Hangout Bar & Grill: Cary's Premier Destination for Open Mic, Live Music & Good Times

Where Hospitality Meets Entertainment

Nestled in the MacGregor Village Shopping Center at the Cary-Apex town line where US Highway 64 meets US Highway 1, Hangout Bar & Grill (also known as Back Then Bar and Grill) is more than just another restaurant and bar—it's a family-owned labor of love that's quickly become one of the Triangle's most beloved entertainment destinations.

A Family's Dream Come True

Behind Hangout Bar & Grill are Tony and Larissa, along with Tony's parents, Jeannie and Cledus. The story of how this venue came to be is as heartwarming as the atmosphere they've created. Tony's dad spent decades as a mechanic, working hard well into his 70s to support his family. As Tony reflects on his upbringing, he credits his father for working tirelessly every day and his mother for dedicating herself to raising the family at home.

The family wanted Cledus out from under cars but still active and purposeful—and thus, Back Then Bar and Grill was born. It's become a common goal and purpose that brings the entire family together, creating a space where they can share the hospitality and warmth of "the old days" with a modern twist.

Their mission is simple but powerful: to make sure every guest "feels the love" from the moment they walk in until they leave, providing great food and nightly entertainment at a fair price. If you spot Tony, Larissa, Jeannie, or Cledus during your visit, they genuinely want you to say hello—they're there to get to know you, too.

From Day to Night: A Venue That Transforms

Hangout Bar & Grill operates with a dual personality that sets it apart. By day, it's a welcoming restaurant serving flair-food-inspired cuisine—bold flavors, creative twists, and dishes you won't find in typical chain restaurants. The menu features everything from their signature Philly steak and cheese egg rolls to Build Your Own Mac bowls, French dip sandwiches, and premium jumbo wings marinated overnight for maximum flavor.

But the real magic happens after 8 PM, when Hangout transforms into the ultimate nightlife destination. The energy shifts, the lights get a little lower, and the venue comes alive with top-tier entertainment from across the Triangle and beyond. Whether you're there to dance, vibe, or kick back with friends, the party truly starts when the sun goes down.

Open Mic Nights: Your Stage Awaits

Every Tuesday at 6pm, Hangout Bar & Grill hosts Open Mic Night—and it's first-come, first-served, so arrive early! For over 20 years, the stage at this venue has been a launchpad for rising singer-songwriters, offering the perfect platform for both newcomers testing their chops and seasoned pros honing their craft.

The open mic welcomes musicians and poets, with occasional comedy and storytelling sprinkled into the mix. You can bring your own instrument or use one of theirs—the goal is simply to get up there and share your talent. It's an iconic spot that fills up fast with artists eager to perform, making it one of the most authentic open mic experiences in the Triangle.

As they say, Back Then Bar and Grill is "where musicians go to get their groove!"

Karaoke Night: Grab the Spotlight

If performing your own material isn't quite your speed, Thursday nights starting at 8pm are dedicated to Karaoke Night. Hangout Bar & Grill has earned a reputation for hosting "the best Karaoke in town," with an astounding song selection spanning country, rock, hip-hop, and oldies.

Grab a microphone and jump on what's been called "the hottest stage in the Triangle" to highlight your vocal cords. The entire bar will sing along, rock, and drink with you as you step into the warmth of their spotlight and dance floor lighting. You become the idol for the night, and the good times just keep rolling.

Live Music That Packs the Dance Floor

Hangout Bar & Grill has established itself as a premier live music venue, regularly hosting some of the Southeast's best bands and most exciting up-and-coming acts. Past and upcoming performers include:

