One of Raleigh’s liveliest bars on Glenwood Avenue will close next month
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- PLUS Dueling Piano Bar will cease operations on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
- The concept plans to shift to private events.
- Bar will host final weekends-only shows Fridays and Saturdays through its closing.
One of Glenwood’s most raucous bars will fall silent this spring, ending a seven-year party in Raleigh’s busiest nightlife district.
PLUS Dueling Piano Bar will close in March after a weekends-only farewell tour, the bar announced on social media. The unique Raleigh musical destination announced its closing plans Thursday, Feb. 5, setting its final date as Saturday, March 14. From now until that final night, PLUS will be open on Friday and Saturday nights before going dark.
Owner Tony Basford previously compared PLUS to the fictional bar in the Tom Cruise movie “Cocktail.” As the name suggests, PLUS featured a center stage in the bar with two opposing pianos and sometimes a guitar or drum kit. Patrons could sling requests at the players or fill out a digital form with their song of choice and hope it got played.
“It’s not your typical old guys playing ‘Brown-Eyed Girl,’” Basford told The News & Observer in 2021. “It’s a very electric type of show, you never know what we’re going to do.”
In its closing announcement, PLUS suggested that while the bar and space will close, the concept plans to shift to private events.
The N&O has not yet heard back from Basford or PLUS for more information.
This story was originally published February 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM with the headline "One of Raleigh’s liveliest bars on Glenwood Avenue will close next month."
