, very eclectic

Love this place

A local dive. Lots of good grrrl rock.

Awesome bar and dance place

Fun venue-- I saw a concert

I love the vibe. Awesome place

If you dont love The Pinhook then youre not my kind of people.

Poor management, lousy service, amazing drag.

Awesome music n atmosphere

Cozy venue with great sounds!

Good place for live music.

Thank you for the all ages drag show!

Good place to eat and got fun

Great live music 👍🎶

Great music great service

Best Karaoke in durham!!!

Great service and entertainment

Cramped, dark, loud.

Awesome!!! Great atmosphere

Queer friendly dig the atmosphere

Wonderful enviroment, great staff!!!!

Great music venue

For all your dive bar needs...

This is the most Durham place I know of.

This is a great little bar

So much fun!

Pretty damn fun

No judgement zone always

People that work here are rude!