One frequently-lamented missing link in the evolution of downtown Durham has been its lack of smaller spaces for live music and events, in the vein of a Lincoln Theater or, more appropriately, Berkeley Cafe in Raleigh. Broad Street Cafe has stepped into this niche well, as did the short-lived 305 South. Still, while you see Durhamites out dining until late in the evening around Brightleaf Square, for many conversation is the order of business.
It's one reason to be glad to hear the plans that new owner Chrystal Kelly has for the Down Under Pub, a Brightleaf Square staple that's had the reputation for being -- how to say this -- a fairly "dingy" environment. (Not my word choice -- it comes from the Down Under's press release.)
Kelly hopes to reinvent the Down Under Pub as a locally-owned "neighborhood bar and grill," having added salads and entrees to a menu that's been traditionally beverage-heavy. Also coming: live music and other events in the space, located next to Fishmonger's at Brightleaf Square. So too is a take-out menu and updated building facade.
A new logo (seen at right) is coming, too, replacing the Australian flag that's been the standard-bearer for the Down Under Pub for as long as I can remember. Expect to see a new sign over the front door in late July, and to see the Down Under's new web site updated with events and music as they come online.
Is there any chance that the new owner will ban smoking?
Posted by: chris | June 23, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Maybe Durham should actually add a bonafide music club rather than keep opening broom closets for mediocre to crappy local "talent".
Posted by: Dan R | June 23, 2008 at 01:17 PM
I love the new logo. Can't wait to have lunch one day soon.
Now Dan that wasn't very nice. The Down Under didn't just open they just added a new element to their business. ALL BANDS need a venue to play even if they are so called "broom closets". Durham also has an enormous amount of talent too. So what was the name of your band? Just what I thought.
Posted by: Mike | June 23, 2008 at 03:02 PM
Making it a non-smoking venue is a great idea.
Posted by: C | June 23, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Man, Downunder Pub - good for you for branching out a little but you might, to mix a metaphor, throw vegetarians a bone! Nothing for veggies on that menu but fries & a grilled cheese.
Posted by: John D. | June 23, 2008 at 03:14 PM
My former neighbor bartends there, and I am afraid. The DU is about the only place where:
(a) you can get PBR for $1.50
(b) you consistently find duke fans who didn't go to Duke
(c) they serve wings so hot they mbya (see menu)
(d) my german shepherd strolls in without anyone raising an eyebrow
(e) people get plastered at 2pm on a weekday
Out of all of Durham's dive bars I would think this is the one least likely to ban smoking. Thank God for that.
Posted by: KeepDurhamDifferent! | June 23, 2008 at 04:34 PM
Dan: You know, I called up "Durham" and asked them to install sidewalks, end poverty as we know it, and bring middle-class jobs for all -- and funny, Durham didn't respond.
My (slightly sardonic) point is, there's no entity "Durham" to add nightlife and music venues -- which I admit are very much needed. Instead, we have local entrepreneurs trying to make a go at businesses, such as in this case the revitalization of a terrific downtown location.
Even though I'd like to see a larger venue, too, I wish Chrystal all the success in the world.
Tangent: After posting this, I realized how great it would be if the pretty parched Porsches back behind the 'Shmong/DU/Torero's buildings weren't there, and that space could convert to a music venue. Kinda like, again, the Berkeley Cafe in Raleigh -- enter into a smallish bar, connected to a larger, more cavernous space. Heck, the large garage doors would be great for loading equipment in. Of course, that's not exactly at all likely to happen...
Posted by: Bull City Rising | June 23, 2008 at 05:43 PM
Hey Dan, last time I looked cities don't open businesses, people do. So quit your whining and go open a music venue.
As for the vegetarians, there is no money in vegetarian menu items. Stop expecting each and every bar, restaurant and taco stand to cater to your lifestyle choices. It doesn't sell.
Posted by: John | June 23, 2008 at 05:45 PM
"After posting this, I realized how great it would be if the pretty parched Porsches back behind the 'Shmong/DU/Torero's buildings weren't there, and that space could convert to a music venue."
If i had a dollar for all the failed restaurant/lounges in that space since i've been living in Durham, i'd have 10 dollars.
Posted by: Barry | June 23, 2008 at 09:28 PM
I look forward to the changes. I think Chrystal is going to do well. She has a lot of great ideas about what she wants to do for the Bar and the community.
It is also the only place I know where you can get a delicious "Peanut Butter Bacon Burger".
Posted by: BARFLYDURHAM.COM | June 23, 2008 at 09:34 PM
Wouldn't the pleas for a non-smoking environment (which I, too, really can't imagine at the DU . . .) and vegetarian menu items meet with more likely success if directed at the bar owner? Possibly using the "email us" link on the aforementioned website?
Just sayin'. :)
Posted by: LBR | June 23, 2008 at 09:36 PM
Chrystal is one of the best bartenders ever -- I'm really glad she bought the place and I hope it is a success.
I intend to do my part by getting drunk as many afternoons as possible in there.
One thing they need to do is find a sane place for the dart boards for afternoon drinkers/players. There's nothing like darts to convince yourself you're not just sitting there... getting drunk.
Posted by: Coop | June 24, 2008 at 02:58 PM
Hey there friends just wanted to let you veg heads out there know we hear ya loud and clear! We are serving vegi burgers and roasted vegi wraps not to mention salads and grill cheese with grilled vegis on board. If you are seeking something not offered on our menu, you have but to ask. You just might be pleasently surprised.
Yours Truely,
Chrystal Kelly
pub love
Posted by: chrystal | June 25, 2008 at 04:33 PM