When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
PLUS Dueling Piano Bar
Why PLUS Dueling Piano Bar is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
PLUS Dueling Piano Bar is a renowned live music venue located in the vibrant Glenwood South district of Raleigh, North Carolina. It stands out as an extraordinary spot to meet up with friends due to its highly interactive and engaging atmosphere centered around high-energy dueling piano performances. The bar exclusively hosts all-request dueling piano shows where talented musicians create an unforgettable experience by taking song requests from the audience, encouraging participation through sing-alongs and dancing. Open Friday and Saturday nights from early evening until 2 AM, PLUS provides the perfect backdrop for a night out, whether celebrating special occasions like birthdays and bachelorette parties or simply enjoying a lively weekend evening. Guests can indulge in a varied menu featuring tasty food such as garlic pepper wings and fries, complemented by expertly crafted cocktails. The friendly and attentive staff contribute to the welcoming vibe, ensuring everyone feels part of the spirited community. The convenient location on Glenwood Avenue, close to parking and other dining options, makes it an accessible destination for locals and visitors alike. PLUS also offers private event options including full buyouts, customized entertainment packages, and even a mobile "PLUS Road Show" for bringing their signature dueling piano experience to offsite parties. Overall, PLUS Dueling Piano Bar is a dynamic venue delivering excitement, great music, quality drinks, and memorable social experiences for groups of all sizes.
Here's what people think of PLUS Dueling Piano Bar
As of recent, PLUS Dueling Piano Bar holds a 4.7-star rating based on 657 reviews.
User reviews of PLUS Dueling Piano Bar are overwhelmingly positive, consistently highlighting the venue's exceptional live music and overall entertainment quality. Many reviewers praise the musicians for their remarkable talent and ability to engage the crowd, making each visit a unique and enjoyable experience. The interactive nature of the dueling piano shows, where audience requests shape the playlist, is frequently noted as a major highlight that sets PLUS apart from typical bars. Positive feedback also mentions the quality of food and cocktails, with specific appreciation for items like garlic pepper wings and a variety of well-crafted drinks. Reviewers often commend the friendly and professional staff who contribute to a lively yet comfortable atmosphere. Negative comments are scarce but some mention the cover charge as a consideration, though most agree it is justified by the entertainment provided. A few reviewers express a desire for occasional variations in the show schedule or expanded hours. Overall, the reviews showcase PLUS Dueling Piano Bar as a top choice for live music and nightlife in Raleigh, emphasizing its high energy, excellent entertainment, and vibrant social environment. The consistent 4.7-star rating from over 650 reviews indicates strong customer satisfaction and a loyal customer base appreciative of the unique dueling piano format and welcoming ambiance.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Christopher Michela
We had such an unforgettable night at Plus! The staff was absolutely amazing—so friendly and fun. The drinks were on point and the musicians? Beyond talented. We got to watch some badass moments, like a few ladies getting surprise lap dances from one of the pianists (iconic), and I even got to slow dance on stage with my husband to our wedding song for our anniversary. 🥹💃 It was such a sweet and wild mix of moments. There were birthday celebrations going on, and the staff really pulled out all the stops with fun theatrics and extra care for each group. You could tell they genuinely wanted everyone to have a great time. If I had to nitpick, the drums were a little loud compared to the pianos at times, and the floor was a bit sticky—but hey, it’s a bar/club. Comes with the territory. Can’t wait to come back! 🎹🎉
John Babson
We always enjoy ourselves at the Plus Piano Bar. The crew and servers are great at sleeping everyone happy and engaged. This is a clip from July 5th. The entertainment crew unrehearsed performed a touching rendition of the stars spangled banner. Although it was for a tip they honored our service men at the same time. Much respect to the crew and servers. Sam was wonderful as well.
Emily Johns
Let me start with the positives - the artists were incredibly talented. They could play songs by ear which is such a talent. Our server was very nice and kept checking up on us. They play every request here (well every request with at least a $20 tip). Which can be positive or negative. Postive is that you can have any song played that you would like. Negative is that it doesn't have a consistent mood - from country to heavy metal to slow music. We've love trying out dueling piano bars, but we won't return to this one. Other places don't play every request and keep the atmosphere fun with good requests and songs they've rehearsed. That is more what we were looking for. Groups at PLUS were only staying 1 - 2 hours and leaving. Which goes to show they were only entertained for a short time. Additionally, we found the minimum $20 tip very pretentious and the drinks weak.
