I absolutely love Motorco! They host really cool events and concerts. I've seen some of my favorite bands at Motorco including The Hooten Hallers. Check them out! I've taken my parents to shows here and love that there is even a space for them to sit down if they need to. There are some steps/bleachers along one side wall for people to take a rest. This is so rare for a standing room only venue and so appreciated! Motorco has many great beers to choose from as well as a full bar and alcohol free options. There is definitely something for everyone. There are two bars one of which has a streamlined selection for fast service while the other is full service offering their entire menu of food and drinks. They serve food! I have not ordered food there yet, but everything looks and sounds amazing. It's also just a cool spot to hang out there. You can grab a beer and/or food and sit outside with your dog. I think of Motorco as a place for everyone. read more

Motorco Music Hall - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Motorco is always a fun time! Came here for an arm wrestling competition, and it was absolutely packed. Got through the line/ID check quickly. Would love to come back for a concert sometime. Parking is relatively limited in this area. 10/10 would recommend! read more

We came here after a late night of being out they had some amazing options considering the time of the night! Loved their falafel wrap, and also tried their cauliflower wings and a quesadilla the food was very good! There were plenty of places to sit inside and out and they also had a full bar as well the place is open until 2 AM on weekends. The service was quick and they were well staffed as well. Will definitely be back! read more

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We went to an event here last night and it was such a wonderful experience! My husband and I both have disabilities, and it can be difficult to find venues that provide us with a truly inclusive experience. The staff at Motorco was so kind and accommodating! The space is open and has lots of SEATING, which is a huge plus, AND there is a ramp to the stage. They have water readily available, and the bartenders were super skilled, efficient, and willing to make mocktails that weren't listed on the menu. We didn't get a chance to eat at the restaurant, but we definitely plan to come back to more events here! read more

Motorco Music Hall - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Love this venue! I've only been to a handful of shows at Motorco but it's a great space, small quaint to see small bands, or if you're lucky, your favorite band. The music venue is small, but has great acoustics. There is a small section of station seating to the left of the stage. I'm not certain, but I think for some shows the seating is first come first serve, for other concerts I think you have to buy a special ticket to use the seating. They have a full bar. There is also a restaurant attached, but I'm not sure you can get food in the music venue. The neighborhood is ever developing, in the last year and a half since I lost went there are so many new construction sites all around. Even the old parking lot next to/behind Motorco is now a massive apartment building. I hope all the development does come at the cost of venues like this disappearing read more

Motorco Music Hall - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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I got the tofu banh mi and sesame udon salad. The sesame udon salad was great. So well balanced with noodles, veggies, and protein. Every bite had a tofu chunk in it. The dressing was rich, and the portion size was large enough to be a full meal. The banh mi had the best baguette. It was perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. I don't know if they bake it in house or buy it, but super delicious. Otherwise the banh mi was pretty bland and small. The portion was a large appetizer size. It didn't have much flavor at all. It really could have used some sauce and vegan mayo. read more

Cool outdoor space that's perfect in the nice weather. Huge variety of drinks, mocktails, and beer. It's often pretty busy, especially later in the night on the weekends. I went on a Friday night around 9pm and there was a about 20 min line to order drinks/food at the bar. Lots of interesting and diverse food options. I had the empanadas, which were pretty good but nothing special. Food portions are small for the price. Overall, great vibe and friendly service. After ordering, food and drinks come out fairly quickly and are brought straight to your table. It's a very convenient location with a lot to do nearby so great spot to meet up and start a night out! read more

the beef empanadas here are the best i get them every time! loving the fresh simple salad and all the healthy options. the bulgogi shawarma is so delicious and filling too. love this place read more

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Great food and fun atmosphere. Lots of variety. Enjoyed the outdoor space as well. Would definitely return.

(This is in October 2024) I ordered concert tickets with the wrong email address(one that didn't exist) and had A LOT of trouble with a representative that worked there. I had 100% proof that I bought it and they refused to simply send it to my actual email. It was seriously over-complicated. Luckily, I was able to reach out to members of the band and they emailed the company and shortly after I was given my tickets...... In other news, when we got there it was very nice and spacious. There were places to sit and a bar. I didn't get drinks or food so idk how that is. read more

Motorco Music Hall - Slenderbodies set - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Me and my husband went on Sunday we were absolutely obsessed- the food was very good and the service was great a young woman was making sure everything was good and although she was busy cleaning tables, serving food and making sure the customers were pleased, she took the time and had a conversation with my husband that is very talkative she did not seem forced she seemed sweet and imagine our surprised when she told us her mom work in the bar too Daniella is one of the greatest bartender and truely hard working like her daughter Dariella! 10/10 read more

