Motorco Music Hall

This is a great small venue with a nice little restaurant connected to it. The food I had was tasty. There is a bar inside the venue as well. The venue itself was pretty nice as well. The show felt personal, and it was so cool being able to get some close to the bands. There is a little bit of seating off to the side as well. We saw Boston Manor, Spaced, Wife of the Farmer, and Ellis. You should get there early to get a pre-show drink and food.

Really good food and drinks and really good quality for the price. Neat menu of fusion foods with really good flavor, portions are just a little small. Overall I would give this 4.5 stars if I could - it's not quite a 5-star for me after some recent other food experiences elsewhere but this is a solid yes if someone were to ask if I'd recommend going here.

Saw Nothing, Nowhere with Sace6 here. The parking garage was clean and close to the venue. Tried a bite at Parts & Labor (which by the way, amazing prices, who knew venues had delicious and affordable food anymore???) then easily made our way into the venue space. The bathrooms were so clean, nicely stocked, and the venue staff were super kind. Even during the high energy parts of the show, I managed to stay cool and comfortable within the middle of the crowd. The sound crew perfected the audio for this show. Will definitely be visiting again. Thank you motorco!

Last night was our first time trying this place. We had dinner, and my teens went in the venue to watch a band. Im impressed! I figured the food would be on the level as 'bar food'... was I mistaken! We tried the wings, fries, salad, and burger sliders, and everything was made well and tasted delicious. The prices were not bad and the service was excellent. If we lived closer, I could see us going often!

Saw Willow Avalon here and was really happy with the experience. She was amazing and it was nice getting to be so close in an intimate venue. Bathrooms were clean, people spilled drinks throughout the concert but it was cleaned very quickly after. Drinks were good as well. Will be coming back here!

One of my favorite venues! The staff is always super nice and helpful, they allow reentry for most shows, the bathrooms are clean, the sound and visuals are good, the band merch is in a good spot, etc. And if you hang around after the show, you can often meet the bands! Parking can be tricky but if you allow enough time you can find an adequate spot not super far away. The attached Parts and Labor is also dope, the cheeseburger slider and the fried cheese bites are amazing!

Absolutely fantastic venue! Intimate and energetic, food and drinks were great, and the staff was amazing. What a gem to find on my first trip to North Carolina!

I really love the place what they've done with it growing up in Durham and seeing this little area that used to be nothing and now it's amazing it's an incredible place for people to have a nice drink relax and just enjoy yourself.

I got the tofu banh mi and sesame udon salad. The sesame udon salad was great. So well balanced with noodles, veggies, and protein. Every bite had a tofu chunk in it. The dressing was rich, and the portion size was large enough to be a full meal. The banh mi had the best baguette. It was perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. I don't know if they bake it in house or buy it, but super delicious. Otherwise the banh mi was pretty bland and small. The portion was a large appetizer size. It didn't have much flavor at all. It really could have used some sauce and vegan mayo.

We came here after a late night of being out they had some amazing options considering the time of the night! Loved their falafel wrap, and also tried their cauliflower wings and a quesadilla the food was very good! There were plenty of places to sit inside and out and they also had a full bar as well the place is open until 2 AM on weekends. The service was quick and they were well staffed as well. Will definitely be back!

Me and my husband went on Sunday we were absolutely obsessed- the food was very good and the service was great a young woman was making sure everything was good and although she was busy cleaning tables, serving food and making sure the customers were pleased, she took the time and had a conversation with my husband that is very talkative she did not seem forced she seemed sweet and imagine our surprised when she told us her mom work in the bar too Daniella is one of the greatest bartender and truely hard working like her daughter Dariella! 10/10

We went to an event here last night and it was such a wonderful experience! My husband and I both have disabilities, and it can be difficult to find venues that provide us with a truly inclusive experience. The staff at Motorco was so kind and accommodating! The space is open and has lots of SEATING, which is a huge plus, AND there is a ramp to the stage. They have water readily available, and the bartenders were super skilled, efficient, and willing to make mocktails that weren't listed on the menu. We didn't get a chance to eat at the restaurant, but we definitely plan to come back to more events here!