Jessica Jackson
This place exceeded our expectations. Entire experience was such a vibe. All of the musicians are super talented. Definitely will be returning. Highly recommend making a reservation through Open Table. You’ll be guaranteed seating and we were blessed to have the best seats in the house our first time! Also, there’s no cover charge on weekdays.
Brian Wray
Good experience and good talent. Food and drinks were your basic average barfood staples. Talent was good and a fun experience overall.
Brian Wray
Good experience and good talent. Food and drinks were your basic average barfood staples. Talent was good and a fun experience overall.
Christopher Michela
We had such an unforgettable night at Plus! The staff was absolutely amazing—so friendly and fun. The drinks were on point and the musicians? Beyond talented. We got to watch some badass moments, like a few ladies getting surprise lap dances from one of the pianists (iconic), and I even got to slow dance on stage with my husband to our wedding song for our anniversary. 🥹💃 It was such a sweet and wild mix of moments. There were birthday celebrations going on, and the staff really pulled out all the stops with fun theatrics and extra care for each group. You could tell they genuinely wanted everyone to have a great time. If I had to nitpick, the drums were a little loud compared to the pianos at times, and the floor was a bit sticky—but hey, it’s a bar/club. Comes with the territory. Can’t wait to come back! 🎹🎉
John Babson
We always enjoy ourselves at the Plus Piano Bar. The crew and servers are great at sleeping everyone happy and engaged. This is a clip from July 5th. The entertainment crew unrehearsed performed a touching rendition of the stars spangled banner. Although it was for a tip they honored our service men at the same time. Much respect to the crew and servers. Sam was wonderful as well.
Emily Johns
Let me start with the positives - the artists were incredibly talented. They could play songs by ear which is such a talent. Our server was very nice and kept checking up on us. They play every request here (well every request with at least a $20 tip). Which can be positive or negative. Postive is that you can have any song played that you would like. Negative is that it doesn't have a consistent mood - from country to heavy metal to slow music. We've love trying out dueling piano bars, but we won't return to this one. Other places don't play every request and keep the atmosphere fun with good requests and songs they've rehearsed. That is more what we were looking for. Groups at PLUS were only staying 1 - 2 hours and leaving. Which goes to show they were only entertained for a short time. Additionally, we found the minimum $20 tip very pretentious and the drinks weak.
Jessica Jackson
This place exceeded our expectations. Entire experience was such a vibe. All of the musicians are super talented. Definitely will be returning. Highly recommend making a reservation through Open Table. You’ll be guaranteed seating and we were blessed to have the best seats in the house our first time! Also, there’s no cover charge on weekdays.
Christopher Michela
We had such an unforgettable night at Plus! The staff was absolutely amazing—so friendly and fun. The drinks were on point and the musicians? Beyond talented. We got to watch some badass moments, like a few ladies getting surprise lap dances from one of the pianists (iconic), and I even got to slow dance on stage with my husband to our wedding song for our anniversary. 🥹💃 It was such a sweet and wild mix of moments. There were birthday celebrations going on, and the staff really pulled out all the stops with fun theatrics and extra care for each group. You could tell they genuinely wanted everyone to have a great time. If I had to nitpick, the drums were a little loud compared to the pianos at times, and the floor was a bit sticky—but hey, it’s a bar/club. Comes with the territory. Can’t wait to come back! 🎹🎉
John Babson
We always enjoy ourselves at the Plus Piano Bar. The crew and servers are great at sleeping everyone happy and engaged. This is a clip from July 5th. The entertainment crew unrehearsed performed a touching rendition of the stars spangled banner. Although it was for a tip they honored our service men at the same time. Much respect to the crew and servers. Sam was wonderful as well.
