A four-storied club that oozes seductiveness and encourages curiosity.

by Contributor

The Scene
Quirky Ringside tempts guests to wander through old hallways, up precarious staircases and across peculiar balconies--only to stop and absorb the sights and sounds of the bar's adventurous setup. The first floor resembles an old jazz club, with seating nooks ringing a stage area. Climb a couple more "Alice in Wonderland" staircases to a huge studio--half the space is a cozy sitting area flanked with bookshelves, sofas and a DJ spinning a mix of organic and electronic sounds; the other half houses a large bar. You may wonder how Ringside operates, with its tight passageways, sketchy bathrooms and uniquely distressed interior--but it's all part of the enticing charm of this mysterious venue. The club attracts a mix of patrons, drawing from Durham's gay scene, displaced Chapel Hill scenesters and the generally curious.

01/15/06

A fun place to party.

by emmatg52

Several of us T-girls ended up the night at Ringside on Saturday. The club was just what they advertize so we did have a lot of fun wandering around the different floors until we settled at the 4th floor bar. Music was good and had some variety, just like the patrons. The club wasn't overly crowed so we had room to dance next to bar and really had a good time. The staff was very friendly and the other patrons accepted us just like anyone else. Definately a place that we will visit again.

• Pros: Friendly Staff, Interesting Layout, Excellent Music Mix
• Cons: High Entry Fee, Floor can be uneven

08/17/05

Still hoppin'

by fjs

Ringside is having a good run of it. It's definitely got the best atmosphere in Durham, if you're looking for something a little different. The lounge upstairs is great. The music is always eclectic and good. The atmosphere is a lot of fun. The cover charge is a bit steep, but better if you're a member. The drinks are also on the expensive side, and the service isn't great in the main floor bar (better upstairs where it's less crowded). I'd say this is still the best place to go in Durham.

• Pros: cool atmosphere, good music, really fun
• Cons: somewhat expensive

08/30/04

Best place in Durham

by _newman00

I have been to Ringside a few times in the past year, and I can honestly say that each time I go is better than the next. Friendly bartenders, an eclectic crowd and always excellent music. I have seen everything from a Drag King show to Bollywood night. A fantastic place to have a few drinks (PBR is $1.50!) and dance the night away. Don't worry if you get there early and you think no one is showing up. The place doesn't really get started until about midnight!

• Pros: atmosphere, people watching, diverse

06/13/04

Awesome!

by lawliz

It has taken me a couple years to get to Ringside (because everybody I know are fuddy-duddies and I'm a chicken when it comes to going to new places by myself), but I am SO glad I finally made it! The entertainment was great, and it was awesome to dance to songs from the 80's that I remember. But the best thing was that everybody was accepted for being themselves. There were gay, lesbian, and straight couples, trans ladies, some groups of friends and singles. And no one gave it a second thought, and everyone was really friendly. It was awesome! As long as you're open to everyone else being themselves, then you'll fit right in here!

• Pros: diverse people, atmosphere, choice of music
• Cons: , parking

10/01/02

Love the Themes!

by newyorkhouselover

Ringside is an undiscovered gem! I found it through the Glamour Productions Fame parties: the artist party and the hat party! Both outstanding, exciting parties brought to the area. The DJs are magnificent! Keep throwing quality parties and the place will continue to be packed. I'll be checking the website for the next Fame party for a fantasy filled theme night! Thanks Ringside!

• Pros: Great House DJ, Friendly staff, Participating crowd

08/24/02

beats for u

by pagefour

Had my doubts about this place. The crowd was thin this friday night, but the music was all you could ask for. This club has real house music, house latin and house jazz.....how long have I been waiting for this in Durham.

So next friday after work, go to dinner with friends, see a movie and go home and take a power nap, your gonna need it. Music is great all night long, but the crowd dosen't show up until 12am.

• Pros: music, variety, good mix of people
• Cons: no change, top level to HOT

07/14/02

perhaps the best night out in durham

by durhamdude

i've never been disappointed with a night out at ringside. thurs-sat is always a great time. the best nights are when all four floors are going - with a completely different scene on each floor... gay dance club on the first, hipster dukies on the second, indie-rockers on the 3rd taking in a show, and a mature gay crowd on the top floor.

this is the only place in nc that comes close to an nyc scene - diversity rules!

it's always great to wander a bit. whether straight or gay, there's always adventure (and trouble) to find when you go looking.

while the crowds are usually a decent size, it's still disappointing, unbelievable (and maybe a blessing) that there aren't lines out the door at ringside every weekend.