About | Dain's Place

Dain Phelan standing behind his bar, smiling proudly. Credit: Indy WeeklyPhoto by Jeremy M. Lange for the INDY (Indy Week)

Meet the Dainer

The man, the myth, the legend... Dain Phelan started making decorations for his dream bar in the 6th grade. An early devotee of Cheers' iconic Sam Malone, Dain was determined to create his own little corner of the world where everybody really does know your name. He went on to study hospitality at Purdue (go Boilermakers!) and worked every restaurant job he could find, from dishwasher to manager. Then, in 2007 on his 28th birthday, he started living his dream and opened the doors to Dain's Place.

"All I ever wanted to do is open a bar."

Shortly afterward, Dain had the incredible luck of meeting his Burger Queen - the inimitable chef Jenn. A culinary whiz and and all around radiant human, Jenn was the tater to his tot. The two realized they'd found lightning in a bottle and hitched their proverbial wagons, pouring their love into Dain's Place and raising two sons, a few goats, and some chickens together.

Thanks to the Phelans' contagious hospitality, the hard work of our amazing team behind the bar and in the kitchen, and the enthusiasm of our beloved patrons, 754 Ninth Street has become a genuine Durham institution. We're proud to be a lively, welcoming refuge for locals, students, and visitors alike, where you're sure to be greeted with a smile (and a wise crack if we really like ya).

Friends + Fries = Family

Friends Sean and Scott, Duke Law and Fuqua alums, sharing tater tots at the bar
“After 2 days of not eating in preparation for a medical procedure, the first thought I had after awaking from anesthesia was not of my wife or my child, but how I was going to eat the %*$# out of a burger and fries at Dain's afterwards”
- Scott T. (Fuqua alum & man of great taste)

MakeDain's Placeyour place!

It's been our motto since the start, and we mean it! When you walk through our doors we want you to feel at home - like you just rolled up to your high school BFF's house. Their parents are out of town, all your friends are here, your team is up by 2 touchdowns, and it's basement party time, babyyyy.

*In this hypothetical your BFF’s basement has bangin’ pub food, a full bar with classic cocktails, craft brews and daily specials, 4 HD TVs, friendly servers, great tunes, free Wi-Fi and a patio, just to be clear.

Sandwich board sign with chalk drawing saying Dain's Place Loves You and Happy Pride!
Sandwich board sign with chalk drawing saying It's a Great Day at Dains Place