Arcana Bar and Lounge — Restaurant in Durham

I had to help my disabled friend, who has two prosthetic legs, down the basement stairs and the staff incorrectly assumed we were intoxicated because she had trouble with their stairs. We ordered one drink from the bartender with a cold reception. I didn’t think this was too odd, since it was a Saturday night and they were busy. My disabled friend was wearing a dress and it was clear she had bilateral prosthetics. We sat down and had our one drink and I asked for another for us and the owner told us we were cut off for being too intoxicated. We had ONE drink. I promptly paid the tab and escorted my friend back up the stairs. I asked to speak with the owner who repeatedly insisted I was the problem without any reason instead of owning up to their mistake. We literally had done nothing but sit there for 20 minutes listening to the live music. We had one overpriced, watered down cocktail drink each. Drunk you say? Own up to your mistake. You saw my friend stumbling and didn’t see her prosthetic legs on your uneven stairs or floor.

Ableist and disgusting. Do not ever patronize this...

One of my favorite bars in the triangle area that makes you feel like you aren't in the triangle area! This bar is tucked away behind the usual strip of businesses like Viceroy and gives almost a speakeasy vibe with it's close sitting and being low lit. The drinks range from $13-$16 depending on if you want something like their classic, absinthe, or espresso martini - which I highly recommend. There are also non alcoholic drinks along with light snacks, but there is a menu for Viceroy and stairway to get your food from there. Arcana starts to come alive around 8 pm with live music ranging from low-fi to folk bands and tarot card readings. It gets loud and packed afterwards but the bar allows close convos with their little lounge areas being intimate. I love coming to Arcana and can't wait to come back for their music, drinks, tarot readings, and even...

Following an annual Christmas/ birthday dinner, my wife and a couple friends visited here tonight for the first time. One friend had to be helped down the stairs due to being an above the knee, double amputee. This caught the attention of the bartender who assumed they were drunk. They ordered 1 drink and were told they were cut off. When her friend revealed that she was indeed disabled, they still insisted on making them leave. When a manager was requested, she realized the situation and changed tunes as to cover up the fact that they just discriminated against a disabled person. Back peddling, they tried to blame the whole situation on my wife, specifically trying to say that it wasn’t the friends fault, but hers. This is NOT the “inclusive” place that others have said. Legal action has been sought as one of them is an attorney. Steer clear...