When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop
Why The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop is a vibrant cultural hub in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, serving as an ideal gathering place for friends who appreciate live music, vinyl records, and great drinks. Established in 1997, this venue has become renowned for hosting an eclectic blend of local and nationally touring bands, ensuring a rich and diverse musical experience every night. Beyond the stage, the second floor hosts a buzzing record shop open from Wednesday to Sunday, offering an extensive selection of new and used vinyl records across various genres, appealing to both casual listeners and serious collectors. The record shop also features a full bar with five rotating draft beers, creating a relaxed atmosphere perfect for socializing or discovering new music together. A unique highlight of The Pour House is their upcoming initiative, Pour House Pressing, set to become the Raleigh area's first record-pressing facility with mass-production capabilities, underscoring their commitment to vinyl culture. With regular events including album release parties, live in-store performances, and listening sessions, the venue fosters an engaging community vibe that makes meeting up with friends here not just enjoyable but memorable. Whether catching a thrilling live show at night or browsing vinyl selections during the day, The Pour House offers a dynamic and welcoming environment that celebrates music in all its forms.
Here's what people think of The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop
As of recent, The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop holds a 4.7-star rating based on 833 reviews.
Reviews of The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop overwhelmingly praise its intimate and energetic atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for live music enthusiasts. Many users highlight the venue's commitment to showcasing both up-and-coming local artists and nationally touring bands, which keeps the music scene fresh and engaging. Positive comments frequently mention the friendly and knowledgeable staff, the extensive craft beer selection with 30 rotating drafts primarily from North Carolina breweries, and the unique combination of a record shop with a full bar upstairs. Patrons also appreciate the vinyl shop's diverse inventory and the record shop's hosting of special events such as album release parties and live performances, which enrich the overall experience. However, some negative reviews note occasional challenges such as the venue being small, which might lead to crowded conditions during popular shows, and limited seating options, which can affect comfort. A few customers have pointed out that parking and accessibility can be difficult especially on busy event nights. Despite these minor drawbacks, the majority consensus holds that The Pour House remains a standout destination in Raleigh for music lovers, combining quality live entertainment with a welcoming, community-driven environment. This strong positive reception is reflected in its solid 4.7-star rating from over 830 user reviews, confirming its reputation as a top-tier music hall and record shop that continues to evolve and enrich Raleigh’s cultural landscape.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Cosmic Superheroes
The Pour House is hands-down one of our favorite stages in Raleigh—we’ve been blasting tunes there since 2014 and keep coming back for more. Killer sound (seriously, top-notch engineers every time), super welcoming staff, and a vibe that just feels right whether you’re on stage or in the crowd. Bonus points for the fantastic beer selection and the record shop upstairs—because who doesn’t want to snag some vinyl before or after a set? Cosmic Superheroes give it a full 5 stars—long live the Pour House!
Sarah Pybus-Elmore
We love going to pour house! It's such a great, smallish venue for live music. The cover bands are always great, and the set up is cool. You can be on the floor in front of the stage, or upstairs above, where stools line the rail and you can sit look down and watch the band and the crowd. Drinks are good, and they got some new delta 9/cbd seltzers if you're someone who wants to have a drink with your friends but not have alcohol. 10/10 recommend.
Tom Earnest
Must have been there on a bad night. Lenny Kravitz tribute band was mediocre. I think half of sparse crowd was with the band. Bass player was good. Keyboard/Sax player was an awesome dancer. The rest should keep their day jobs. I was from out of town and wasn't told about any other live music venues. If I knew other places, I would try them first. Embarrassed I paid money to get in.h
Model Mentor
Had a great time here for a benefit concert that was for another venue, so that speaks highly of owner. The music sounds amazing coming from their stage!
t abe
Super awesome spot to visit if you’re in the area. Unfortunately I was only able to come during the day to enjoy the bar and look at all the great vinyls they have. Some Of the wax seemed a little pricey, but what’re you going to do? I definitely plan to return here to dig some more gems out of the crates, grab a drink, and support the local music.
How to reach The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop
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Why The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop with your friends?
