Look behind the bar at Ace of Cups and you will see an old bank vault. The building went up in 1926 as Northern Savings Bank, and the vault stayed put when the bar moved in.
A bar run by music people
Local musician Marcy Mays opened Ace of Cups in 2011 on North High Street, north of campus. In 2021 she handed it to promoter Conor Stratton, who had been a regular. It is still run by local musicians, artists and organizers, and you can tell. The bookings come from people who go to shows.
The room is small and gets loud fast. The calendar leans toward punk, hardcore, metalcore, indie and alternative bands, with hip hop bills and DJ dance nights in the mix. Age limits change from show to show (all ages, 18 and over, or 21 and over), so check your ticket before you head out.
The bar is known for craft beer and house infused liquor, and wings and barbecue come out of the kitchen on weekends. Regulars also point to the back patio for a breather between sets.
Finding it on High Street
Ace of Cups sits in Old North near Tuttle Park, with Spacebar nearly across High Street. The High Street buses stop close by, which beats circling the block on a busy night. If you drive, side street parking is the norm, and it pays to read every sign since permit zones are common this close to campus.
Hopping between rooms
This stretch of the north end is built for it. Spacebar is steps away, and Rumba Cafe is a short walk east on Summit Street. If the headliner here goes on late, check what is playing across the street first.
Small rooms like this book a lot of local openers. Show up for the first band and you might find your next favorite. More nights like this live on our indie calendar.