the beef empanadas here are the best i get them every time! loving the fresh simple salad and all the healthy options. the bulgogi shawarma is so delicious and filling too. love this place

Love this venue! I've only been to a handful of shows at Motorco but it's a great space, small quaint to see small bands, or if you're lucky, your favorite band. The music venue is small, but has great acoustics. There is a small section of station seating to the left of the stage. I'm not certain, but I think for some shows the seating is first come first serve, for other concerts I think you have to buy a special ticket to use the seating. They have a full bar. There is also a restaurant attached, but I'm not sure you can get food in the music venue. The neighborhood is ever developing, in the last year and a half since I lost went there are so many new construction sites all around. Even the old parking lot next to/behind Motorco is now a massive apartment building. I hope all the development does come at the cost of venues like this disappearing

(This is in October 2024) I ordered concert tickets with the wrong email address(one that didn't exist) and had A LOT of trouble with a representative that worked there. I had 100% proof that I bought it and they refused to simply send it to my actual email. It was seriously over-complicated. Luckily, I was able to reach out to members of the band and they emailed the company and shortly after I was given my tickets...... In other news, when we got there it was very nice and spacious. There were places to sit and a bar. I didn't get drinks or food so idk how that is.

Cool outdoor space that's perfect in the nice weather. Huge variety of drinks, mocktails, and beer. It's often pretty busy, especially later in the night on the weekends. I went on a Friday night around 9pm and there was a about 20 min line to order drinks/food at the bar. Lots of interesting and diverse food options. I had the empanadas, which were pretty good but nothing special. Food portions are small for the price. Overall, great vibe and friendly service. After ordering, food and drinks come out fairly quickly and are brought straight to your table. It's a very convenient location with a lot to do nearby so great spot to meet up and start a night out!

Went here for a concert tonight ordered Diet Coke and lamb Souvlaki it had terrible seasoning and next to no meat on it. The Diet Coke was flat. The atmosphere was awful to say the least. There was a long line to order they gave you a number to take to your table. We waited about 10 minutes to be served. My wife ordered the boudin the cheese was over seasoned you couldn't taste it the cheese! All in all an awful meal. Chances of going back her are real slim!!

First time here and I'd definitely come back. They had a nice selection of cocktails and tons of beer options. Bartenders were polite. Loved the vibe outside.

Food is nice, nothing fancy, we saw a really great singer there and it was really fun! Service is not that great. The place is really cool though!

I never got to experience the music hall part of this establishment, however, my date and I did patronize the bar. Disappointed over how weak our cocktails were made (I ordered a Long Beach which is the exact equivalent of a Long Island tea, except that it has cranberry in it instead of Coke), it wasn't long before my date and I closed our tab after just ordering ONE drink each and bar-hopped elsewhere!! With very cool, trendy-looking bartenders and massive outdoor seating, there's no excuse for serving customers puny alcoholic drinks that have absolutely no kick to them... especially, again, a drink like the one I ordered which has 7 different liquors mixed within it! These (Duke University) college kids that frequent the spot are getting robbed and they don't even know it. SMH!

I have been to dozens of shows here and have seen some of my favorite artists play this venue. I feel like they get so many great up and coming acts as well as surprisingly bigger names (for the size of the venue). The sound is usually great. I have never had an issue at the bar or with staff being anything but pleasant. I find myself wishing when I buy tickets for a show at another venue that it was being held at motorco instead. They have some parking in the back and there are plenty of places to eat nearby including Parts & Labor which is attached to motorco.

Great venue with great sound? Bar service is slow during larger crowd events but that could be remedied with more bar staff. The staff they have is very pleasant and patient considering some patrons.

Cool little venue in Durham. There is a bar a small stage and to my suprise some bleacher type seating to the left of the stage. The bar tenders were nice, there was a decent selection of beer on tap and canned. There were some good mixed drinks as well. The venu is smack in the middle of many restaurants if you want a bite before the show. There is street parking and a few pay lots near and around the venue.