Gathering your friends at The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop offers an unbeatable combination of social connection, live entertainment, and unique cultural experience wrapped into one dynamic venue. Located in the heart of Raleigh, this establishment is much more than a place to catch live music; it is a vibrant hub where independent music lovers converge to share their passion. The atmosphere is intimate and lively, making it ideal for groups who want to enjoy music together in an authentic setting. The venue’s reputation for hosting an eclectic mix of local and national acts ensures that every visit can bring new sounds and impressive performances. Additionally, the presence of a well-stocked record shop on the second floor provides a chance to discover and shop for vinyl records between shows, enriching the outing beyond typical nightlife. The Pour House also boasts a wide selection of craft beers and cocktails, creating a perfect social space for friends to relax, chat, and toast to memorable nights. Whether your group is made up of music connoisseurs or casual fans, the synergy of music, drinks, and the record store culture provides a compelling reason to rally here.
What types of live music and events can you enjoy at The Pour House?
The Pour House Music Hall and Record Shop is a haven for live music aficionados, featuring an impressive roster of performances that caters to a broad spectrum of musical tastes. You and your friends can experience everything from indie rock, jazz, funk, and bluegrass to hip hop and electronic music. The venue regularly hosts nationally touring bands alongside cherished local artists, ensuring a diverse calendar of shows that appeal to both niche audiences and mainstream crowds. The shows typically start in the evening, around 7 or 8 PM, providing a perfect after-work or weekend outing. Beyond standard concerts, The Pour House is known for exclusive events such as album release parties, listening sessions, and artist meet-and-greets. These special occasions deepen the connection between fans and musicians, making your meetup feel exclusive and memorable. The venue’s intimate size fosters a close, dynamic atmosphere where the energy of the crowd and the artists combine, creating electrifying live experiences that are difficult to replicate elsewhere.
How does the record shop enhance your group meetup experience?
One of the distinctive features that set The Pour House apart is its record shop located on the upper level, which opens daily from late morning until early evening. This shop offers both new and used vinyl records, catering to collectors and casual listeners alike. Spending time browsing the extensive vinyl selection can add an engaging layer to your group visit, encouraging conversation about music preferences, rare finds, and shared discoveries. The shop also features a full bar with five draft beers, allowing you to sip your favorite drinks while flipping through records, which blends shopping and socializing in a unique way. On many occasions, the record shop hosts free live performances, album signings, and listening parties, often timed to coincide with concerts downstairs or other special events. This setting encourages a relaxed and interactive experience, perfect for groups wanting to bond over music beyond just a live show. Whether you’re hunting for that elusive record or enjoying a casual drink, the shop adds depth and variety to your outing at The Pour House.
What makes The Pour House ideal for groups and meetups?
The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop offers a welcoming atmosphere tailored for group gatherings, combining space, vibe, and amenities that cater well to meetups with friends or family. Its cozy yet lively environment gives groups a sense of being part of a community while still enjoying personal interactions and conversations. The venue’s layout accommodates both standing-room areas near the stage for those wanting to dance and seated sections for a more laid-back experience, making it versatile to different group moods. Furthermore, the extensive drink menu featuring 30 rotating draft beers ensures that every preference is covered, from craft beer enthusiasts to those who prefer cocktails. The venue’s location near downtown parking and numerous nearby restaurants also makes it convenient for pre- or post-show meals or starting your night with a broader social itinerary. With friendly staff known for excellent service, the experience is smooth and enjoyable, contributing to the venue’s impressive 4.7-star rating from over 800 reviews. These factors combine to create an environment where groups can arrive, mingle, enjoy entertainment, and leave with shared memories.
What additional experiences and perks can groups expect at The Pour House?
Besides concerts and vinyl shopping, The Pour House boasts several additional experiences that elevate group visits. For music fans, there are often artist events such as record signings and meet-and-greets, offering a rare chance for fans to connect personally with favorite musicians. The venue’s role in independent music extends to printing custom vinyl, which can sometimes be featured or demonstrated, providing an educational and interactive glimpse into music production. The venue frequently participates in community and benefit events, giving your group meaningful ways to support causes while enjoying the atmosphere. For visitors interested in arts and culture, the location within Raleigh’s Moore Square district places you close to other creative and social hotspots, enabling an extended adventure. Lastly, the combination of a dedicated music hall and a record store creates a layered experience—your meetup can be both lively and laid-back, educational and entertaining, all under one roof. This multi-faceted approach to entertainment explains why The Pour House remains a top destination for anyone looking to rally with friends around shared musical passions.