The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop

The Pour House is hands-down one of our favorite stages in Raleigh—we’ve been blasting tunes there since 2014 and keep coming back for more. Killer sound (seriously, top-notch engineers every time), super welcoming staff, and a vibe that just feels right whether you’re on stage or in the crowd. Bonus points for the fantastic beer selection and the record shop upstairs—because who doesn’t want to snag some vinyl before or after a set? Cosmic Superheroes give it a full 5 stars—long live the Pour House!

We love going to pour house! It's such a great, smallish venue for live music. The cover bands are always great, and the set up is cool. You can be on the floor in front of the stage, or upstairs above, where stools line the rail and you can sit look down and watch the band and the crowd. Drinks are good, and they got some new delta 9/cbd seltzers if you're someone who wants to have a drink with your friends but not have alcohol. 10/10 recommend.

Must have been there on a bad night. Lenny Kravitz tribute band was mediocre. I think half of sparse crowd was with the band. Bass player was good. Keyboard/Sax player was an awesome dancer. The rest should keep their day jobs. I was from out of town and wasn't told about any other live music venues. If I knew other places, I would try them first. Embarrassed I paid money to get in.h

Had a great time here for a benefit concert that was for another venue, so that speaks highly of owner. The music sounds amazing coming from their stage!

Super awesome spot to visit if you’re in the area. Unfortunately I was only able to come during the day to enjoy the bar and look at all the great vinyls they have. Some Of the wax seemed a little pricey, but what’re you going to do? I definitely plan to return here to dig some more gems out of the crates, grab a drink, and support the local music.

Bar style concert venue was fun! The crafted drinks were very delicious. All ingredients are made fresh in house. The bar staff was friendly and patient. They don't serve food but allow outside food brought in. There is a cover cost, but it's worth it for the entertainment. The musicians on the night I stopped in played a combination of top 40s and R&B and Pop. It was definitely worth the $15 at the door cover. You can save by purchasing online in advance.

I've been here before for a few shows and has always been a great experience. The people working have been friendly and I love the atmosphere of it because it is a smaller venue. One of the best times I had here was when The Movement and New Kingston came to town..today, on a Sunday I was happy to randomly stumble upon a sign they had out front saying they now had a bar and record shop upstairs while shows aren't going on. I was happy to find a huge collection and the guy working at the bar provided great service and was very inviting. I ended up buying an old country record and a local NC electronic band I hadn't heard of. He actually told me the band, Triple X Snaxx will be playing at The Pour House in a couple of weeks 😎

I live about an hour and 45 minutes away in Wilmington, and I have to say, The Pour House is so far my favorite place so far for live music in the local area. It's a small venue in I think a very nice upbeat part of town with plenty of other things around if you really want to maximize enjoyment before or after the show. The Pour House is a nice place and a hidden gem. There is plenty of seating upstairs that also has a balcony to see overtop veiw of the stage. The staff is friendly and the bathrooms are clean. Because it is a smaller place and at least every show I have gone to, it is the perfect place to meet your favorite artists and enjoy their company for a few minutes before the show. maybe even have a beer and get your picture taken with them. The music quality is great. The Pour House is rich with great talented artists week after week. Honestly, I've been there 4 times in 2 years, and I think you will love it as much as I do.

Great place to hear live bands with friends and lots of fun ! Highly recommend and it's fun so definitely recommend it to anyone whose into music !

Not sure what's up with all the poor reviews on the Pour House; after reading them I was scared to walk in, but it was clean (no weird smell or grime) with a good vibe. I just went a few nights ago and had a great time. The sound was well tuned, band was fun, and beers tasty. No issue with the service; just order and pick up from the bar. I would go to the Pour House to watch bands, many years ago. It was great to be back.

I finally had a chance to visit Pour House Music Hall yesterday evening for the We The Roses concert series. I've attended the We The Roses summer festival previously at House of Art. I was curious to attend again to enjoy a new line up at this venue. Blount Street is a bustling area that is filled with restaurants, bars and plenty to do. I would suggest grabbing dinner and a beer next door at Brewery Bhavana or Bida Manda. They serve excellent food. There is street parking and plenty of parking decks and lots on the street of this venue. I arrived at door opening for 7:00 and gave my last name for my online ticket purchase. My hand was written on with a Sharpie marker to confirm payment. I would prefer staff move to wristbands and avoid this. This venue is a small standing room rock hall. Very similar to Lincoln Theatre Downtown and many rock halls in the East Village of New York City. My friend and I decided to sit in the balcony seating on the 2nd level. We had a great view of the stage and avoided the crowds closest to the stage. Metal barstools were plentiful overlooking the stage. The artwork was a nice touch. I had a nonalcoholic ginger beer from the bar and my friend had wine. Unfortunately the sound quality was a problem for me here. I'm wondering if that would have been different on the lower level closest to the stage. All in all, it's a decent venue to visit if you'd like an intimate experience with an artist.

