Carrboro is a town with a beat. From the world-renowned Cat’s Cradle to cozy clubs and outdoor stages, you’ll find music on every block. Music lovers and musicians will also find incredible restaurants, coffee, cocktails, and more before and after the show. Make Carrboro a music destination!
The Hampton Inn is literally steps away from the renowned Cat’s Cradle and a block from the epicenter of Downtown Carrboro. The perfect spot to stay for your weekend adventure!
Stroll down Main Street and enjoy a craft beer at Steel String Brewery, a Carrboro favorite since 2013. Known for their “funky free-spirited brews” of all styles, including an impressive list of IPAs. Ask if they have the pickle beer! Take it all in on their popular outdoor patio.
Akai Hana was one of the first sushi and Japanese restaurants in the Triangle and many consider it the best. The stylish restaurant also has an outdoor patio and locals love their House Specialty Sushi Rolls like the Hurricane and Caterpillar, as well as the Udon Soup and Terryaki dishes.
Friday night is alive in Carrboro with a host of options for live music and art. Check the calendar at Cat’s Cradle (main room and back room), stop by Speakeasy, or wander past a host of bars and let your ears guide you! Every month the 2nd Friday Artwalk takes over Downtown Carrboro.
Good morning! Get your first cup of coffee (or whatever you want) at Open Eye Cafe, a Carrboro instution since 1999. Coffee is carefully selected from farms throughout the world and locally roasted.
Weaver Street Market is a community-owned natural foods grocery store right in the heart of Downtown Carrboro. Stroll the aisles for locally-grown produce and curated products and grab breakfast and coffee from their prepared food section. You’ll want to enjoy it on their outdoor lawn, a popular local gathering spot. Watch out! There could be live music and dancing around you.
Carr Mill Mall is home to more than 25 local and family-owned retailers and restaurants. Shop for clothing and jewelry, check out makers shops for fabric and beads, browse books and toys, and even explore fine fragrances. If you’re still hungry you’ll find several incredible restaurants.
Carrburritos is a locally owned California-style taqueria featuring fresh and sophisticated flavors served in generous portions and made daily on location. Be sure to get the queso! The Carrboro institution recently moved to Carr Mill and now has expanded seating and a bigger bar (in case you want a lunch Margarita!).
Wander across the street and you’ll find an eclectic mix of independent retailers on Main Street. If you’re into vinyl, All Day Records carries new and used LPs, cassettes, DVDs, and books. Flip through the racks and pick up a rare gem or well-priced standard record.
Ready to start the evening? Haw River Tap & Table is next to Cat’s Cradle and serves award-winning farmhouse ales and other beer, brewed in nearby Saxapahaw. Enjoy a pint and explore their menu of pub favorites.
If you love Thai food, there are two incredible options in Downtown Carrboro. Thai Station serves authentic dishes in a converted train station and Cham Thai features family recipes. Both deliver delicious food and warm hospitality.
Time to rock! Arguably the heart and soul of Carrboro, Cat’s Cradle has been a legendary music venue for 50 years and counting. The Cradle houses two clubs, a main room that holds 750, and the more intimate “Back Room” with a capacity of 200. Most every night you’ll music spanning genres and featuring established and up and coming artists.
There’s no better place to unwind after live music than OCSC. Owned and operated by musicians and music people, the lively bar features great drinks, cold beer, and an incredible jukebox. Check out the patio and we’ll wager you’ll see a bunch of people who were at the show!
Even Dough Bakery opened its doors in 2020 and has quickly taken Carrboro by storm with its artisinal pastries, cakes and more, all baked on site. Don’t sleep on their coffee and espresso drinks and enjoy it all on their outdoor patio.
Every Southerner knows that a Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit or a Chicken Biscuit makes every day brighter. Rise annually wins the best biscuit in town and is a perfect way to complete your Carrboro weekend. Grab your food to go and eat it in the car (if you can hold out that long).