Emily Johns
Let me start with the positives - the artists were incredibly talented. They could play songs by ear which is such a talent. Our server was very nice and kept checking up on us. They play every request here (well every request with at least a $20 tip). Which can be positive or negative. Postive is that you can have any song played that you would like. Negative is that it doesn't have a consistent mood - from country to heavy metal to slow music. We've love trying out dueling piano bars, but we won't return to this one. Other places don't play every request and keep the atmosphere fun with good requests and songs they've rehearsed. That is more what we were looking for. Groups at PLUS were only staying 1 - 2 hours and leaving. Which goes to show they were only entertained for a short time. Additionally, we found the minimum $20 tip very pretentious and the drinks weak.
Jessica Jackson
This place exceeded our expectations. Entire experience was such a vibe. All of the musicians are super talented. Definitely will be returning. Highly recommend making a reservation through Open Table. You’ll be guaranteed seating and we were blessed to have the best seats in the house our first time! Also, there’s no cover charge on weekdays.
Brian Wray
Good experience and good talent. Food and drinks were your basic average barfood staples. Talent was good and a fun experience overall.
How to reach PLUS Dueling Piano Bar
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Why PLUS Dueling Piano Bar may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at PLUS Dueling Piano Bar with your friends?
Choosing the perfect spot for a night out with friends demands an electrifying atmosphere, engaging entertainment, and a welcoming vibe — all of which PLUS Dueling Piano Bar in Raleigh consistently delivers. With an outstanding 4.7-star rating from over 650 reviews, this venue has earned a reputation as one of the premier destinations for group gatherings. From the moment you step into PLUS, the energy is palpable, driven by live, high-octane dueling piano performances where talented musicians take requests and create a tailor-made soundtrack for the night. This interactive, crowd-driven musical experience turns ordinary evenings into celebrations filled with laughter, singing, and dancing, perfect for making memories with friends or family. Located conveniently in the heart of Glenwood South, Raleigh’s vibrant nightlife hub, PLUS offers not only dynamic entertainment but also a menu featuring great food and cocktails that keep everyone fueled for fun. Whether you’re marking a special occasion, planning a casual meetup, or simply want a night packed with good vibes, PLUS Dueling Piano Bar is the go-to where music, community, and excitement converge — making it an irresistible rallying point for groups eager to enjoy an unforgettable night out.
What makes PLUS Dueling Piano Bar perfect for group meetups?
PLUS Dueling Piano Bar is designed to cater to groups seeking seamless social interaction paired with sensational entertainment. The venue’s layout encourages intimate, yet communal experiences with cozy seating arrangements that accommodate small to large parties, ensuring your group feels connected throughout the night. Reservations are recommended to secure prime seating, especially on weekends when the bar is buzzing with energy. The all-request dueling piano format invites everyone in your group to contribute to the playlist, creating a personalized soundtrack that resonates with your collective tastes. This fosters a communal spirit, as guests cheer on the pianists, sing along to classics, and even engage in light-hearted banter with the performers. The late-night hours, from 7 PM until 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, provide ample time for groups to arrive, dine, and immerse themselves in a multi-hour entertainment experience. PLUS’s location on Glenwood Avenue also means that your meetup can easily transition to exploring other nearby nightlife spots if you wish, while still benefiting from one of the best live music scenes Raleigh offers.
What activities and entertainment does PLUS offer during your visit?
The centerpiece of PLUS Dueling Piano Bar’s appeal is its dynamic live music experience featuring dueling pianos. Unlike typical bars, the entertainment is not passive; there are two pianists who face off in a musical showdown, responding to crowd requests that range from timeless classics to contemporary hits. This format stimulates constant interaction, as the musicians engage the audience with humor, storytelling, and vocal performances that go beyond mere instrumental skill. Beyond music, PLUS also offers thematic nights and special events, such as celebrations for birthdays, bachelorette parties, and corporate gatherings, all tailored to elevate your group’s evening with customized energy and party styles. The food and cocktail menu complements the entertainment with a variety of finger foods and craft cocktails, perfect for sharing among friends without interrupting the flow of fun. Signature items like garlic pepper wings and well-crafted cocktails receive glowing reviews, making dining an integral part of the overall experience rather than an afterthought. The combination of interactive music, quality food and drinks, and a lively crowd makes activities at PLUS continuously engaging, ensuring no two visits are the same.
