The Kraken — Restaurant in North Carolina

I've never been a bar person but I LOVE The Kraken! It's like a funky, rustic, ramshackle version of Cheers...where in no time "every body knows your name." But with an eclectic offering local music makers from bluegrass to country to the heaviest metal to chamber music and soft rock. There are regular customers of every adult age and profile. And everyonr is friendly and ready to come your aide whether they know you or not. like when I wandered in one early evening because I heard music I like and noticed that a big food buffet was happening. (They don't have a kitchen, but let some local folks do a one time good gig.) I didn't have cash, do a really amazing regular I've gotten to know paid for my plate! I moved her at the start of covid, am retired, and live alone nearby. Because the old fashioned get to know your neighbors is now a historic artifact, I don't know a single neighbor or even anyone that goes to the church I attended for awhile.I like appropriate solitude but not constant. I was getting pretty drpressed. Now I'm give minutes from conversation, music,...

Friendly bartenders providing mixed drinks, straight liquors, and a great selection of both bottled and on-tap beers in a cozy, comfortable setting with a free pool table as well as an intimate stage setup featuring a variety of local acts, including a well-appointed outdoors patio close by for smokers. Excellent decor, a quality sound system, and comfortable vintage chairs and stools are just some of the featured highlights!

For wheelchair users and the disabled: There is ramp access, but call ahead or bring someone with you to help navigate or push you, the building is older so it could be a little tricky depending on the size and turning radius of your chair (especially if you use a bulky, electric wheelchair like some of us!)

Well-behaved pets and support animals are welcome outdoors, but make sure to ask ahead about permission bringing them inside so as to be respectful of the venue and any patrons who may have phobias...

Much fun to be had here! I can count on one hand the number of times I've gone to, "a bar," which is what most of us in the south call a place where enjoying spirits and conversation is the reason for being there. With that said, I am very pleased that the Kraken is now on my short, but memorable list! Such a great place! Nice folks, a pool table (of course), good music and a wonderful front porch-deck! The owners are great hosts. The early crowd was local. As the evening carried on, people from different walks of life created an atmosphere of diversity. Even with ginger ale as my drink of choice, I had a...