The bar pictured above has been forgotten and abandoned for some time. It is very easy to miss if you aren’t looking for it, but is located directly beneath Mitch’s Tavern. It was purchased by Mitch some time ago, and has sat idle ever since. I’ve heard from various friends that have worked for him over the years that he bought it simply to prevent any sort of competition near his business. Many have also speculated that he is simply not ambitious enough to do anything with it.
Can anyone shed light on this particular place’s history?

Every bus that travels through downtown makes a stop at Moore Square Station, CAT’s transfer facility. It is located across from the Moore Square Park by City Market. You can enter the station from Blount Street, Hargett Street, Wilmington Street or Martin Street. Directories are posted at all entrances.

The Moore Square Transit Station Information Booth is open from 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Saturday and it is closed on Sunday. The Customer Service Represenative can answer questions about CAT and provide brochures. The Information Booth also sells Weekly and 31-Day passes, multiple ride tickets and ART tickets.
— City Of Raleigh

One of two surviving four-acre parks from Raleigh’s original 1792 plan, the wooded square was originally surrounded by a residential neighborhood. During the latter part of the 19th century, Moore Square gradually transformed into a decidedly commercial district. Larger storefronts appeared on nearby Martin and Davie streets displaying wares of merchants, grocers and artisans.

Agricultural enterprises also took hold, drawn by the construction of the Mission style City Market in 1914. New bank buildings and the nearby City Auditorium further nurtured commercial activity. By the 1930’s, the area was fully part of the city’s business core. During the 1980’s, the neighborhood was transformed into the Moore Square Art District you see today.

— Moore Square Art District

In the lower right you can see the Skyy Dogs By Joe van in the usual spot on Davie Street. This perspective also emphasizes the number of fluroscent lights in the park.