This is a no frills bar downstairs at night, under a record store upstairs that is open during the day. I've only been there once at night. There are bar stools and benches if you need to sit down but the majority of the space --which isn't large-- is standing room. I happen to like dancing so that setup is ideal for me. I saw an amazing band there that I'd never heard of before--Tuatha Dea (an old Irish phrase meaning Children of the Gods.) They were amazing-- their sound is unique-- Appalachian/Celtic Rock. I would definitely return to the Pour House-- not for the sake of the venue-- but for the music if a band of this caliber was performing there. One drawback for me was the two unisex bathrooms facing the stage that don't lock! An employee of the bar kindly offered to keep an eye out and there are stalls with doors but it was still nerve-wracking. BTW- Tuatha Dea will be performing on August 4th at White Horse Black Mountain in Black Mountain, NC. If you've never heard them you should check them out!

I think the Pour House Music Hall has a decent space. It was decent and fitting for the music show I came for on a weeknight (Thursday). The price point aligns with the experience I received for We The Roses. The bartender didn't seem enthusiastic at all. I observed others with their drinks in glasses but my cabernet sauvignon was served in a plastic cup. If you can't serve wine in glasses it shouldn't be on the menu. Plastic interferes with the wine's aroma and overall flavor. It would have been nice to know this would be in plastic before I ordered the drink. Had this been a sip and stroll out of business - understandable. It's unexplained why glass wasn't used when others had glasses. Were these people special or affluent to Pour House? I will never know. This was unsettling for me. Overall, a decent space for those seeking live music. I don't know that I would be interested in returning unless I know the lineup will align with my musical interests.

Just went to the Pour House and paid $30 for the two of us to go in. We went in and it was definitely not what we expected and immediately left. We were there for 2 min max !!! We went back out and nicely stated that it was not what we expected and asked for a refund and was told no! 2 damn minutes ... r u kidding me. I owned 3 bars and would never EVER treat people like that. Clearly money hungry owners and staff. Just sad with no care in the world for customer service. I will without a doubt let everyone I know not to go there. Wow

Buy a ticket, see a show! Great hole in the wall place to watch musicians perform. Support the live entertainment scene in Raleigh.

Great blue grass band. Affordable ticket pricing. Easy check-in at the door. Place is dank and dark. Drink the bottled domestic beers, I found cleanliness to be a concern.

Entering the Pour House is an experience of its own, you'll walk down a narrow, brick alleyway and enter a dark and somewhat dungy bar/music space. The Pour House isn't much to look at, but it's one of the OG's of music halls in downtown Raleigh. Feeling a bit too crowded downstairs? Head up to the balcony for pool and a view of the band. The Pour House typically has smaller known bands coming through, but they're always participating in downtown festivals and events. Pretty decent drink specials, and are sure to draw a local crowd. It's a good venue for locals to check out but probably wouldn't go out of my way for a show here if I was visiting the area.

Pay your cover charge and walk down a dark little alley-way to the back door where the Pour House beckons! Pop your head inside and you've got your typical classic rock venue. There's a smallish L-shaped bar in back with a nice selection of liquors and beer on tap. The main room is long and deep in front of the stage. Wind your way up the side staircase and you're up on the the second level with a couple of pool tables, another bar and a small balcony overlooking the stage. The Pour House is old, dusty, grungy and the perfect place to catch some live music along with some beers! I've been here a bunch of times over the last two years for a variety of music, mostly alt-rock. Stopped by last week to catch the Swinging Johnsons and some good Southern rockabilly. The place wasn't jam-packed but had a good mixed crowd going, from ages 25 - 40. Drinks were handled promptly, prices were decent so no complaints here. The Pour House may not be everybody's cup of tea but it works for me. If you've ever been to Local 506 in Chapel Hill, it's got the same feel, just a bit bigger. Real music, real bar and real people enjoying themselves for the evening!

