"Discovering Chatham" is an ongoing series of posts on the interesting people, places, events and news from northern Chatham County, published on our blog every Wednesday. You can read previous "Discovering Chatham" entries by clicking here. Leave us a comment and let us know what else about Chatham County you'd like to discover!

Next month, The City Tap, downtown Pittsboro’s only bar, will celebrate its one-year anniversary.

Much has changed since its grand opening. Namely, the bar, which is housed in the back of one of Pittsboro’s oldest buildings just down the street from the courthouse, has now begun selling liquor by the drink following a countywide vote on May 5. But the idea behind the business remains the same.With a patio that doubles as a stage for musical acts, The City Tap has livened up Pittsboro's nightlife. (Photo by Elizabeth Longo.)

“Pittsboro needed a bar -- 100 percent,” says Steve Cote, one of the establishment's three owners. “We’re just kind of a little hole in the wall. All the neighbors come in.”

Steve and Sarah Carr acquired the building that formerly was occupied by Edwards Antiques several years ago. They had hoped someone would approach them about opening a restaurant in the space, located at 89 Hillsboro Street. That never came to pass.

So, the Carrs asked Cote to join them in opening a bar. Cote was hesitant at first but spent eight months renovating the space once on board. A former steel sculptor, he constructed the bar and built shelves and took on the role of bartender. The business opened its doors on July 25, 2008.

Among the 10 beers on tap are local favorites Foothills Total Eclipse Stout of Winston-Salem and Red Oak of Greensboro. The City Tap also serves six wines and a variety of sandwiches. A favorite is the Reuben, which costs $6.75 and comes with a side. All breads come from either The Bread Shop in Pittsboro or Weaver Street Market.

Bands play Friday and Saturday nights (and sometimes on Sundays) on the adjoining patio, giving Pittsboro’s nightlife a boost. Cote hopes the legalization of liquor by the drink will bring more businesses like The City Tap to downtown.

“It’d be good for the area,” he says. “If somebody does good, we all do good.”

Weekly Specials:
Monday -- $1 off bottled beer

Tuesday -- $1 off wine

Wednesday -- $1 off draft beer

Upcoming Music Schedule:

Fri. June 12

5-7pm: The Swang Brothers

7-10pm: Andrew Marlin

Sat. June 13

8-10pm: Joe Romeo

Fri. June 19

5-7pm: Butter (funk-fusion trio with Brad Newell)

7-10pm: Andi Morgan

Sat. June 20

8-10pm: Landmark

Sun. June 21

3-5pm: Roy Schneider

Fri. June 26

7-10pm: Stratocruiser

Sat. 27

8-10pm: Sleepless Nights with Lynn Blakey of Tres Chicas