How a Spinning Bar and One Duke Grad Served a Chilled Glass of Petty Revenge
There are few things sweeter in life than a well-executed, harmless act of petty revenge—especially when academia, sports rivalries, and a rotating bar are in the mix. Picture this: you’re in New Orleans, at the legendary Hotel Monteleone, nursing a drink while the world spins slowly around you (literally). Suddenly, overheard whispers become the catalyst for a masterclass in sly, satisfying one-upmanship.
This isn’t just a story about grad students and professors with too much to say and too little discretion. It’s about the simple joy of flipping the script—without ever breaking a sweat or revealing your hand. Intrigued? Buckle up. This one's got all the right ingredients: rivalry, eavesdropping, and a round of drinks delivered with impeccable timing.
Duke vs. NC State: The Academic Rivalry Served Cold (and On the Rocks)
If you’ve ever attended an academic conference, you know the scene: earnest grad students, slightly harried professors, and a lobby bar that quickly becomes the unofficial hub of whispered gossip and not-so-humble brags. The setting for our story is the famed Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone—a place so unique, the very seats rotate around the bartender in a slow, perpetual circle. It’s the perfect spot for eavesdropping and, as it turns out, a little mischief.
Our protagonist, a Duke grad student (let’s call them Fox, after their Reddit handle u/___Fox__), was enjoying a well-deserved drink when they overheard a group from NC State—Duke’s in-state sports rivals and academic collaborators—complaining about “Duke people” and their supposed sense of superiority. The comments weren’t vicious, but they were enough to spark a devilish idea. Why confront or correct, when you can outwit?
The Carousel Conspiracy: Revenge in Motion
Fox hatched a plan as smooth as a Sazerac. They looped in the bartender—because all great heists need a trusted accomplice—and arranged for a round of drinks to be sent to the grumbling NC State table, courtesy of “a friend at Duke.” The timing was crucial: as the Carousel Bar brought Fox around to the perfect vantage point, the bartender delivered the mystery drinks.
Cue confusion.
“We didn’t order these,” protested the NC State contingent, only to be told, “Oh, these are from a friend at Duke.” Panic set in. “Oh my god! Someone heard us talking!” One of the professors leapt into action, scouring the lobby for the phantom Duke operative. All the while, Fox—lowly, invisible grad student—polished off their drink, fighting back laughter as the unwitting recipients of their pettiness spiraled into mild paranoia and embarrassment.
Why We Love Petty Revenge (Especially When There’s Free Booze)
Let’s be honest: part of the appeal here is the creativity. The revenge is playful, not mean-spirited. Fox didn’t confront or embarrass anyone publicly—instead, they turned the NC State group’s own words into a gentle, but hilarious, lesson in humility. The brilliance? The anonymity. There was no grand reveal or heated confrontation, just a lingering sense that maybe, just maybe, you never know who’s listening (especially when you’re at a revolving bar).
It’s the kind of petty revenge that doesn’t burn bridges. In fact, it might even make for a great story at the next conference—assuming the NC State faculty can laugh about it now.
The Carousel Bar: Where Legends (and Petty Plots) Are Born
The setting truly makes the story. There’s something magical about the Carousel Bar—with its slow, steady spin and old-world New Orleans charm. Anyone who’s sat at that bar knows how the movement blurs the lines between groups, tables, and conversations. It’s the perfect place to overhear a secret—or deliver one.
Next time you find yourself at an academic conference, or any gathering where rivalries run deep and the drinks flow freely, remember: the best revenge doesn’t have to be loud or messy. Sometimes, it’s just a round of drinks, a knowing smile, and letting the world keep spinning.
Have You Ever Served Up Petty Revenge?
What’s your favorite story of harmless, clever payback? Have you ever pulled off a stunt like Fox’s, or been on the receiving end of one? Share your tales in the comments below! And if you’re ever at the Carousel Bar, keep your wits about you—you never know who’s listening (or plotting the next round).
Cheers to keeping petty revenge classy, anonymous, and always a little bit fun.
Original Reddit Post: Have a free drink to wash down your shame.