Here in the day time, 4:30, and it's pretty chill. Nice little joint to grab a drink at. I'm not huge in to vinyl, but they have a solid selection here. Looks like it is set up for live music and I hear it is pretty sweet here at night.

The Pour House is what it is, and that is a dumpy dirty place with a good beer selection and amazing bands! Don't come here for anything other than to hear great music and you won't be disappointed!

Liquor, whiskey, gin, rum, tequila, and beer. Plus! Great music. What's not to love!?!

Just got a record player for Christmas. The Rolling Stones record from here worked fine. The Bob Dylan one wouldn't play at all, the record was warped. I was told three other people came in with similar issues. The store wouldn't let me return or exchange. Pretty shady way to do business with no warning of this policy beforehand. ***update: record works now. It's a bit warped but plays mostly fine. Definitely ask the staff if the record will work okay because you can't return records!!! Make sure to inspect the record! Looking forward to shows after covid

I think I'm too old for places like this!! I walked in and it smelled really bad, and was dirty and gritty. I guess if you're in college you'd probably like it because it's typical of a college-town bar. The music was good, but after paying the cover fee, I expected more. It was really packed and the bar was full and you had to squeeze your way to get a drink. We headed up to the balcony and were entertained by all the couples grinding on each other on the couches. Like I said... I'm probably too old for a place like this.

I got a concert invite from my friend and I decided to go. The main band was "the movement" . To get in you have to walk through a narrow hallway which actually seemed really cool. Walked in and the vibe was awesome. There was a good mix of males and females. Walked up to the bar and was greeted/ served promptly. I had the crank arm seasonal which was delicious. Met some other people there and had a blast dancing to the reggae beats. The music was really dope! I'd definitely go back.

You know sometimes when you have an open mind and go with the flow, good things happen to good people. Paige W. and I were going out for a low key evening of Thai food and I was thinking it would be an evening of facials, bottle of wine and pillow fights. Let's just say it ended up with ear plugs, PBR, heavy metal and char grill at 1a. OMG, did we have fun. COC --- headlining at the Pour House for the first time together in over twenty years, who are we not to join in on the fun? If Woody's mom can go, so can we. The Pour House is a great venue, amazingly enough it was cool, even packed with people, ear plugs in a vending machine for a dollar and cold, tallboys of beer. The doormen were chatty and pleasant. How many times does that happen? Maybe I should have invited some of the kids from the pit for a bottle of wine and a facial. Next time. Do I have to end all Raleigh reviews telling you how much I miss you?

The Record store upstairs is great. The people there are always nice, helpful & ALWAYS play great music. The store has a bar and it's a funky upstairs loft store space... I love the vibe here!!!! Lots of used records, great prices.

This wouldn't be my favorite place to go to see a band or to play in one. The sound guy is on top of his game, but he treats ALL the musicians like crap, like they're beneath him. His flowery language and bad attitude leave a lot to be desired. The venue itself is a hole in the wall; dirty, grungy, run down and just plain yuck... I felt like I needed a shower after just walking into the place. The cover charge is outrageous, $13 for a Sunday evening to showcase local unknown bands, some are great, some are good, others okay, and some just leave you wondering.

My brother was in town on tour & I had to be here for his show. This was my first time at Pour House & I really enjoyed it. Simple layout, with stickers plastering walls & an excellent sound system. The staff were friendly & pleasant. The stage is somewhat small, but it's big enough for two DJ setups & a few performers. The spot itself isn't very big, but that makes it more intimate for concerts. Based on their calendar, they're a popular spot for events. They had a booking every night for the month of May. So this tells me they're doing something right! Street & garage parking (good luck)!