I always have a good time at Motorco! It's always pretty crowded, but I never mind. The food is great and the bartenders were really nice, they were more than happy to make me a few mocktails. I've attended a few concerts here and love the bench seating on the side when I wanted to get away from the crowd. They host a lot of different events, if you're ever looking for a night out!

Wings are solid. I prefer the buffalo sauce over the motorco sauce - but that is just me. Beer on tap is great but limited selection. We love the patio and staff is friendly and efficient. Definitely a great place to grab a brew with a few friends.

I cannot thank motorco enough for starting outdoor, COVID-safe pad concerts i the adjacent parking lot. Each pad is designated with tape and has an AstroTurf down. We took camping chairs and set up. They are requiring a health screening, checking temperatures, and give you a hand sanitizer. You order online and enter your pad number and both food and beverages are delivered to your seat. They also require masks be worn at all times except when eating or drinking and *most* of the patrons followed this rule. Thanks to these measures we felt very safe and got to see our 1st live concert since February.

Did not eat there only attended a concert and it was really nice. People were nice would defiantly go back and recommend.

This former automotive showroom is one of our favorite venues for music, community talks, and lectures. Great food (not your typical bar fare!), and good drinks. Outside, there's a buzzing patio when the weather allows, and the former garage is the "Parts & Labor" restaurant. Keep doing your own thing, Motorco! We love you!

This is an intimate, relaxing concert hall with fantastic bands! I absolutely love coming here. They currently screen you before you go in. They check your vaccine card, and there is the ability to maintain distance from others in the hall. In addition, the drinks are delicious! We are lucky to have such a cool venue in Durham.

We've been here for other events like live storytelling (where they set up chairs) but I recently went to a BoDeans concert there as well. You could pay extra to sit up on some risers on the side, but most people stood, swayed and danced on the floor like most clubs. You can get pretty up close to the band as long as you're respectful of other patrons. Sound quality was good and the selection of beers and cocktails was excellent. As with any venue in what's called the DIY District, parking can be limited. Luckily on a Sunday night I found a spot down the block. I think you can also prepay to park right behind Motorco, so that's an option as well. i know ticket prices will vary based on the performer but I've never seen anything too outrageous. All in all a decent music club near downtown Durham.

This spot is never bad. Was here in June and thrilled to be able to enjoy this spot again on a beautiful day. They've clearly got the process figured out - and you could order inside masked, or outside without one. Service here has always been good. Have to admit my amusement at some of these other posts. What bar allows you to bring alcohol in? That's truly insane that people are 1-star rating it for getting called out for that. At any rate, they have a top notch draft selection - always a great cider option! And they also have an outstanding little food menu. Sliders, fries, tacos, poutine, it's all amazing. One of my favorite spots in Durham for 6+ years now.

Excellent venue and food. Staff is very friendly and there is always space to hang for awhile.

I love this place. Such a great place to sit outside or inside, grab a snack and have a drink. My favorite items on the menu are the poutine fries with mushroom gravy and the wings with hot sauce

First time coming to this Music hall with a great turnout to the Mid-Year Mixer & Showcase! I thought I was going to leave early into the show, but with each artist performing, it got better and better. Will definitely be coming here again because the hype was real, REAL.

Great venue in the heart of downtown Durham that is within a do-able walking distance to all of downtown. I walked from here to Hotel 21c and back last night in 4-inch heels OK. I first came upon this venue when I attended Moogfest last year, it was insanely crowded because one of the main acts was playing there so I got to experience the venue from that angle, which was cool. Everyone was dancing and happy. I went here for the second time last night for the start of a little self-guided tour of downtown Durham that my friends and I have been wanting to do. Great outdoor seating, great vibe and cider/beer selection. Would suggest coming here after work on a Friday when the weather is nice. There is no official parking lot so I found street parking after a lap around the block.

Well thanks to COVID every restaurant is different in how they do things, but things here was still simple, you go online to order your food and drinks. Everything was at our table in ten minutes. I ended up ordering some tacos(bulgogi) and a Falafel Combo which I didn't read the part where it said vegan haha but was still good. Atmosphere is nice, big tables it was a good spot.

