Janice M.
Yelp
There's an esoteric vibe in this bar that borderlines a speakeasy feeling. The place is located on Main Street in Durham, but one must enter through an alluring back entrance, across from the train tracks, and a few doors away from a gentlemen's club. It is down the stairs to the basement, where you'll find an opening to a lounge with vintage, french provincial furniture. On the tables tarot cards eye anyone curious enough to tempt the spirit world with visions of their future and, if you come on the right night, a card reader will be present as a guide. A quirky set of lamps line the room, and the ceiling is dimly lit by glowing birdcages. This bar aids to empowering local artists by hosting their work on the walls in rotation, the energy differing each and every time.
A wonderful vibe continues even while scanning the bar menu, where you can order a sophisticated concoction named after esoteric inspired philosophies. My current favorite is The Queen of Cups, a name playing from a card also found within the tarot decks. This is white tequila based with hibiscus, lemon and lime, although I usually substitute the tequila for gin. These drinks are not for the inexperienced, yet they are devilishly tasteful at the same time. If you are looking for a deadly sin to be your downfall, this is certainly not a bad temptation to succumb to.
A great time to enjoy this bar is later in the week, such as a Thursday or Friday, before or after dinner. Definitely stop by. There's nothing else like it nearby. The atmosphere is wonderful for a date, or an intimate setting with friends. Some people wrote about wanting more of a mystical sensation within this bar. My suggestion to make anything better is always to add fairy lights. Fairy lights add a touch of magic in any room they light up. Perfect for the twinkling feeling one has just after a tarot reading.
If you are looking for quality cocktails, stop in at Arcana.