I don't like it. I've gone there a couple of times to see others perform, or to check out their beer selection, and now I've gone there twice to perform. I do... not... like it. They are overly nonchalant. Don't expect "service" here. The music is way too loud. I don't like the "ambiance." Truly, there is none. If you're into grunge and rock exclusively, maybe it's your scene. There are people here calling it cool and a nice "hole in the wall," I had a Harvest Time by Big Boss here... and it tasted like gasoline. My guy and I went to the brewery to taste this yummy beer, and of course it didn't taste as good as at the brewery -- that's not what I was expecting -- BUT it also shouldn't taste like gasoline? My friend who doesn't really drink any more had one and thought it was fine. The other three of us in the group thought it was disgusting. We then went to Mo Joe's for their dirty burgers (read that review; this is about TPH), and it tasted COMPLETELY DIFFERENT -- and like it was supposed to. The server there was also puzzled as to why this venue's beer would taste so... "off"... if they come from the same batch. Their drinks here are watered down. And I tasted a couple of other beers -- also unremarkable. "I've had better," as they say. When performers are on stage, there are people drunkenly screaming and disrespectfully chortling at the bar, not paying any attention to the performers. (This is just what happens at venues like this when the bar is in close proximity to the stage.) The sound guy's abrasive demeanor sucks, and the way he rushes you to begin your set. Each time. I don't like the way he simply adjusts your sound once, then tries to leave you like one set of effects will work for every song. Granted, when I performed there, he did tell me that my voice was way "softer" than "the rockers" he was "used to"... but yes, well, I'm not a freaking "rocker." Are you a sound guy, or are you only a sound guy for rocker sounds? Gee whiz. He's gruff and clearly aggravated when you go there to check in, brushing you off and to the side once he feels like he's done with you. If you go there to perform, BRING YOUR OWN SOUND PEOPLE. Or be a "rocker." He'll "get you" if you are. Or at least that's what he claims. There are hardly any seats at all on the bottom, where the stage is. There are a couple of scant chairs and rickety tables upstairs, overlooking the stage. The benches on the bottom, stage side, are fine, but if it's a crowded night and some of your audience cannot stand for your entire set, or your entire concert, you're screwed. Well... they are. Well actually... you are too, as they may not be "fans" any more. If I were doing Nico Vega or somethin' of that nature, I would go back to perform here. If I were going to see a group like Toon and The Real Laww, I would go rock out with them. (Actually, I would prefer to do so in another venue... but this was a good venue for the kind of music they do, and the kind of crowd they brought with them.) But it's just not a good venue for people who aren't rocking out. It's a good enough venue for you if that's what you go there to do.

I love the Pour House! They bring some great bands to the Raleigh live-music scene. It's too bad we have to compete with Chapel Hill, but at least we have places like the Pour House to attract bluegrass, rock-a-billy, jam, and old school rock bands. And Jac Cain runs the sound board so you know it's good listenin'. I'd say you can count on 2-4 really cool shows a month (local rock heroes COC are playing July 31!). That's about all I can handle these days anyway. And there are pool tables upstairs if you want to go just for the social aspect. My only complaint is that they don't serve High Life. That's just wrong.

Any night drop on by for a cheap drink and some live tunes. I love places like this, no pretense, just a straightforward joint with a solid local following. The crowd is pretty varied, not just kids/not just grownups. Good selection of beers for a music venue, bring cash- no credit cards. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday $3.50 pints and free pool.

A little gritty. Could use some love. But a seriously okay place to see live music. Venue is small enough to appreciate the band you're there to hear, without feeling like you are drowned in a crowd. Much more intimate than that. Would it be my absolute favorite music venue? Nope. But it's convenient for me, walking distance from my apartment. It has decently priced drinks. I walk past here (with a troup of followers) when I'm leading my gig with a local tour company. The bouncers outside always give me a nod, a smile, and a tip of the hat. I call *that* friendly service!

I've had many great times at this venue but last night will be my last visit. The door guy denied entry to me and my friend, both of whom had tickets and valid IDs, for no apparent reason. We were not rude or intoxicated, and are both over 21. He was extremely confrontational and interrogated us about our ages even though, again, both of us presented valid IDs. When we asked for an explanation of his behavior all he would say is that he had a "legal right to deny entry to anyone". Not sure what his deal was but I'll never spend money here again. Pour House stole my money and ruined my NYE just because the door guy was on an inexplicable power trip.

It's a sad little basement that poses as a bar. I asked for Tito's instead of well after they had already served me, was going to offer to pay for the well drink until but the bartender interrupted me and cut me off. Bartenders were stumbling all over themselves and rude. I told the manager and he didn't care, bunch of rude entitled hipster white kids here.

