Ivan S.
Yelp
Dive bars are sadly growing scarce in our quickly homogenizing city. Stein Club and the Beer Mug both faced down bulldozers and lost. Fuzzy's, The Phoenix, Backstreet (and if you discount Backstreet's status as a dive, then you've obviously never been there at 5am) gone, gone and gone. That's why we should thank our lucky, Little 5 hearts for The Star Bar. I'll admit: I don't go here much any more. The Tuesday Night Dance Party has started the same time for the past 12+ years, but seemingly gets later and later as these bones age. Open Mic Comedy Mondays and PunkRotnkee's Karaoke were fun until my Tuesday mornings became significantly less so. But occasionally The Star Bar will have a show I will want to see or the stars, the calendar, and a holiday will align that will allow me to come play. In those cases, it's still the same old Star Bar I first saw those many, grimy moons ago.
As you enter, two bars are to the left and to the right. You'll get the same service from each so just pick one. If the line is too deep, the Vinyl Lounge downstairs has a full bar as well. The crowd varies depending on the night, the event and the band(s) booked. There may be a few regulars. Granted, I'm not the only one who's aged and it's become something of a punkabilly rest home of sorts, but don't let them intimidate you. In living out their Bukowski fantasies, they're much more interested in meeting their Makers Mark than in meeting you. That said, the drinks are relatively cheap, especially if you stick with the house special, PBR. The photo booth works and, unlike The Local's, it's in color. Depending on at which point during the night pictures are taken, color may be a good or a bad thing.
Finally, I'd be remiss if I failed to mention the Elvis shrine. It's towards the left as you enter, in the old vault. Light a few candles. Pick a song from the jukebox (believe me, you may not hear it right away, but it works.) Slip a coin in the slot and make a wish. Gaze upon the golden toilet bowl. Once you've done all that, let the spirit of Elvisness wash over you. One visit to the Elvis shrine will stay with you long after you, and Elvis, have left the building.