Crush - One of North Carolina's premier live cover bands since 1996, Crush has established a reputation as one of the finest regional bands for over a decade. They blend classic R&B, funk, rock, '70s and '80s dance hits, and today's Top 40 into an unforgettable live experience. With Ross Miller on lead vocals and guitar, Jon Heames on bass, Chris Stephenson on drums, Brian McFadden on keyboards, and Scott Miller on lead guitar, they deliver polished musicianship and electrifying energy that packs the dance floor every time.
Wade Hill and The Revival - Born in Clayton, NC, Wade Hill blends Classic Country, Southern Rock, and Gospel into a powerful sound that's been compared to Travis Tritt. Having shared the stage with icons like The Marshall Tucker Band and Jason Michael Carroll, they're making serious waves across the Southeast.
The Switch - One of the Southeast's most high-energy and versatile party bands, known for incredible musicianship and electric stage presence.
Stone Age Romeos - Raleigh's go-to multi-genre party band with over 20 years of experience, delivering high-octane, dance-floor-filling performances.
Dear Sister - A dynamic, fun-loving cover band from Raleigh known for vocal prowess, tight musicianship, and instant connection with audiences.
Real Rowdy - A country, blues, and southern rock outfit with over 40 years of combined experience. They've opened for national acts like Blackberry Smoke.
Dueling Pianos - Interactive, high-energy piano performances that are as funny as they are talented.

The venue also hosts themed events like 80s New Wave nights with tribute bands like Police & Thieves, DJ dance parties, and special showcases throughout the year.

Weekly Events & Entertainment

Beyond live music and open mics, Hangout Bar & Grill keeps the calendar packed with recurring events:

Monday Nights: Survey Says & Poker - A hilarious, fast-paced trivia game (think Family Feud style) combined with Atlantic Poker Tour's free-to-play Texas Hold'em tournament. Survey Says is free to attend, while poker has a buy-in with real prizes.
Tuesday Nights: Open Mic Night - 6pm start time, first-come, first-served
Thursday Nights: Karaoke - Starting at 8pm
Sunday Nights: Country Swing Dance Lessons - At 7pm, hosted by Oak City Country Swing. Learn two-stepping and country swing dancing with step-by-step instruction—no partner needed!
Dart League & Competitions - Including Blind Draw competitions open to the public

The venue also features pool tables, darts, cornhole, billiards, and multiple TVs for watching your favorite sports teams.

The Vibe: Nostalgia Meets Modern Energy

Hangout Bar & Grill masterfully captures the warmth and hospitality of "back then" while delivering thoroughly modern entertainment and cuisine. The atmosphere is welcoming and friendly—the kind of place where staff treat you like family and you can feel the genuine care the owners have put into creating a community gathering space.

The sectioned layout gives the venue versatility: a main dining area, a separate game room with darts and pool, a spacious dance floor near the stage, and even a patio area for those who want to enjoy the North Carolina weather. Whether you're there for a casual lunch, a business dinner (they have a private room available), or a wild Saturday night of live music, the space adapts to your needs.

Reviewers consistently praise the quick service, friendly bartenders (Shay gets frequent shout-outs), quality food at reasonable prices, and the electric atmosphere when live bands take the stage. It's been called a "hidden gem" multiple times, though word is spreading fast.

Craft Cocktails & Elevated Drinks

Hangout Bar & Grill pairs its entertainment with high-end craft cocktails curated and served by some of the area's top bartenders. From creative concoctions like the Blueberry Bulleit and Cucumber Dream to classic favorites, the drink menu is designed to complement whatever adventure your night takes.

More Than a Night Out

What sets Hangout Bar & Grill apart is the genuine sense of community it fosters. This isn't a corporate chain going through the motions—it's a family pouring their hearts into creating a space where people can connect, whether through music, games, dancing, or just good conversation over great food.

The venue welcomes everyone from musicians looking for a supportive stage to families enjoying dinner, from dart league regulars to first-time visitors stumbling upon their vibrant bike nights or themed events. The philosophy is inclusive: come as you are, feel the love, and make some memories.

Planning Your Visit

Located at 107 Edinburgh South Drive, Suite 129, in the MacGregor Village Shopping Center, Hangout Bar & Grill is easily accessible from both Cary and Apex. Whether you're a local musician ready to take the open mic stage on Tuesday, a karaoke enthusiast looking for Thursday night glory, or someone who wants to dance the night away to live bands on the weekend, this venue has something for you.