I've been going to The Pour House for a couple of years now. It's an awesome rock bar in downtown Raleigh's magnificent Moore Square District. You enter by paying the standard $5 cover, which is always worth it and I'm no fan of covers, and walking down a dark alleyway. To the right you can either go in the main door or to the left go up a staircase to go straight upstairs. If you walk in the main door you'll see the elongated brewery-style bar, dark walls, and then to your right is a bench that extends down the length of the wall close to the stage. If you go upstairs there's pool tables and a few video games. I usually stay downstairs for the music, but occasionally I'll wander upstairs because the balcony overlooks the stage and the crowd. It's a great venue. I've seen blues bands, rock bands, and funk bands there. They've hosted benefits for cancer and all kinds of causes. I've never had a problem with anyone there and always enjoyed good conversation -- when I wasn't dancing or enjoying the moment. It's usually packed with people for whatever act they're featuring. Aside from the music, they even hosted hoopers, spinners, acrobats, and jugglers this past weekend. This left me wondering, what doesn't the Pour House have?!? It has a great selection of quality draught beer (30 on tap) and a great variety of live music. Definitely should hit it up and have a rockin' good night!

I love dark alleyway entrances. They are a staple of larger cities and it's nice to have one in the heart of Raleigh. If I was to design a music venue, it would probably look a lot like The Pour House. There's a full bar on the ground level with many beers on tap. Upstairs, they have a mini bar that they only man for larger events (e.g. Hopscotch). The sound is probably the best you're going to get in Raleigh (along with the Lincoln Theatre, Kings and Southland Ballroom). There are two pool tables upstairs, and a nice balcony overlooking the stage. Unfortunately, there's a beam that will get in your way if you try to look down from the side. Like any good venue, The Pour House is nice and gritty. I don't find myself going too often though, because I think Kings steals most of the good shows away. Or, at least, the shows I'm more likely to go to!

it's an understatement to say The Pour House is as popular as it is unique. I can understand this place probably has no appeal from the sidewalk; you see the glass windows, glued posters of featured acts, and black curtains prevent you to see what's actually going on inside the House. There is a door, but don't try to barge in through there, since you won't be able to anyway because that door is locked tightly. Okay. Maybe IT IS a little pretentious to put your entrance at the exit of the fire alley between the buildings; I found it nostalgic about sneaking through the dark alley, bumping shoulder to shoulder, to find the door to a hidden tavern, although there is no butterbeer served here. Inside it's a great venue for entertainment. The stage is wide enough to cover a "full size" band, and I have to mention full size because some of the concept and composition these "bands" can come up with. There is an upstairs with balcony that gets clear view to the main stage below, which is good for folks attending concerts. Pool tables and additional half-bar up here would make Pour House a decent hang out whether or not there's live performance downstairs. My only disappointment would be the alley into this place, which more often being used as smoker hangout, and it's kind of unavoidable if you ever want to see the inside of this place.

The Pour House is a rather cool music venue. It is small, but they have opened the ceiling above the stage to make the room appear larger. They have a very good selection of craft beer here to choose from as well as alcohol. They book some very good local and national bands. Usually there is a cover, but they they have no cover events as well.

What happened to The Pour House? I came back to Raleigh for the holidays after being gone for 3 years and was met with quite a change to one of my favorite spots. I invited some friends out to see a couple of cool bars I used to frequent and was embarrassed from the moment we walked in the door. The band was just awful. I know not every show can be amazing but after trying to defend my choice to my friends, showing them the future lineups I was ready to change bars. We stayed for a drink and I soon found out that the standard friendly accommodating (and speedy) bartenders had been replaced with very uninterested, off put (and slow) imitations. WOW The one friendly recognizable face was the sound guy who I don't believe ever takes a day off. After talking to a couple of regulars we came to the conclusion that all of their good shows and bartenders have left for Kings? What has the Pour House traded their great staff, music and drink prices for? i rated this place "Meh. I've experienced better." Because I have.

I know there has been some complaints about this on other posts, but I am a fan of walking down the alleyway entrance of the Pour House. It makes me feel like I know something that no one else does. Or that I'm in a Harry Potter movie and I'm sneaking into the Leaky Cauldron to drink Butterbeer. And of course it spits you out right at the bar so there's no mistaking that drinks come first followed by entertainment. The stage is great, with tall windows as the backdrop allowing you to see the trees from Moore Square blowing in the wind. It was a stormy night when I went and I was diggin the music alongside of the weather. The acoustics sounded pretty good to me, I'm no music genius, so I have no idea if they are top notch or just average. (Sorry if you're a band reading this and trying to figure out about playing there.) Upstairs are pool tables, bathroom, etc, with a balcony overlooking the stage. When I was here, the bartender was great and very quick (and not bad looking either ladies). Cheapest thing they have to drink is $3 tallboy PBRs.

