He's Not Here

He's Not Here

He's Not Here opened in 1972 in a courtyard between Franklin and Rosemary Streets. By the late 1970s it was described by the Daily Tar Heel as one of the two most popular bars in town (Troll's was the other). He's Not Here is known for its balcony, outdoor seating, and legendary plastic blue cups holding thirty-two ounces of beer that have been offered at the bar since at least the mid-1980s. There is no consensus on where the bar got its memorable name; most likely it is a reference to a common refrain of bartenders fielding calls from concerned spouses or friends.

Date Established: 1972

Date Range: 1972 – Present