Went here for a concert tonight ordered Diet Coke and lamb Souvlaki it had terrible seasoning and next to no meat on it. The Diet Coke was flat. The atmosphere was awful to say the least. There was a long line to order they gave you a number to take to your table. We waited about 10 minutes to be served. My wife ordered the boudin the cheese was over seasoned you couldn't taste it the cheese! All in all an awful meal. Chances of going back her are real slim!! read more

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I never got to experience the music hall part of this establishment, however, my date and I did patronize the bar. Disappointed over how weak our cocktails were made (I ordered a Long Beach which is the exact equivalent of a Long Island tea, except that it has cranberry in it instead of Coke), it wasn't long before my date and I closed our tab after just ordering ONE drink each and bar-hopped elsewhere!! With very cool, trendy-looking bartenders and massive outdoor seating, there's no excuse for serving customers puny alcoholic drinks that have absolutely no kick to them... especially, again, a drink like the one I ordered which has 7 different liquors mixed within it! These (Duke University) college kids that frequent the spot are getting robbed and they don't even know it. SMH! read more

Food is nice, nothing fancy, we saw a really great singer there and it was really fun! Service is not that great. The place is really cool though! read more

Motorco Music Hall - The resteraunt - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

First time here and I'd definitely come back. They had a nice selection of cocktails and tons of beer options. Bartenders were polite. Loved the vibe outside. read more

Motorco Music Hall - Paloma - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Cool little venue in Durham. There is a bar a small stage and to my suprise some bleacher type seating to the left of the stage. The bar tenders were nice, there was a decent selection of beer on tap and canned. There were some good mixed drinks as well. The venu is smack in the middle of many restaurants if you want a bite before the show. There is street parking and a few pay lots near and around the venue. read more

I always have a good time at Motorco! It's always pretty crowded, but I never mind. The food is great and the bartenders were really nice, they were more than happy to make me a few mocktails. I've attended a few concerts here and love the bench seating on the side when I wanted to get away from the crowd. They host a lot of different events, if you're ever looking for a night out! read more

I cannot thank motorco enough for starting outdoor, COVID-safe pad concerts i the adjacent parking lot. Each pad is designated with tape and has an AstroTurf down. We took camping chairs and set up. They are requiring a health screening, checking temperatures, and give you a hand sanitizer. You order online and enter your pad number and both food and beverages are delivered to your seat. They also require masks be worn at all times except when eating or drinking and *most* of the patrons followed this rule. Thanks to these measures we felt very safe and got to see our 1st live concert since February. read more

Motorco Music Hall - Parking Lot Concert - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Wings are solid. I prefer the buffalo sauce over the motorco sauce - but that is just me. Beer on tap is great but limited selection. We love the patio and staff is friendly and efficient. Definitely a great place to grab a brew with a few friends. read more

Great venue with great sound? Bar service is slow during larger crowd events but that could be remedied with more bar staff. The staff they have is very pleasant and patient considering some patrons. read more

This former automotive showroom is one of our favorite venues for music, community talks, and lectures. Great food (not your typical bar fare!), and good drinks. Outside, there's a buzzing patio when the weather allows, and the former garage is the "Parts & Labor" restaurant. Keep doing your own thing, Motorco! We love you! read more

Motorco Music Hall - Live screening of "Princess Bride!" Outside, in pods, socially distanced. - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I have been to dozens of shows here and have seen some of my favorite artists play this venue. I feel like they get so many great up and coming acts as well as surprisingly bigger names (for the size of the venue). The sound is usually great. I have never had an issue at the bar or with staff being anything but pleasant. I find myself wishing when I buy tickets for a show at another venue that it was being held at motorco instead. They have some parking in the back and there are plenty of places to eat nearby including Parts & Labor which is attached to motorco. read more

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This is an intimate, relaxing concert hall with fantastic bands! I absolutely love coming here. They currently screen you before you go in. They check your vaccine card, and there is the ability to maintain distance from others in the hall. In addition, the drinks are delicious! We are lucky to have such a cool venue in Durham. read more

