The Kraken

The Kraken Chapel Hill's iconic crossroads roadhouse. Full of character and characters! Everyone is welcome. Please forgive our radio silence during another pandemic Winter.
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One visit to The Kraken and you're family, returning for more engaging stories, friendly porch banter, and stellar live music performances. Wonders never cease at this heart of an extremely talented and diverse community. Nicknamed "church with beer", this humble roadhouse music venue reflects the passionate loyalty of its parishioners - a mission to support the artists, musicians, writers and eve

ryday folks who inspire and edify our souls. Consistently voted one of the best local venues to see live music, The Kraken features country, blues, rockabilly, jazz, bluegrass, metal, indy, americana, punk, world and good ole rock and roll. Performances are free to the public, who are encouraged to generously tip bands and bartenders. Performers often earn more with audience tips and bar payout versus the standard cover charge alternative, and appreciate the heartfelt loyalty they earn at the crossroads roadhouse. Tuesdays are bike nights AND old time stringband nights - kind, inviting folks from near and far. Wednesday nights feature the world-renowned Shake Sugaree Americana Residency featuring Jonathan Byrd and The Pickup Cowboys and amazing guests joining in or occasionally hosting. First Fridays are spectacular bluegrass nights with The Carolina Cutups. On second Sundays we've got the Songwriters Showcase hosted by Glenn Jones and his guests. January 2022:

The Kraken is open for service inside and outside 3-11ish Tuesdays through Sundays. Weather permitting, all performances will be held on The Kraken's outdoor stage. Winter weather and temperatures lend towards smaller bands performing on the indoor stage. We're just starting to slowly restart booking for the upcoming year. Please email scheduling queries to [email protected] and all other requests and questions to [email protected]. We love all y'all talented people out there and hope that you'll stop by or be in touch soon! Please keep in mind that mask wearing remains expected local practice inside taverns and music venues. We happily offer free masks for those who have misplaced or forgotten to bring their own. Thank you for respecting our staff, our family and our friends.


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https://youtube.com/c/TheKrakenBar

https://www.instagram.com/thekrakennc/


http://twitter.com/TheKrakenBar

http://www.reverbnation.com/venue/thekrakenbar

http://www.thekrakenbar.com/ (under construction)

http://www.indieonthemove.com/venues/view/the-kraken-chapel-hill-north-carolina

https://www.gofundme.com/f/love-for-the-kraken

https://www.venmo.com/KrakenBar

https://paypal.me/KrakenBar

https://www.gofundme.com/f/kraken-employee-fund

07/14/2026

Ahoy all y'all Krakeneers, Capn' Dad is on board to report at long last. Jody and I are doing fine, though we are tasked heavily. We appreciate y'all's concern most sincerely.

Please understand that we have literally hundreds of folks patiently waiting for calls and messages, so you are not the only one. Hopefully this state of the roadhouse series of posts will satisfy most of the relevant queries. In due time, I look forward to speak/message directly with each and everyone.

Again, thank you for all your patience, and since there's so much to report, expect posts over the next few days. đŸ˜‰

Capn' Kirk
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Part I: "No... Thank YOU!"

My friends, before any updates, I must personally apologize for keeping you from the greatest roadhouse in the country. I feel as if I've scored several own goals against the team.

Uncertainty is never what one looks for at their place of refuge, at their community gathering spot, their drinking hole, dance floor and all that. I know how wonderfully dedicated y'all are to The Kraken and I know it in the deepest depths of my soul.

Y'all have helped keep this historic roadhouse going, many folks selflessly contributing for years and for that we are all most blessed.

Nobody though has done more than James and Meredith who cannot receive enough praise for carrying the bar on their backs this year during our months spent in hospitals and rehab after Jody's excruciatingly painful fall.

Many, and many more of you folks have graciously, personally and often repeatedly offered to help. There are several ways to help, and if you are able, please consider a Venmo donation to show your gratitude to our superstar bartenders.

-peery-0
https://account.venmo.com/pay?recipients=james-peery-0

-g
https://account.venmo.com/pay?recipients=meryl-g

Next up... Part II: "Getting Old is a B, Even for a Roadhouse"

That's right!
06/10/2026

That's right!

The new single "Hot Slob" from Sylvan Esso is out now. https://ff...

Thank you Sylvan Esso for stopping by and shooting your next hit video at  The Kraken!Check out their new release, Hot S...
06/10/2026

Thank you Sylvan Esso for stopping by and shooting your next hit video at The Kraken!

Check out their new release, Hot Slob!

The new single "Hot Slob" from Sylvan Esso is out now. https://ff...

What a week at The Kraken!
05/29/2026

What a week at The Kraken!

Address

2823 NC Highway 54 W
Chapel Hill, NC
27516

Opening Hours

Tuesday 3pm - 11pm
Wednesday 3pm - 11pm
Thursday 3pm - 11pm
Friday 3pm - 11pm
Saturday 3pm - 11pm
Sunday 3pm - 11pm

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