East End Oyster & Martini Bar

All is good, but please drop the harmonica...We enjoyed the atmosphere and the fact that the decor is not overdone and that the clientele isn't too young. But please, drop the harmonica dude.

Pros: Everythign good other than parking

Cons: Parking and the harmonica entertainment

If you're going to be on Franklin Street, this is definetly the place to be in Chapel Hill. The door staff are some of the nicest bouncers you'll ever meet and it only gets better. The bartenders and waitstaff also had a good sense of humor and took care of me and my guests. Athough there was a $5 guest cover our group was able to negotiate a bargain at the door since there were 8 in our group. We became well acquainted with their most famous special - the .25 cent bottomless Bud Light drafts in their basement. Their live entertainment was nothing short of excellent and the atmosphere was free of drama. At the end of the night, the bouncers even caught me and my girl a cab.

Time for a recent review. Visiting from out of town, this martini bar seemed like it would be a good place to have a drink and visit with friends. We were so turned off by the way in which we and other patrons in line were insulted and accosted by the neanderthal bouncers at the door that we turned around and left. I don't care what the food or service or atmosphere is like inside (all only average at best), no one should tolerate such rude employees. I'm sure that because of the type of establishment this is, management is not too concerned with offending the occasional customer. They'll never have a chance to change the minds of my friends and I who promptly left and happily and permanently took our business elsewhere.

Pros: convenient location

Cons: rude staff

To small! No dancing! Can't hear your self talk with the live music! The cover is way to high! Worst of all the Martini is not strong at all!

Pros: Crowded

Cons: to small, no dancing, Martini not strong

Coming from the northeast I was excited to try the one and only martini bar in Chapel Hill. While not bad, it certainly does not succeed at being a hipster place to be in terms of decor (cheesy and obviously cheap), top shelf selection (Grey Goose alone does not make a good top shelf), and clientele. It does succeed in being a decent place to get a drink, and they do have good bartenders. It's a good place for after work, but not so hip (and isn't that the goal of all martini bars?)

Pros: Price

Cons: Decor

This bar is my favorite bar in all of Chapel Hill, and believe me, I've been to plenty. The people who work there have awesome personalities and can make a damn fine drink. There are a few martinis not on the menu that I highly recommend, for example the Estrogene Overload is one of my personal favorites. If you're looking for somewhere to meet great people and have great drinks come here! I'm sure I'll see ya there.

Pros: Awesome Service, Great music

On Franklin St, practically every other door is a bar, but the East End Martini Bar is the best - especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Back when I was an East End virgin, my friends and I were headed towards Linda's in search of cheap drinks, until the bouncer at the Martini Bar seduced us with the promise of $3 shots, $5 martinis, $2 house wines and $1 bud lites. Now it's a Tues/Thurs staple for us. I now drool just thinking of their delectable Berry White or tangy Apple Martini - and the good looking bartenders that call me "sweetheart" and make ordering my drinks the best part of the night. The atmosphere is great too, especially when they have live music as they frequently do. If I could go to the Martini Bar every day, I would. It's the best place in Chapel Hill!

Pros: delicious drinks, awesome service, good atmosphere

Cons: can get too crowded

I've been a customer of East End since its first week in business and I have to say that if you haven't been for the food it's definitely worth it. The seafood is always fresh and the restaurant is a great lunch spot if you can find parking. Of course, the martini menu is the best I've come across. Cheers!

Pros: Trendy, Excellent food

Cons: Parking

East End has quickly become my go-to spot in Chapel Hill. I haven't eaten a full meal at East End yet but have heard great things about the food. I do have to say though, that the fries may be the best fries I've ever eaten. What I do know about this place is the simple fact that the nightlife at East End rocks. There's always a band rocking the walls loose, the staff is solid, and the place is always crawling with talented women. And then there are the martini's - the absolute martini, formely known as the absolute mess sneaks up on you like Old Saint Nick on Christmas Eve. Check this place out on a Thurs., Fri., or Sat. and you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Bottoms up...

The food here compares in taste to something at La Rez or Carolina Inn w/ a much cheaper price tag. The seafood is really fresh (shipped in daily I heard) and other entrees like pork tenderloin were absolutely wonderful. We have told all our friends about this place. I highly reccomend this restaurant!

What a hideaway in the bustle of Franklin Street! I consider myself now one of the privileged to know of this place.

East End carries a brilliant variety of martinis, many I never knew existed. The food was devine and easy on the wallet. Bumped into the owner while there and his attitude reflected the ambience of the place: warm, open, inviting.

I recommend it to anyone visiting Chapel Hill. An essential stop on your list of places to visit.

Pros: Great atmosphere, Martini Selection, Food and Price

Cons: a little crowded

Round Two plays here alot! They're the best around. Plus the martini bar rocks. Chapel Hill has nothing that can compare to East Ends style.

I had no idea that Chapel Hill had such a jewel in its storied crown. I was drawn to East End by the live music. We ventured in and were blown away. At the bartender's recomendation, we tried the pineapple martini, and were amazed. We've tried other local infusions, but this drink stands alone. Just when we thought it couldn't get any better, the bartender gave us a late night menu. We tried the calamari and the crabcakes. Both were done to perfection, with excellent seasoning and accompaning sauces. The staff was quite friendly, knowledgeable, and seemed genuinely interested in our comfort. Even if everything else had been below par, the service alone would bring us back. As a newcomer, it is hard when you move to find the right blend of service, quality, and atmosphere. East End has it all.

Pros: service, Diamond Dole, atmosphere/appearance

i was excited about going to this place after reading the last review. i was in there thursday night, and the food was terrible, service slow, and the drinks were just bad. at least the oysters were cheap. i would have felt terrible about spending alot of money on such a bad night.

since under new ownership, east end has done a 180!! the menu is much more sophisticated, the staff much more friendly and for anyone who doesn't like the "typical martini" try their new diamond dole!!!! the girl behind the bar suggested it and it was amazing!! one thing though, catch them on a band night, there's tons of energy in that place! thumbs up to the new owners!!