The Mine Shaft Saloon

Not the most exciting dive in town, nor does it have a particularly interesting or broad beer selection but when it comes to drink prices it can't be beat. Also, if you're a smoker the patio is probably awesome (or miserable if you're not a smoker like myself). This is a downtown NC establishment, so sometimes you get the vagrants in or around, and I've appreciated the no nonsense attitude that the Mine Shaft's management has taken towards general bum shenanigans.

All in all an okay bar. Not my favorite and nothing particularly special (other than the historic building, that's super cool) but easy to patronize fairly regularly if you have slightly grunge-y friends and are drinking on a budget.

Tony retires at the end of this week. He is the best thing since baked bread .  Fran will be the death of this place unless she has enough girl friends to replace all the loyal customers they have DEVELOPED OVER THE YEARS. Fran will never see a dime of my money that's for sure--Dave reno

The Mine Shaft is a truly great establishment that serves stiff drinks at a very affordable price. Regardless of the take-no-crap attitude of the bartenders, this place often abounds with an eclectic mix of hipsters, farmers and tourists deemed worthy of entry (i.e. not completely blacked out or rude). I assure you the staff is not addicted to meth, and they speak perfectly acceptable English. If, like Ashley G. you are accustomed to using your passport to get drunk instead of expanding your likely diminutive world view, I suggest you head to McGees, about a block up the hill.