Speakeasy Carrboro — Restaurant in Carrboro

March 14, 2024.

I was on my way to another spot down the road when this bar caught my eye. It looked like a great crowd inside, and people looked like they were having fun. It was karaoke night tonight so I enjoyed the singers going up on stage (especially the host Empress; she was an incredible singer.) After 10 minutes of watching karaoke, I went to the bar to grab a beer.

The bartender asked for my ID surprisingly, and unfortunately I didn't have it on me. As I am a 31 year old man with a scruffy beard, I am not used to being ID'd. I asked if I could show him photos of my ID's, as I had photos of my health card, passport, and drivers licence. The bartender declined, and said he was unable to serve me. As I was leaving, a gentleman offered to buy me a beer, as he saw the situation unfold. I told him he could use my credit card and get a beer for himself as well. He agreed and bought us both a beer. He finished his beer that I bought him, and left the bar. I sat at a table alone with my beer, and the bartender promptly walked over to me, and grabbed the full beer out of my hands. He told me that he saw the gentleman buy the beer for me, and he wouldn't allow me to finish my drink.

I can understand this, so I walked to my hotel to grab my passport. I returned with my passport to the same bartender, and was told I had to leave the bar. The bar was completely packed, and other patrons were still being served.

I have worked in the service industry for 10 years, and can totally understand that rules are rules. But to be confusingly singled out from everyone else in the bar, and kicked out after returning with the proper documentation, I cannot give this spot more than 1 star. I hope to return at some point when things have...

I had the time of my life at the most recent Miss Easy’s Queer Cabaret. The space, the fun, the performances were the highlight of the last year. There is clearly a strong, vibrant, loving community at Speakeasy. This space is so necessary in Carrboro, and I am so glad that it exists.

However — when I was purchasing drinks at the bar, the bartender ran my card they gave me the scanner to sign and pre-selected a 35% tip for me for a single beer. It was not clear or obvious that this happened, I caught once it had been processed and saw the cost breakdown.

I am happy to generously tip my bartenders, and I typically do so in cash even if I pay with my card, but this practice is not cool. Everyone deserves to get paid a living wage, and bartenders certainly deserve more tips than they actually earn, but I found this practice predatory and off-putting. It might have been a one-time thing for the specific event that I attended, I have not returned and checked to see if this is a trend, but it doesn’t make me feel good nor has it inspired me to return, despite the amazing time...

Def not a traditional speakeasy by any stretch. The vibes are pretty good and the specials are ridiculous. If you're a local or out of towner with a group of friends looking to cut loose this is the spot to do it. You'll want to come on Monday when the best specials are on. There was karaoke going on amd the person who leads it does a great job. However there is no cocktail menu, the do not use fresh juice and there are no in-house made bitters or Syrups This is def not a craft bar and not really enough of a spirits selection to call it a "speakeasy: but the atmosphere was good and the have a decent selection of gin. Def a beer and a shot or shooter type spot. The vibe certainly incurages the consumption of copious amounts of alcohol. Recomend this for anyone not looking for an authentic speakeasy experience. They did have some food laid out for Thanksgiving...