Ken P.
Yelp
If you are reading this it's probably because you haven't been to the place and are thinking about going. It may be a great time or it definitely has the potential for suck. Lots of it depends on when you go and who is behind the stick. I have been coming to the LW about three times per year for 10 years or more. So maybe the staff recognizes me, but I'm definitely not a regular. Just moved into the neighborhood, so now I'm close.
Anyway, the place is VERY cliquish. If you are a regular, and know the bartenders and the clientele, then, of course, you are part of the family and are treated well. Hence the 5-strar reviews. If you aren't part of the club, they are much less patient and friendly with you. The place is crowded and the jukebox is way up, so it's painfully loud in there. Trying to ask the bartender about a drink over all the noise is frustrating. There is a pool table in the back, but there is a very tense vibe back there that is unfriendly as hell. Pours are good, beer selection is on-point. Prices reasonable in line with Dive Bar genre. So, if it's your first time, better to go with someone, as you will not be welcomed with open arms, and will get mostly ignored. It might be better on a random weeknight, the place is a zoo on the weekends.
The question is, do I stop by more often and begin to be recognized as a nice guy and decent tipper until I'm part of the club, or do I just go to Lancers or the Alibi, where the people aren't so cool, but I get treated every time with a friendly greeting and a smile? Do I want to put forth the time and effort to be a Regular at the Live Wire? Meh, not right now. Maybe in the summer when I can bike there.