Leebowitz’s recent post mentioning the Frog & Nightgown made me think of other local places that were once wildly important but are now mostly forgotten and not Google-able. In Durham there was the Hofbrau, underneath the parking lot of what’s now the Whole Foods Market on Broad Street. What’s the story on this space? It was a German-themed bar, underground, right next to Duke campus. I know this because I went there a couple of times to see bands play, but that is extent of this poor toad’s memory. When did it begin, and why did it end? Google says nothing on this. The Internet coughs up a bit more information on Raleigh’s own Cameron Village Subway, which lurked beneath what’s now the public library. A warren of nightclubs, with a video arcade and a stereo store thrown in the mix, it was the white hot entertainment center not just of Raleigh but of the entire Triangle in those heady years of the late 70s and early 80s when 18 year-olds could drink legally. We miss it.
Yes, from what I’ve read the Frog & Nightgown was the happening joint back in the 70’s. It apparently closed because of drug use on the premises and in the parking lot. The rest of the underground area was made up of boutique shops but was eventually turned into storage areas for larger stores like Sears. I don’t know anything about the Hofbrau though…
great re-discovery, where’d you find the plan?
York Properties published a book, Cameron Village: A History 1949-1999. They distributed them to store owners and business associates to celebrate the 50th anniversary. They should donate a few copies to the Cameron Village library because it’s really well done. We’ll post some more scans and some excerpts from the book.
Hi, this is fascinating news. It would be wonderful to have such a place now. It would be the place to be and be seen! I wonder if anyone would be interested in renovating the space?