RINGSIDE
Boxer's
A four-storied club that oozes seductiveness, mystery and encourages curiosity.
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 & second floor resembles an old jazz club, with seating nooks ringing a stage/dance floor with a bar and balcony. The third floor is reminiscent of an old speakeasy/burlesque house with a bar, tables & a small stage, perfect for intimate performances. Climb one more "Alice in Wonderland" staircase 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 the scenesters, the lovers of alternative & underground music and the generally curious.
Nestled in the midst of the downtown Durham business district, parking is always tricky. You may be able to park on the street or in one of the nearby parking decks.
"IF YOU HAVE AND OPEN MIND AND DIVERSITY DOESN'T SCARE YOU , COME ON IN. BLACK, WHITE, GAY, STRAIGHT, YOUNG, OLD: RINGSIDE'S APPEAL ATTRACTS
ALL TYPES TO DIVERSE MUSIC AND ECLETIC DECOR."--THE HERALD SUN
"RINGSIDE IS PART OF A LOCAL CULTURAL REVOLUTION. THE ATMOSPHERE OF A NEW ORLEANS SPEAKEASY WITH DECOR STRAIGHT OUT OF 'MURDER ON THE ORIENT
SPACE, THE BAR IS COZY AND INTIMATE, FULL OF NOOKS AND CRANNIES THAT HIDE AN UNEXPECTED POOLTABLE OR PLACE TO GET AWAY...MANAGES TO FIT ALL
SORTS OF ENTERTAINMENT INTO ONE SPACE" --THE INDEPENDENT WEEKLY
"THERE'S A WONDERFUL BIG CITY/OPIUM DEN FEEL TO THIS BAR THAT HAS SINCE COME TO APPEAL TO THE NEWLY CROWNED METROSEXUAL CROWD. A HATCHET
FAVORITE!"--THE RALEIGH HATCHET
"A FUN HOUSE ON MAIN STREET! HERE, THE UNKNOWN IS DEMYSTIFIED AND STARTS TO RING FAMILIAR. THE PRECISE NATURE OF SEXUALITY IS AN
AFTERTHOUGHT."--SUNDAY JOURNAL THE NEWS AND OBSERVER
"THE SPLASH OF GLAMOUR THE BULL CITY HAS BEEN WAITING FOR. INSIDE IT LOOKS LIKE AN OPIUM DEN: DIM LIGHTING, DARK WOOD AND SEVERAL SETS OF
WINDING STAIRS LEADING TO HALLS THAT END IN MORE STAIRCASES, BARS AND DANCE FLOORS."--SPECTATOR WEEKLY
"WELCOME TO THE CIRCUS! REMINISCENT OF THE LAST TIME YOU SAW "THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW". EVERTHING'S BEEN KNOWN TO HAPPEN AT RINGSIDE."--MATTER MONTHLY
IMPORTANT: Advance Purchase of Membership is Required to attend events at Ringside. Ringside operates as a private club in order to serve liquor in addition to beer. In accordance with NC Law, membership is required to attend events and must be purchased 3 days in advance. Memberships are $12 and available at the club during hours of operation. You may also download the Word document and fill it out and email it back to us. This will make joining the club much easier!