Definitely a great venue that has all styles of music, and has a great staff.....Definitely a fan of the ownership and what they do in our community......Need to get back for another visit soon... Have seen everything here from Chamber Music to Rock to Spelling Bees...usually plenty of seating both inside and outside, and of course they played a Major role with Marry Durham and are a definite Durham institution....

Alright, if you're scrolling down these reviews wondering if Motorco sells food and seeing comments about the music shows for the most part, I'll let you know-- the answer is: yes! They have a good selection of drinks and also have a surprisingly large menu with some quality food items. My friend vouches for the tuna sliders with wasabi mayo, while I enjoy the poutine dishes! They do use cheese curds for the Canuck/Canadian poutine, which is a nice surprise. For the Korean BBQ rendition of poutine, Motorco is usually pretty generous with the meat and kimchi as well. They serve food until pretty late, so a good bet for late night munchies! Finally, I wanted to note that Motorco is a pretty cool place to watch a sports game too (especially Duke basketball), because they will project it up to the big screen.

I love the Motorco Music Hall. The music, the intimate surroundings, the vague scruffiness...not to the point of derelict, but the badge of a well used comfort...like one of those red velvet chairs you find in an old home. But don't let that description fool you. The Motorco is not fuddyduddie, musty joint. But a place that features diversity day or night. I've enjoyed Girls Rock, a camp which empowered young girls to explore their music creativity...encouraging them in every aspect of music from picking up an instrument to penning lyrics. I've enjoyed Me'Shell Ndgecello, and also Local Latin Bands which brought out more some serious salsa moves and grooves. Right next door and across the street are some awesome food opportunities to make a day of it before nightfall and whatever band you may discover. So don't wait until the doors open to get there. Grab dinner, or drinks or a coffee around the corner and down the street, or a beer just a few steps away.

I wish I could have a zero star option. As you can see, I'm more of a poster of good reviews and to note, I'm a small business owner (own a bar in San Francisco) and know the power of Yelp. Well this review is in dire need for others to know how poorly I was treated today. If my staff members treated a customer the way I was treated, they'd be fired on the spot. Hands down the worst customer service ever. I now see from many others I'm not alone. Following the pandemic and supporting small businesses, I highly recommend you take your money and time elsewhere. It's a shame, as I started the evening enjoying myself and happy to be in town visiting a friend. I ended up walking away crying, as I've never been treated more poorly than I was at this establishment. Save yourself and go somewhere else that treat you well.

What a great venue! We got a parking pass when we got our tickets, so we were able to park easily and walk right in. For the show we attended, Alex Cameron, there were seats for everyone and I'd guess that there isn't a bad seat in the house. The venue is small and intimate, with gender neutral restrooms. Everyone was friendly and the audience was able to interact with the performers. I would love to attend another concert at Motorco!

Really dig this spot! I've been here twice now, for hip-hip shows. Sound & space are fantastic & the stage is just enough size. Really not a bad spot in the place. There is seating on the back & right side of stage. The bartenders are great. They've always been gracious to me, especially since I'm just getting a water. Parking is tricky, they have a lot behind & beside, but it's not huge.

This place is awesome. I came here from CA to see Madball. They delivered an awesome show and the venue was amazing. The restaurant next door has awesome food with good service.

First visit last night! We came to see The Quebe Sisters, but will be back for the food as well! As others have said, the food is soooo great! The atmosphere is great. Low key, relaxing. It was not too hot last night so sitting outdoors was nice. However, not sure how it would feel on a typical 90+ humid evening. I do wish they had a bit more comfy seating especially if you want to hang out for a few hours. The metal stools are not comfortable after a long day at work, but I will say a couple great drinks makes it good....lol. All the staff are all helpful and friendly. You kind of feel like family. Last night there was a mixed bag of diners from grandparents to young adults. The theatre area is cozy, prob holds about 100 People. Felt a bit like a popup venue with metal folding chairs...again not comfortable at all especially after 3 hours. They seem to offer lots of opportunities for up and coming artists. A friend suggested we go see The Quebe Sisters and we wee floored by their talent! Go see them next time they are in town! They have gorgeous melodic voices and their fiddle playing is astonishing! All in all we loved Motorco and we will be back!