We've been here for other events like live storytelling (where they set up chairs) but I recently went to a BoDeans concert there as well. You could pay extra to sit up on some risers on the side, but most people stood, swayed and danced on the floor like most clubs. You can get pretty up close to the band as long as you're respectful of other patrons. Sound quality was good and the selection of beers and cocktails was excellent. As with any venue in what's called the DIY District, parking can be limited. Luckily on a Sunday night I found a spot down the block. I think you can also prepay to park right behind Motorco, so that's an option as well. i know ticket prices will vary based on the performer but I've never seen anything too outrageous. All in all a decent music club near downtown Durham. read more

Motorco Music Hall - Bodeans onstage at Motorco - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

This spot is never bad. Was here in June and thrilled to be able to enjoy this spot again on a beautiful day. They've clearly got the process figured out - and you could order inside masked, or outside without one. Service here has always been good. Have to admit my amusement at some of these other posts. What bar allows you to bring alcohol in? That's truly insane that people are 1-star rating it for getting called out for that. At any rate, they have a top notch draft selection - always a great cider option! And they also have an outstanding little food menu. Sliders, fries, tacos, poutine, it's all amazing. One of my favorite spots in Durham for 6+ years now. read more

Motorco has been one of my favorite spots since the beginning of time [i.e. since I first moved to the Triangle three years ago--happy anniversary to me!!] When I first moved to the area and was trying to make friends I'd organize groups of friends to meet here for a show: great music, open but cozy and intimate space, reasonably priced drinks, SOMETIMES a cover charge. I remember loving the bar, loving the venue, loving the company and the visiting artists. The artists that come through here aren't very well known usually (or known at all sometimes) so it is usually not overly crowded. They also have a lot of festival branch-offs at Motorco, which can be a lot of fun: comicon, tour de fat, new years eve parties, etc. [some of these events are free, others have a cover]. Since I have moved here, Motorco has added an "indoor food truck" [this is the best way it can be described. With the DIY district bursting with food trucks, they added a window the serve food [i.e. tapas] but at the cheapest tapas/food truck prices you'll ever encounter!]. I LOVE Parts & Labor. And honestly, that's saying a lot, because they "back bar" side of Motorco was my LEAST favorite spot two years ago. Their beer is never as good as inside the music hall and it was a completely different vibe. Now, with the new restaurant, additional outdoor seating, mood lighting ;), cornhole, etc. etc. it is one of my favorite spots. I have learned to love new bands here and fallen in love with Durham more here. It truly holds a special place in my heart [thus they certainly deserve the priviledge of claiming my 300th review!!!! woo hoo]. Much love Motorco! xox. read more

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First time coming to this Music hall with a great turnout to the Mid-Year Mixer & Showcase! I thought I was going to leave early into the show, but with each artist performing, it got better and better. Will definitely be coming here again because the hype was real, REAL. read more

Motorco Music Hall - @ __davaun__ - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Did not eat there only attended a concert and it was really nice. People were nice would defiantly go back and recommend.

Great venue in the heart of downtown Durham that is within a do-able walking distance to all of downtown. I walked from here to Hotel 21c and back last night in 4-inch heels OK. I first came upon this venue when I attended Moogfest last year, it was insanely crowded because one of the main acts was playing there so I got to experience the venue from that angle, which was cool. Everyone was dancing and happy. I went here for the second time last night for the start of a little self-guided tour of downtown Durham that my friends and I have been wanting to do. Great outdoor seating, great vibe and cider/beer selection. Would suggest coming here after work on a Friday when the weather is nice. There is no official parking lot so I found street parking after a lap around the block. read more

Well thanks to COVID every restaurant is different in how they do things, but things here was still simple, you go online to order your food and drinks. Everything was at our table in ten minutes. I ended up ordering some tacos(bulgogi) and a Falafel Combo which I didn't read the part where it said vegan haha but was still good. Atmosphere is nice, big tables it was a good spot. read more

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I love the Motorco Music Hall. The music, the intimate surroundings, the vague scruffiness...not to the point of derelict, but the badge of a well used comfort...like one of those red velvet chairs you find in an old home. But don't let that description fool you. The Motorco is not fuddyduddie, musty joint. But a place that features diversity day or night. I've enjoyed Girls Rock, a camp which empowered young girls to explore their music creativity...encouraging them in every aspect of music from picking up an instrument to penning lyrics. I've enjoyed Me'Shell Ndgecello, and also Local Latin Bands which brought out more some serious salsa moves and grooves. Right next door and across the street are some awesome food opportunities to make a day of it before nightfall and whatever band you may discover. So don't wait until the doors open to get there. Grab dinner, or drinks or a coffee around the corner and down the street, or a beer just a few steps away. read more

Motorco Music Hall - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Excellent venue and food. Staff is very friendly and there is always space to hang for awhile.