Me and my friends paid a $9 cover to get into a COMPLETELY EMPTY piece of crap bar. The pool table is in shambles, and I know that since there was NO OTHER ENTERTAINMENT!!!!! A band came on after almost an hour of waiting around and drinking, because their sign promised live music. Well finally they came out warmed up, played one whole song, then played half of one...... they were actually really good. But that was all they played. They stopped right in the middle of a song and pakced up. And no, I am not joking. So then we asked the bartender, "hey are they ... or is anybody going to play?" he says "ehhh I don't know, I think they left"...... so did we. On our way out we asked for at least some of our money back considering we were good patrons and stayed for 2.5 hours in pure boredom just sipping on their drinks.... nope, the guy at the front was a complete dick and said "well at least they played"....... no wonder the place was empty. If that is how they try to host musicians and their fans ....... I think I will pass

Great spot for some live music. There's usually a cover, so bring some cash. I usually don't like live music at basement bars, but the band we saw was surprisingly good. Like they were actually in-tune good. The beer list is simple, but gets the job done. There's also a perfect dance area right in front of the stage, but the crowds usually aren't the dance type unfortunately. Want a reprieve from the super bro-y bars around? Go hit up the Pour House!

Visited this venue for the Jeff Bradshaw concert. The venue is small and intimate, some upgrades needed. Sitting is limited, so ladies wear comfortable shoes. Drinks were okay, bartenders friendly/attentive to customers. Overall, good time. I was happy it wasn't overcrowded, guess the rain kept some people in. Good vibe in this place! Thanks, Dr. Sykes

The Pour House is one of my favorite places to see local music in the Triangle. They typically have music seven days a week, and have a variety of different drink specials that change throughout the week as well. The type of music ranges from bluegrass to rap, so you can usually find a show or two each week that you're personally interested in seeing- and ticket prices are almost always under $10 so it's a reasonably affordable night out. They also have Pool tables and a Ms.Pacman coffee table upstairs which can both = good times.

It ain't pretty folks, but that's part of what I like about it. Who needs fancy decor when you have kick ass music? I've been going to the Pour House for years to see my friend's bands play. It's a great space, with plenty of room downstairs and upstairs to watch the show. They have a large bar and the bathrooms are decent (which is very important for us women). There are some tables and chairs upstairs if you want to sit, but who wants to do that while jamming out to some live music? Take advantage of the fact that this wonderful venue has music every single night. And some of it is FREE PEOPLE! FREE! Meaning no cover. They have a complete list on their website. It's a great mix of local, regional and national acts. There is an ATM inside in case you need money for cover or merch (or drinks). Also, it's very conveniently located less than one block from the Wilmington Street parking deck.

Unbelievably poor experience. First they oversold the place. Next the fire marshall made the band stop and everyone leave and re-enter for a head-count. Finally, they would not let us back in or give us a straight answer for 40 minutes in the freezing wind and cold. (Many people were in this predicament.) Our credit card was still inside, so we could not just leave. Nevermind that we had will-call tickets bought way in advance (the whole point of buying tickets in advance is that you have a spot guaranteed.) After 40 minutes our credit card was brought to us outside, and we were told we could not re-enter. The staff was rude and unapologetic. They acted as if the whole thing was the fire marshall's fault. This was a wasted road trip, hotel room and Friday night for us that we had planned well in advance. It is squarely the fault of the greedy venue that oversold the place and then handled it in a completely amateur way. Unforgivable.

If only this were closer to my house, I'd be here three times a week. The Pour House should be considered a bar first and music venue second. I'm not sure if they'd agree, but the sad fact is that the talent they bring in often just isn't up to snuff. Not bad, just not great. The bar is amazing, though. They have so many beers, I've never had the same thing twice, and I've almost always walked away happy. Their drink specials are frequent and excellent (although I can never seem to get the timing quite right). The atmosphere is one of genuine camaraderie, from the bartenders down to the bands. The pool tables are even in good condition, who knew?

