Motorco Music Hall
Motorco Music Hall
4.5
5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Monday
5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday
5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday
5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Thursday
5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Friday
3:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
What people are saying
Horrible treatment by staff
1.0 of 5 bubblesJul 2021
One of the worst experiences I've ever had at a bar. I NEVER leave reviews like this but I was treated so nasty by the bartender with blue hair, and for no reason at all. I am visiting a friend from Durham (I'm from out of state) and we came to this bar from another bar. I went up with my friend to the bar to order a drink. I still had a half empty beer can in my hand from the last bar. The bartender with blue hair told me "you can't have outside drinks in here" in a very rude tone. Im from out of state so obviously I'm not familiar with local rules about this, but I said "no problem"and walked outside to wait for my friend. When I finished my drink, I went back inside to actually order a drink from the bar and the bartender with the blue hair said "we're not going to serve you. You tried to SNEAK a drink in here". I told her that I was from out of town, didn't know about the rule, and that I didn't understand why I couldn't be served if I left the bar and walked outside as soon as she told me about the rule. She said that it didn't matter that I didn't know, I wouldn't be served. I have worked in hospitality for many years and honestly have never been treated so utterly disrespectfully. I am a 30 year old woman, I didn't know the local rules, and wanted to actually spend money at this establishment...what began as a misunderstanding legitimately ended up at discrimination. I cannot believe I was turned away, I have literally NEVER been refused service.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles28 reviews
Excellent
15
Very good
11
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1

rogersober
Clermont, FL38,116 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2018 • Couples
We stood for two hours and the show kept going so we went out and snacked next door. The sound was good for a small room.
Written 24 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JohnRDU
Raleigh83 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2015
Motorco is a small space but perfect for the right kind of performance. The main floor fits about 200+ people standing comfortably. There are bleacher-style seats in a section on stage right for another 50 or so people. The performer we were there to hear was Jim Adkins solo on acoustic guitar. He was a perfect match for the hall. We were on about the second row and it was like he was singing to us. He put on a great show mixing some well know hits, less known pieces, and new material. He put too much energy into his final piece, broke a string around the third verse but finished the song anyway. The amplification didn’t work on his back up guitar so he did a purely acoustic encore. Great stuff! Keep your eyes open for a solo gig, hit a food truck, grab a local brew at the bar and enjoy what will probably be an intimate and rewarding evening of entertainment.
Written 26 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Heather S
Kent, US28 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2014 • Solo
I visited Motorco on a Monday night while visiting Durham.....I had only one night in town and wanted to do something fun and this place is the best! Parts and Labor is a unique, casual eating place next to and part of Motorco. The whole building is in an area that is artsy and full of great dining choices. On Monday nights the Durham PopUpChorus is held there....everyone and anyone who likes to sing participates when they can make it (even out of towner's like me!) So I had a tasty meal at Parts and Labor, a glass of wine and followed that up with a few hours of fun and making new friends singing songs in Motorco, which are practiced and recorded and posted on YouTube! So check out Motorco online, and the PopUpChorus on Youtube for more info. I seek out activities and places to go that are out of the ordinary, lot's of fun and this place fits the bill. All ages, all types....an eclectic mix of all in a friendly environment. Top shelf fun!
Written 5 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sarah P
6 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021 • Friends
One of the worst experiences I've ever had at a bar. I NEVER leave reviews like this but I was treated so nasty by the bartender with blue hair, and for no reason at all. I am visiting a friend from Durham (I'm from out of state) and we came to this bar from another bar. I went up with my friend to the bar to order a drink. I still had a half empty beer can in my hand from the last bar. The bartender with blue hair told me "you can't have outside drinks in here" in a very rude tone. Im from out of state so obviously I'm not familiar with local rules about this, but I said "no problem"and walked outside to wait for my friend. When I finished my drink, I went back inside to actually order a drink from the bar and the bartender with the blue hair said "we're not going to serve you. You tried to SNEAK a drink in here". I told her that I was from out of town, didn't know about the rule, and that I didn't understand why I couldn't be served if I left the bar and walked outside as soon as she told me about the rule. She said that it didn't matter that I didn't know, I wouldn't be served. I have worked in hospitality for many years and honestly have never been treated so utterly disrespectfully. I am a 30 year old woman, I didn't know the local rules, and wanted to actually spend money at this establishment...what began as a misunderstanding legitimately ended up at discrimination. I cannot believe I was turned away, I have literally NEVER been refused service.
Written 7 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

