If you're new to the area and accustomed to seeing live music in nightclubs, these are the places you'll probably find yourself going to most often.
CHAPEL HILL/CARRBORO
Cat's Cradle is the cream of the crop, the club that automatically conveys prestige. Presents everything from national alternative rock and hip-hop to high school band battles. Namechecked in a Sonic Youth song (1992's "Chapel Hill"), and it doesn't get any cooler than that.
Local 506 is also a very fine venue. Smaller than the Cradle, Local 506 tends to be where bands play on their way.
Blend is a bit more collegiate than either the Cradle or Local 506, with wild-card events including belly dancing and open-mic nights.
RALEIGH
Lincoln Theatre, with the addition of an upper balcony, can now attract some Cradle-sized headliners. It also tends to have the most tribute bands of any venue in the region.
Pour House is party central on the summer nights when Raleigh Downtown Live shows happen across the street in Moore Square. Roots rock and jam bands rule this club.
Hideaway Music Hall is a place for expatriate Texans. Good barbecue, and country music of the alternative "No Depression" variety.
Downtown Event Center, formerly the Martin Street Music Hall, is a good-sized room that's more comfortable than most to just hang out.
Berkeley Cafe is billed as "Raleigh's home of the blues," but the musical offerings range a lot wider than that.
DURHAM
Duke Coffeehouse is an on-campus venue that has significant crossover with Chapel Hill's Local 506.
Bull City Headquarters is a scrappy, independent-minded venue.
