Bond Brothers East Side: Where Music Meets Craft Beer in Downtown Cary
Nestled at 602 East Chatham Street in the heart of Downtown Cary, Bond Brothers East Side represents something special in the Triangle's music scene. While Bond Brothers Beer Company had already established itself as a beloved brewery at their original Cedar Street location, the Eastside venue was created with a distinct vision: to be a music venue first, serving excellent craft beer in an intimate listening room designed for the community of musicians and music lovers.
A Music-First Philosophy
The founders designed Eastside as a listening room where the focus centers on the music and band, spending significant time creating the stage and perfecting the sound to make it extremely listener-friendly. This attention to detail shows in every aspect of the space. The venue features excellent sound equipment with a skilled sound engineer, and musicians consistently praise the professional-grade setup. The venue includes a large stage that can accommodate full bands, equipped with professional sound and lighting equipment as well as backline.
Reviews from performers speak volumes about the quality of the space. Musicians describe Bond Bros Eastside as one of those rare venues that might just be Wake County's best-kept sonic secret, with a tight room, tuned stage, and intergalactic sound quality. The venue's commitment to providing musicians with a first-class experience has made it a sought-after spot for both local and touring acts.
Open Mic and Jam Sessions: The Heart of Community
For musicians looking to take the stage, Bond Brothers Eastside offers an unparalleled weekly schedule of free, open participation events. These regular gatherings have become cornerstones of the local music community:
Wednesday Open Mic Nights (6:30 PM - 10:30 PM)
Singer-songwriter open mic nights are hosted by Garland Mason and Good Company, providing a welcoming stage for acoustic performers, vocalists, and songwriters to share their original material or favorite covers. The stage is large enough for 4-5 people to perform, with both indoor and outdoor seating available.
Thursday Jazz Jam Open Mic (8:00 PM - 11:00 PM)
Jazz jam open mic sessions are led by rotating hosts including Thrio, creating a space where jazz musicians can explore improvisation, collaborate with fellow players, and develop their chops in a supportive environment. Whether you're a seasoned player or newer to jazz, these sessions welcome all skill levels.
Sunday Bluegrass Open Jam (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
Bluegrass jam sessions are hosted by The Eastside Ramblers, bringing together pickers and fiddlers for old-time and bluegrass standards. This Sunday afternoon tradition has become a gathering point for the area's acoustic music community.
Beyond these regular events, the venue hosts The Irish Session on the second Saturday of every month, and Tuesday nights feature Karaoke and Disc Golf for those seeking different forms of musical entertainment.
Weekend Shows and Entertainment
While the free open mic and jam sessions anchor the weekly schedule, Bond Brothers Eastside features local and international talent six nights a week, with ticketed shows on Friday and Saturday nights. These curated performances range from local favorites to touring acts, spanning genres from funk and soul to rock, Americana, and beyond. The venue's professional setup and intimate atmosphere create memorable experiences for both performers and audiences.
The Venue Space and Atmosphere
Bond Brothers Eastside has a standing room indoor capacity of 95 with comfortable seating for 65 indoors, plus a covered patio that can seat 65 or more. The venue is located in the heart of Cary with a capacity of 150 people and has no known age restrictions, making it accessible to all ages for family-friendly events.
The space was designed as a listening room with the stage as the focal point of the main room, featuring sound control and green rooms in the back. The industrial-modern aesthetic balances rustic charm with contemporary flair, creating an environment where the music takes center stage without distractions. Open sight lines ensure that nearly every seat in the house has a great view of the performers.
The venue strikes a perfect balance between professionalism and accessibility. The staff is praised for being friendly and helpful, with bartenders who are knowledgeable and sometimes musicians themselves. The overall vibe is welcoming, whether you're there to perform, listen, or simply enjoy a pint.
Craft Beer Selection
The bar offers a wide variety of Bond Brothers Craft Beer as well as wine, cider, kombucha, and non-alcoholic options. Eastside features eight taps and serves as the home for the brewery's clean-barrel aging program, eventually offering one-of-a-kind rotating taps unavailable at the downtown Cary location. Bond Brothers Beer Company has earned recognition for its quality brewing, bringing their "Old School Classics, New School Originals" philosophy to every pour.
Beer enthusiasts will find everything from hop-forward IPAs to barrel-aged sours, velvety stouts, and crisp lagers. The rotating tap list ensures there's always something new to discover, and the knowledgeable staff can guide you to the perfect pint for your palate.
Food Options
Bond Brothers partnered with Bulkogi, the popular Korean barbecue food truck, to be a permanent presence at Eastside. Bulkogi is on-site every day that Bond Brothers Eastside is open, offering items like the Bulkogi Burger, Galbi Basket, Ramen Fried Chicken, and Kimchi Bul Fries. The fusion of Korean flavors with craft beer creates a unique dining experience.
Light snacks including chips, peanuts, and pretzels are available at the bar, and outside food is welcome. The venue's location in Downtown Cary means several restaurants are within walking distance, including Biryani Maxx, Udupi Cafe, Taste of Jamaica, Esmeralda Grill, and Rancho Grande. Delivery options are also available from nearby establishments.
History and Vision
Bond Brothers Eastside is the second location of Bond Brothers Beer Company, created as a shared space to expand their clean barrel program and to share their love for live music with the Cary community. The Bond brothers, passionate about both craft brewing and music, saw an opportunity to create something different from their original taproom. Co-founder Jay Bond, who is a musician himself, wanted to take special care with the design of the new space, and noted that both Bond brothers remain actively involved at both locations, with Jay running sound some nights and Jeremy creating all the brewery's art.
Opened in 2021, Eastside has quickly established itself as an essential part of Cary's cultural landscape. The venue fills a crucial niche in the Triangle music scene: a professionally-equipped listening room that prioritizes artist and audience experience while maintaining an approachable, community-focused atmosphere.
Location and Accessibility
Located at 602 East Chatham Street in Downtown Cary, Bond Brothers Eastside benefits from the area's ongoing revitalization and walkability. The venue offers plenty of on-site parking, making it easily accessible for visitors from throughout the Triangle region.
Hours vary by day: Monday and Tuesday are reserved for special events, Wednesday through Thursday the venue opens at 5:00 PM and closes at 11:00 PM, Friday and Saturday open at 5:00 PM and run until midnight or later, and Sunday hours are 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Why Bond Brothers Eastside Matters for Musicians
In an era where many venues struggle to provide adequate support for performing artists, Bond Brothers Eastside stands out for its commitment to the craft. The professional sound system, dedicated sound engineer, proper stage setup, and acoustically-designed listening room create an environment where musicians can truly shine. The regular open mic and jam sessions provide crucial opportunities for artists to develop their skills, network with fellow musicians, and build an audience in a supportive setting.
For audience members, Eastside offers something increasingly rare: a venue where you can actually hear the music. The careful acoustic design and focus on the listening experience mean you're not fighting background noise or poor sound quality. Whether you're discovering new local talent at an open mic or catching a ticketed show, you're guaranteed a quality musical experience.
Conclusion
Bond Brothers East Side has carved out a unique identity in Downtown Cary as a venue where craft beer excellence meets genuine musical passion. With its commitment to providing musicians with a professional platform, welcoming atmosphere for audiences, quality beverages, and tasty food options, Eastside represents the best of what a community music venue can be. Whether you're a musician looking to take the stage at one of the weekly open mic sessions, a music lover seeking intimate performances, or simply someone who appreciates good beer in a great atmosphere, Bond Brothers Eastside delivers an experience worth returning to again and again.