Why is PLUS Dueling Piano Bar a unique nightlife destination in Raleigh?
PLUS Dueling Piano Bar stands out as a unique venue in Raleigh because it fuses live performance art with social nightlife in a way few other bars can match. While many establishments offer live music, PLUS is distinguished by its “dueling piano” concept, America’s largest of its kind, where music is a participatory event fueled by requests and banter between performers and patrons. This creates an atmosphere that feels more like a party among friends than a standard bar night. Additionally, it maintains an environment that balances high energy with approachability, welcoming diverse groups from different age brackets, backgrounds, and musical preferences. The location, Glenwood South, is a lively entertainment corridor and PLUS capitalizes on this by operating exclusively on weekend nights until 2 AM, appealing to late-night revellers. Reviews consistently note the exceptional musicianship and the staff’s friendly service, reinforcing PLUS’s commitment to quality entertainment and guest satisfaction. This combination of top-tier live music, vibrant crowd interaction, and a polished hospitality experience makes PLUS Dueling Piano Bar an irreplaceable highlight of Raleigh’s nightlife.
How does PLUS Dueling Piano Bar accommodate different types of group celebrations?
PLUS Dueling Piano Bar is exceptionally versatile, making it ideal for a variety of group celebrations. Whether you're planning a large birthday bash, a bachelorette party, a casual get-together with family, or a team-building night out, the venue’s flexible seating and reserved table options provide the perfect setting. The interactive format of the dueling pianos allows groups to request favorite songs, sing collectively, and create a participatory atmosphere tailored to their celebration. Staff are attentive and experienced in managing group needs, ensuring efficient service for food and drinks so the focus remains on enjoyment. The energy of the performances can be adjusted—from lighthearted singalongs to high-energy showdowns—facilitating customizable moods suitable for more laid-back or raucous events. Furthermore, the proximity to numerous restaurants and hotels in the neighborhood enhances convenience for groups traveling from afar or seeking to extend their night out. This adaptability makes PLUS a highly sought-after venue for anyone looking to make their group event special and memorable.
What food and drink options are available to enhance your visit?
PLUS Dueling Piano Bar complements its entertainment with a thoughtfully curated menu offering appealing food and drink options that satisfy a range of tastes. Food offerings include popular bar staples like garlic pepper wings and fries that are favorites among patrons, perfect for sharing and snacking during the musical performances. This finger-food focus ensures guests can eat without interrupting the lively atmosphere or missing any part of the show. Their cocktail menu features carefully crafted drinks, praised for both creativity and execution, including timeless classics and unique signature cocktails designed to match the energy and spirit of the venue. The bar accepts all major credit cards, making transactions smooth and easy. Food and drink service is delivered efficiently to accommodate the flow of the live show, ensuring no long pauses or inconveniences for the guests. This careful integration of quality dining with entertainment elevates PLUS beyond a standard bar experience to a full evening destination.
How accessible and convenient is PLUS Dueling Piano Bar for visitors?
PLUS Dueling Piano Bar benefits from a prime location at 510 Glenwood Ave, Suite 10, in downtown Raleigh’s bustling Glenwood South district. This central placement means it is easily accessible by various transport options, including rideshare, taxis, and nearby parking facilities, which is ideal for groups who want to avoid logistical headaches. Weekends are the primary operating times, with doors opening at 7 PM and shows starting around 8 PM, continuing until 2 AM, matching the rhythms of typical weekend social outings. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for larger parties, to ensure the best seating and optimal view of the performances. The venue’s clear focus on weekend nightlife helps visitors plan their nights out effectively and enjoy uninterrupted entertainment without competing with weekday business crowds. Its central location also allows guests to combine their visit with other local nightlife attractions, maximizing the social opportunities available in Raleigh’s entertainment district.
PLUS Dueling Piano Bar thus offers a rare combination of prime location, exceptional and interactive live music, quality food and cocktails, and a highly social environment tailored for groups, making it one of the top destinations for memorable meetups in Raleigh.