UnclePen
Creedmoor, NC1,544 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The Korean Food Truck that pulls up to the outside of the bar during events offers some of the most creative and tasty truck food ever offered. I had the rib meat buffalo Quesadilla. It was awesome and everyone I was with said their food was great as well. The sweet potato French Fries with Cinnamon and salt were better than sex, and sex is pretty good most of the time. OK, other than that night when I drank to much and fell off the kitchen table.

The Bloody Mary at Motorco is a work of Art, with a homemade mix that is spicy and sumptuous, and although adding bacon and okra to a drink might seem excessive, it ends up being like a meal.

Motorco has great music. We saw the areas best Bluegrass Band, the Rye Mountain Boys from Raleigh, NC. They are incredible.

Motorco is a great place to have a big time and not go broke doing it. Extra cool.
Written 14 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Laurie K
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2018 • Friends
This was my first time going to Motorco. I'm from New Orleans and Dumpstafunk was performing the night of Thursday June 7th. I went to the show. I loved the venue. Outside there is dining available, I really like the way it's set up. Inside where the performance takes place is spot on. The stage is perfect, sound great. Lots of room for dancing and enjoying the show while meeting new people and sharing the experience of live entertainment. I highly recommend this venue. Great location, food, drinks and really nice people working there. I felt welcomed by all and had a great time. And of course DUMPSTAFUNK WITH IVAN NEVILLE AND HIS AMAZING BAND WAS FANTASTIC. On my next visit to Durham I am definitely going to return to Motorco.
Written 14 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

haleabrams
Blacksburg, VA74 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2016 • Couples
Recently found Mototco when I wanted to see an old favorite of mine, Hal Ketchum. He performed in a small section of Motorco which made for a special intimate performance. Motorco also has a large music hall and a restaurant side. Both sides have bars and very cool decor. We enjoyed the garage door openings and indoor/outdoor eating choices. Food was bar type but tasty and inexpensive. A nice mixture of patrons - some with families and both young and older crowds. Dogs were enjoying the outdoor venue. I looked at their FB page to see upcoming events and I was pleased to see the variety of entertainment with some big and small name groups and eclectic mixes of music. Friendly staff. We look forward to our next Durham visit when we will definitely return to Motorco. Favorite drink from bar - Bloody Mary.
Written 26 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Carrie C
High Point, NC238 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2015
This place was fun! Great for group of different ages! We met our grown children there with their spouses and partners, dog and child! Easy to go up to counter and order a great variety of small items to try! Everything we ordered from the cheeseburger slider and fries to the chorizo hash to the samosas were fabulous! Large outdoor tables in the shade were great to have dog and let child wander a little!
Written 26 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Julie G
Gainesville, FL66 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2015 • Friends
Durham is filled with creatively repurposed buildings, and the Motorco bar, restaurant, and entertainment venue deserves to be added to that list. It's just cool. I recently saw "Awkward Music" (a dance/comedy act) there with my daughter-in-law, and thoroughly enjoyed the setting, the energy, and the quality of the performance. We didn't try the food, which looked like burgers and the usual American bar-food offerings, but the drinks were reasonably priced and generous. No cost for admission to the bar, but, of course,the performance, which was part of the American Dance Festival series, did carry a ticket charge.
Written 3 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

peggiesfarm
Buffalo, NY60 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2015 • Couples
First experience here was Pop-Up Chorus that is truly a blast. Second experience was to see a local band with an opening act from Virginia. Both good shows, but the sound was just a hair too loud for the size of the space... mixing was a bit uneven. Food next door is nothing special, but definitely a laid-back vibe for enjoying a music show.
Written 15 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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MOTORCO MUSIC HALL (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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