The music venue was amazing. I drove all the way from Greensboro to see my favorite band. I just wish the beer and food side meet the same quality. I ordered my burger slider and then went to enjoy the music for a few songs. When I returned to my solo table, there were at least twenty ants all over my burger. I told the bartender. All she did was give me the burger which was supposed to right in the Forest place free. I feel as though I should not have to pay for the burger at all considering but I did have to pay regardless. I work at a burger resurant and when thing are wrong, the customer doesn't have to reap the wrong doing of the restaurant. I feel as though my burger should have been free considering. All in all, I will defiantly be back for the music but I will never spend another dime on the alcohol or the food. Disgusting food and the way they handle their problems. Edit: once the staff realized I made the review, the made sure I was quickly served but made no effort to make sure I had everything I need like:napkins, ketchup, silverware... I feel as though this venue is extremely lazy. Like I stated before, I work as a server a bar/resurant and this place serves the bare minimum and expects the best of praise. I'm not buying it.

Pick and choose - there are some great shows here We attended several shows at Motorco - best was Hot Club of Cowtown. The warm up bands can be really mediocre, but the main shows can be spectacular. Listen to the band on the internet before you go to see if you like what they have to offer. Get there early for a good seat up front.

Had the honor of seeing Hobo Johnson for my first motorco show! Absolutely in love with the cute little venue. Wonderful bar service, pretty spacious. Was a sold out event but still seemed to be lots of room. I will definitely be looking forward to going back in the future. Also really want to check out the bar part with the outdoor seating. Great place!

I visited Motorco for the first time in mid-February to watch the Passion Flamenco show. I did not know what to expect as far as hall size (I was thinking similar to Cat's Cradle in Carrboro) and would say it is a bit smaller. We first started in the Parts and Labor restaurant side and I love the concept of the motor theme and how the kitchen and bar is the accessories side. I will review Parts and Labor separately and it is a great place to stop in before or after a show at Motorco and enjoy some drinks and food. I had purchased tickets online and the check-in on the phone was very easy. There is a bar on the left side of the hall and then there are bleacher seats on the left and tables in the middle. Maybe the set up varies for each show and this is how it was set up for the Flamenco show. We sat on the benches on the right near the stage and had a great seat close to all the dancing. The Flamenco show was phenomenal with 4 musicians and a group of about 6 dancers. The costumes, intensity of the dance, and musical talent were showcased by the dance company and I felt like I was in a cafe in Southern Spain. I was transported to another world and kept thinking how wonderful it is to have such international presence in Durham and how this dance company brought a culture and passion of Flamenco to North Carolina. I did see a show similar to this years ago in a larger and more classic venue. Motorco was much better suited for this type of performance because of the intimacy of the audience and how the sounds travels in the smaller space. In this venue, you can even see the facial expressions of the dancers and it made it much more authentic. Muchas gracias for a splendid evening and Ole!!!

I only gave them 4 stars because sometimes their food is sooo good, but such small portions it's sometimes like ordering Tapas.... Love this place, love the alcohol/beer selection, but their food is actually CRAZY good! I have had their specials like pork mole taco, or unagi salad, both exceptional! But if you go there make sure you try the Pork Bahn Mi sandwich, it has this amazing crunch from the cabbage and is spicy but delicious! So good. Always try the food :) Plus the cornhole is always fun!!

Rude hostess. Rude Bartender. Rude wait staff. We will not be going back. Chose MotorCo to show our friends who were visiting from out-of-town. Everyone seemed annoyed. Also, our friends received their food and it took another 30 minutes to get ours w no apology or anything when it finally came.