It's a lil' run down but it serves its purpose, being a wonderful outlet for budding artists and music groups. I have seen many local artists perform here as well as some indie artists and one or two signed artists... I enjoy each performance because I take it for what its worth... Sound, good. Ambiance, aight. Bar, not my stee. Crowd, clickish, not open, focused on their own agenda.

Good Bands but the sound guy needs to learn what he is doing, and the bartenders are known for OVERCHARGING. They will tell you that you had one more than you really did and when you confront them, refuse to fix the problem. They keep track with hash marks so it is pretty easy to fix the mistake or to rip you off. Balcony overlooking the stage.

As a venue it is awesome. Small room with exposed brick really gives the crowd and the musicians a genuine connection. However the bar tenders and bouncers suck. They drew on my hand with a black permanent marker that was used on everyone else's hands and hasn't come off two days later to indicate I had purchased a ticket. The bouncers weren't very sanitary and clean looking themselves. Bartenders were about the same. Worth avoiding if you can.

Location: Next to Tir Na Nog at City Market on Blount St. Entrance: A dark alley without the cats or trash cans. The Bar: The best tap of any local music venue, plus drink specials. No credit, ATM available. The Music: Locals during the week, nationals on the weekends. Bluegrass, indie rock, funk, Afro-beat, eclectic but with many revolving acts that play there several times a year. The Sound: Best small venue sound, possibly due to Jac, former sound guy from The Brewery (previous owners). The Rest: Smoking upstairs with the pool tables. Liquer selection is wanting, beer selection brings me back. This place is like that beat up pair of jeans you love to wear after work.

The Pour House always has great offerings for music in the Triangle area. That being said I really wish bands would pick a different venue. I think this place needs a little TLC. I think there are nicer venues in Raleigh that make better drinks. Vodka cranberry should not look like Kool-Aide. If you dilute a red liquid with a clear liquid shouldn't the color change at least a bit? This place hosts great memories but that is about it for me. I will probably continue going to the Pour House but each time I do wish I were going somewhere different.

Really cool venue, grungy. I like the entrance way. Once you enter you walk down an covered alley way. It's pretty cool. Thats pretty much all I liked. I went on a Friday night and aside from my group I went with their were about 10 other ppl at the venue. Half of those ppl were other bands waiting to go on stage. The bands were ok, nothing great but for a Friday night i expected the place to have more then 10 people in it. Side note. The I asked the bouncer what bands were playing that night he said a hip hop and reggae band. Their was a hard rock metal and emmo band. That was an epic fail

Don't go here. Bad vibe. Manager and door man are rude as fuck. I'm 25 and they made me wait outside in the cold because I had a different color hair in my id photo. Hair dye exists. I understand that you have to adhere to ALE laws but that doesn't mean that you need to be a dick. Also as a manager, when a customer says that an employee was rude "I doubt he was." is not the right answer. I got my ID "approved" via an app. And left because I will not spend my money to support a place that treats humans this way.

Had been hearing about the Pour House for years but this weekend was the first time visitng it. The owner definitely knows the music scene and I look forward to going back again. I see he even has a show coming up with the Swimming Pool Qs. I love supporting our various Triangle venues...

I love Mug Night. Once upon a time, we'd show up shortly after the doors opened on Wednesday (before the cover took effect, natch), fill our mugs with one of the nice variety of on-tap brews, head upstairs, and then climb out of the window onto the rooftop of the neighboring restaurants. Good times. The hot rumor is that they've found a way to stop that now, and more's the pity. If you do have to stay inside, though, I fully recommend The Pour House anyway. Most of the musical acts they have veer towards the hippie set, but occasionally they'll pull off a surprise. Even if you don't like the music downstairs, the upstairs area has pool tables and is set up (either by happy accident or design) so that downstairs is merely background music to your good time. One of Downtown Raleigh's real gems. Trust me.

First, Kelly Y's story is classic... LOL! I was there one night with 2 friends when literally 6- 8 others had showed up. But, the band plugged in & played their asses off anyways. It couldn't have been easy. Some sketchy characters from the area used to occasionally wander in &/or loiter around by where we parked, but hopefully those days are over. This is not the greatest venue in the world & the staff is a bit hit or miss, but it's far from terrible & they're doing what they can to host good live music... so, 3 stars for their effort. To give them credit, they book better bands than some "nicer" places in the area do. This is definitely the type of place where some nights are a lot better than others.