6. Berkeley Cafe

My husband and I came to Raleigh to see an international producer and DJ perform at the Cafe. When we pulled up out front, it looked as though we were at the wrong spot. A small "hole in the wall" with hardly a face or front to the venue. We had no problem with parking however. The drinks were good and reasonably priced with hardly a wait for an order throughout the night. Although there was an internationally proclaimed DJ/producer, the crowd was abnormally small until around 1:30-2:00. I am not sure if it was due to promotion or the venue itself. The venue reminded me of an English tavern with a back room dancefloor and stage. While the front had booth seating and a couple turntables set up on a fold out table - the DJs were suprisingly talented! The back room with dancefloor had adequate room to accommodate the patrons and good (loud without distortion) sound. The lighting was in bad need of attention - no real club set-up to speak of. The place was a bit older with carpet and flooring needing replacement (oh, and did I mention it had a sign in the window boasting a sanitation rating in the 80s?). The bathroom was just that. A BATHROOM - one toilet for the girls and one for the guys. There may have been a bathroom in the back room, but I never did find it . I was a bit concerned that they obviously cleared the back chairs and tables for the event, but left them against the back wall turned up. Like I said, the place was hardly upscale or classy - but, the entertainment that night clearly brought in the talent, the promoters were welcoming and accommodating and so I would have to recommend the spot if the occassion should arise, check it out!