I love this place. Such a great place to sit outside or inside, grab a snack and have a drink. My favorite items on the menu are the poutine fries with mushroom gravy and the wings with hot sauce read more

Definitely a great venue that has all styles of music, and has a great staff.....Definitely a fan of the ownership and what they do in our community......Need to get back for another visit soon... Have seen everything here from Chamber Music to Rock to Spelling Bees...usually plenty of seating both inside and outside, and of course they played a Major role with Marry Durham and are a definite Durham institution.... read more

Alright, if you're scrolling down these reviews wondering if Motorco sells food and seeing comments about the music shows for the most part, I'll let you know-- the answer is: yes! They have a good selection of drinks and also have a surprisingly large menu with some quality food items. My friend vouches for the tuna sliders with wasabi mayo, while I enjoy the poutine dishes! They do use cheese curds for the Canuck/Canadian poutine, which is a nice surprise. For the Korean BBQ rendition of poutine, Motorco is usually pretty generous with the meat and kimchi as well. They serve food until pretty late, so a good bet for late night munchies! Finally, I wanted to note that Motorco is a pretty cool place to watch a sports game too (especially Duke basketball), because they will project it up to the big screen. read more

I wish I could have a zero star option. As you can see, I'm more of a poster of good reviews and to note, I'm a small business owner (own a bar in San Francisco) and know the power of Yelp. Well this review is in dire need for others to know how poorly I was treated today. If my staff members treated a customer the way I was treated, they'd be fired on the spot. Hands down the worst customer service ever. I now see from many others I'm not alone. Following the pandemic and supporting small businesses, I highly recommend you take your money and time elsewhere. It's a shame, as I started the evening enjoying myself and happy to be in town visiting a friend. I ended up walking away crying, as I've never been treated more poorly than I was at this establishment. Save yourself and go somewhere else that treat you well. read more

What a great venue! We got a parking pass when we got our tickets, so we were able to park easily and walk right in. For the show we attended, Alex Cameron, there were seats for everyone and I'd guess that there isn't a bad seat in the house. The venue is small and intimate, with gender neutral restrooms. Everyone was friendly and the audience was able to interact with the performers. I would love to attend another concert at Motorco! read more

Really dig this spot! I've been here twice now, for hip-hip shows. Sound & space are fantastic & the stage is just enough size. Really not a bad spot in the place. There is seating on the back & right side of stage. The bartenders are great. They've always been gracious to me, especially since I'm just getting a water. Parking is tricky, they have a lot behind & beside, but it's not huge. read more

The first time I have heard of Motorco, I had no clue, and couldn't understand why I want to go to a auto shop or car garage for beers and music. I was misled by the name. I have been to Motorco (Music Hall) many times since, but ninety-nine percent of time was because of the food trucks, that's why I was ecstatic to hear Motorco putting together the Food Truck Mash-up last night. It was an awesome experience: Munches, Music, and Mobs! Waves and waves of mobs, pushing up toward the food truck ordering windows. So lets break away from that for a sec and talk about Motorco itself. It is a music venue, sitting at the corner of Geer and Rigsbee, and between the music hall itself, and the garage extension which raises its rolling doors on a fine weather day, Motorco can easily fits four, five hundreds patrons. Motorco's own upcoming event calendar is always filled with music and events, and not afraid to let its tech-spec (http://motorcomusic.com/tech-specs) shows it is capable of doing it all. What was it they say about real estate? Location, location location. Motorco sits at an excellent location, and everything is within walking distance: Fullsteam Brewery across Geer St, pouring out pints and pitchers of great beers, and Geer St Garden around the corner, serving up simple but wholesome menu; during daytime, assorted shops and stores around the area, plus the old DAP and North Durham Park all within walking distance. I am beginning to become much more than simply a fan. read more

Motorco Music Hall - Food Truck Mashup is actually happening! Tonight at Motorco. - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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I stopped in here to grab a beer and the bartender was very reluctant and acting like he was doing a huge favor. It was kind of strange since they were open, people were there socializing and everyone was drinking. Maybe it was just his friends and we happened to walk in on their time. It didn't feel very inviting. It was also weird because there were a couple food trucks outside and some downtown parade had just finished, so there were plenty of people out and about. It is a huge place, fun for large screen showings of sports and music venues. It's conveniently attached to another garage music venue. The two areas share a nice large bathroom with several stalls- always a plus! read more