Cat's Cradle

Such a fun place to be! The reviewer below me is an idiot. This is an awesome place to see your favorite bands if you are ready to let loose and have a good time. The crowd will definitely get a little wild at sometimes if its a rock or metal show so be prepared to dance or mosh or crowd surf! more

They get great acts to play. No doubt. However, I've seen more than a few bands there and would prefer almost any venue to the Cradle. Bands are nearly always hours late starting, which wouldn't be so bad if the venue were remotely comfortable and/or large enough for the number of tickets they sell for big-name acts. I think my biggest pet peeve are all of the "blind spots" throughout the venue in which people are forced to stand (again due to the volume of tickets sold), but because of the way things are set up, these folks have no hope of actually being able to see any more than a small section of the stage - which can be pretty disappointing when you've paid to actually "see" the band. The sound is generally good and the staff have always been fairly friendly but considering the quality of the acts they bring in, you'd think there would be more effort put into making it an overall quality experience for concert-goers. more

First of all, the information in the "info" section is incorrect. Cat's Cradle is generally all-ages, but you'll be carded at the door if you want to drink (per usual). At certain shows, the Cradle will hire some security people at the door when they suspect young kids will try to smuggle in alcohol or they expect a rowdier crowd (punk, ska, the 80's Dance). Note: don't try to use a barely passable fake ID at these "higher security" events or attempt to sneak into sold out shows. The Cradle is a great, relaxed atmosphere, but you won't get away with those two things. Also, smoking is not allowed inside, but there is a smoking patio and an alley out back. I don't know what the other reviewers were talking about, there is nothing wrong with the staff here. Parking can be an issue at more crowded shows, but there's a municipal Carrboro lot across the railroad tracks and Weaver St a block a way with plenty of space this time of night. Or if you're coming from UNC, just walk, it's not a terrible walk. Other than that advice, the Cat's Cradle is a great place to enjoy music. I've been to 25+ shows there. The crowd is a mix of all ages from high school students to 50's, depending on the act. There's a huge floor for standing, moshing, dancing (whatever is playing that night), but seats in the back and sides where less energetic people can pop a squat and still see. The Cradle attracts music from all over the country, without ignoring local bands. Highlights from the last several years have been TV on the Radio, the Black Keys, X, Blonde Redhead, Polvo, the Melvins, Dinosaur Jr, and Yo La Tengo. The scene is mostly rock of various types, predominantly indie old and new, though the occasional hip-hop act such as El-P will come around every few months. Pros: quality of music, popularity/ prestige of venue Cons: best shows can sell out quickly! more

Staff at CC is appallingly puritanical, especially for such a low class venue. Bow to the almighty "vip" list to get into their D-list shows. Trashy venue not worth the time, money, or the hype. Can I select "zero" stars? Pros: None Cons: Slummy Staff more

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No mixed drinks is realy a bummer! The bands are good but the over place is not! more

live music. There are some good smaller places on Franklin St. but Cat's brings in big name artists and the shows are relatively cheap. You can pretty much count on 5 or 6 shows a week. If you want to hear music your best bet is to stop by Cats. If you want to hear local music go somewhere else because most of the headliners at Cats are touring bands from around the world. Check out Cats if you are in town. Pros: Great bands, Great atmosphere more

It's the place to play; King's, Go! and Local 506 are also cool, but the Cradle has the larger capacity, and year after year some of the best shows. Collectively, all 4 are really the only places that you can count on to have consistently good shows. Occasionally the Cradle will book shows at the Ritz, the Brewery (both in Raleigh), or even Local 506; for the Raleigh venues it's about the only reason to ever go...ok, the Brewery has been known to have decent local shows--but I haven't bothered to go there in years b/c they're pretty much clueless Pros: College radio support, food nearby, A club's club more

Cat's Cradle is the best place in the Triangle to see live music. They book some of the best local (and national) talent. Pros: Cheap Drink, Great Bands Cons: Parking, Lines at the Bar more