The first time I have heard of Motorco, I had no clue, and couldn't understand why I want to go to a auto shop or car garage for beers and music. I was misled by the name. I have been to Motorco (Music Hall) many times since, but ninety-nine percent of time was because of the food trucks, that's why I was ecstatic to hear Motorco putting together the Food Truck Mash-up last night. It was an awesome experience: Munches, Music, and Mobs! Waves and waves of mobs, pushing up toward the food truck ordering windows. So lets break away from that for a sec and talk about Motorco itself. It is a music venue, sitting at the corner of Geer and Rigsbee, and between the music hall itself, and the garage extension which raises its rolling doors on a fine weather day, Motorco can easily fits four, five hundreds patrons. Motorco's own upcoming event calendar is always filled with music and events, and not afraid to let its tech-spec (http://motorcomusic.com/tech-specs) shows it is capable of doing it all. What was it they say about real estate? Location, location location. Motorco sits at an excellent location, and everything is within walking distance: Fullsteam Brewery across Geer St, pouring out pints and pitchers of great beers, and Geer St Garden around the corner, serving up simple but wholesome menu; during daytime, assorted shops and stores around the area, plus the old DAP and North Durham Park all within walking distance. I am beginning to become much more than simply a fan.

I stopped in here to grab a beer and the bartender was very reluctant and acting like he was doing a huge favor. It was kind of strange since they were open, people were there socializing and everyone was drinking. Maybe it was just his friends and we happened to walk in on their time. It didn't feel very inviting. It was also weird because there were a couple food trucks outside and some downtown parade had just finished, so there were plenty of people out and about. It is a huge place, fun for large screen showings of sports and music venues. It's conveniently attached to another garage music venue. The two areas share a nice large bathroom with several stalls- always a plus!

Motorco has been one of my favorite spots since the beginning of time [i.e. since I first moved to the Triangle three years ago--happy anniversary to me!!] When I first moved to the area and was trying to make friends I'd organize groups of friends to meet here for a show: great music, open but cozy and intimate space, reasonably priced drinks, SOMETIMES a cover charge. I remember loving the bar, loving the venue, loving the company and the visiting artists. The artists that come through here aren't very well known usually (or known at all sometimes) so it is usually not overly crowded. They also have a lot of festival branch-offs at Motorco, which can be a lot of fun: comicon, tour de fat, new years eve parties, etc. [some of these events are free, others have a cover]. Since I have moved here, Motorco has added an "indoor food truck" [this is the best way it can be described. With the DIY district bursting with food trucks, they added a window the serve food [i.e. tapas] but at the cheapest tapas/food truck prices you'll ever encounter!]. I LOVE Parts & Labor. And honestly, that's saying a lot, because they "back bar" side of Motorco was my LEAST favorite spot two years ago. Their beer is never as good as inside the music hall and it was a completely different vibe. Now, with the new restaurant, additional outdoor seating, mood lighting ;), cornhole, etc. etc. it is one of my favorite spots. I have learned to love new bands here and fallen in love with Durham more here. It truly holds a special place in my heart [thus they certainly deserve the priviledge of claiming my 300th review!!!! woo hoo]. Much love Motorco! xox.

Saw a live show here, it was great to get inside after waiting outside! Staff was really friendly and helpful, and they had a great selection of draft beer and cans. Pretty decent sound for a small venue.

We'll be supporting other local businesses moving forward. Got belittled and basically yelled at by a staff member because we misunderstood ordering directions. No need for negative energy like that when you're just trying to have a nice night out.

I came here for a brunch UYE and was very pleasantly surprised. Motorco - thank you for.. 1. offering sriracha, bacon, and pickled okra for an excellently balanced and spiced bloody mary. Thanks, I'll take two. 2. bringing together a wide variety of food trucks for your patrons - Ko Kyo, ice cream, and the Indian food trucks on that particular day. 3. featuring live music to go with brunch. 4. being a family-friendly bar (on a pleasant Sunday afternoon) and an all-around hip hangout spot for the cool kids and a few nerds.

I love coming here and relaxing. It's a surprise in a little box. You don't think the food will be good or the drinks might be not exciting, I was wrong! The food is exciting and different and yummy and if you have Fiona make a mad bloody mary you will leave happy! I have yet to visit the music hall but that will be next.