Star Community Bar

This is the diviest of dive bars. But in the best possible way.
I came here a few months ago when one of my co-​workers was actually playing in a Waylon tribute band competition. He invited the office, and because my co-​workers are awesome almost all of us showed up to support him.
Star Bar is divey, a little trashy and just the right amount of country that you’d expect from a smokey bar serving PBR and Bud LIght unabashedly.
And typical of most bars with musical acts, they didn’t start performing until an hour after it was supposed to start, my friend didn’t go on with his band until an hour and a half after his set should have played and we all cheered so loudly and raucously for him — partly because we’d had time to imbibe a lot and partly because that’s just how the office is.
It was a lot of fun though — it got super crowded, people were dancing and singing along. Great time and pretty good music, even though country music’s not my thing. Best of all, our coworker’s a really good singer and guitar player, which no one knew before that night. Great stuff.

Great place to catch live rock n roll and punk bands. Divey atmosphere. Smoking allowed. Reasonably priced for Atlanta. This is my go to late night spot when in town.

A fun little place!
Excellent staff, easy parking behind the building, and from what I’ve noticed a wide variety of genres taking the stage. Wear cozy shoes; it’s not likely that you’ll find a chair or even want one, it’s a great place to dance off!

Truly a community vibe at this local fav. Went there for a comedy show. Had some good brew on tap (something with hemp, go figure) out on a Saturday night with my people. While there was a pretty diverse crowd in there style-​wise, it is a definitely a laid-​back, casual, jeans-​and-​a-​hoodie type atmosphere. Would-​be patrons beware that this is one of those old school bars so you may leave smelling like smoke.

Best venue in Atlanta to get up close and personal with local and regional acts. I’ve never had a bad time at Star Bar, and I’ve been there a lot! The drinks are cheap, service is good, it’s divey, and it’s quite smokey at times. That, really, is the biggest detraction of the place. The smoke can get overwhelming sometimes, but you can go outside for fresh air or try the basement for a quick breather. Check out the Elvis shrine at least once!

I went here for Honkyoke.
It was fun! The live band was really really good. The song list is pretty limited though.
Booze: Limited selection of vodkas. Service was fast. Drinks were tasty.
I’ll be back fun chill place!

There’s an Elvis Shrine somewhat hidden in the star bar.
This is one of the better venues to see local bands.
Monday Night open mic comedy here is great. I wouldn’t call it a true «open mic» because it seems like you already have to be good or get invited to perform to do it, but that makes sure that the content is still good.
Often, if a comedian is doing a show at the laughing skull during the week… And their travel itinerary allows for it… They might secretly pop in to the Monday Open Mic. Major bonus.

Went to the Star Community Bar with a friend for a somewhat underground open-​mic. I was disappointed because the artists that I expected weren’t there and weren’t even mentioned throughout the night after paying $ 10, but I wont base my review on this because it’s not the bar’s fault.
I haven’t been to many dive bars in Atlanta (I’ve been to hole in the wall once), but I remember the small bars in south Georgia when I was in college. This bar gives me that kind of feel. Parking is behind the bar, there’s an attendants booth, but that night it was free. I would still bring some cash on a busy night though. From the outside star bar looks quaint and it is. There are two bars and a small stage. They allow smoking, something I’m not used to, so come prepared. I ordered a bob marley, but got something different. The drink was still good and only $ 5.50 for a well. They have cheap beer prices too, I believe certain beers were a dollar but no more than $ 3.
This is an awesome place to see underground artists, the acoustics were really good. I enjoyed myself and I would try it again.

Perfect hole-​in-​a-​wall bar. ’nuff said.

God, I love this place. Even though I can’t stand cigarette smoke, and the bar establishment itself is pretty beat up, I’m by no stretch of the word ‘classy’, and Star Bar fits me just right.
If a local band is actively playing shows, they will 95% chance play here at some point. There’s also no real scene restriction– any type of band can play almost any type of music. I’ve seen it all.
Upstairs is the main bar and venue area, with a downstairs weird lounge area and small secondary bar, reminiscent of purgatory at the Masq. Seems uncomfortable, so I’ve always opted for the patio. Great for summer nights when everyone is basically wasted and has forgotten that they’re not inside and don’t need to scream at each other to have an audible conversation.
I’m docking 1 star for the $ 0.25 beers they decided to make a thing on Thursday nights– and then stopped. Yeah, beer from a bar, for 25 cents. The manager probably stopped doing it because the employees DGAF and were filling the plastic cups (that you get at fast food places for water) way past the 25 cent mark with whatever cheap, shitty beer they were serving. I came here with a big crowd once and we over drank and over bloated ourselves on that nonsense. Good times. Then I showed up a few weeks later, and asked about the same deal, and they apparently just stopped doing it. It took a while before the bartenders could actually confirm this, until one disgruntled guy said no. Like I said, the employees DGAF.
This is also the only place I’ve ever seen my dad (yes, my FATHER) ROCK OUT. Not in the crowd, on stage. He’s been in local bands for as long as I can remember, but always played music that just never really appealed to me that much. I’d seen him play numerous times as well, some of those also at the Star Bar, but one particular time he was with a band (yes, full of old men) that he doesn’t usually play with and they fucking killed it. It was awesome and I’ve never seen it before, or since. I really didn’t realize my dad could be that awesome on guitar, after all these years.
THANK YOU STAR BAR.

Every city needs a local music scene, and these bands need decent places to play. Where I come from, there are local shows every night that bounce between a LOT of venues, but in Atlanta I’ve only found a few good ones. And of those, the Star Bar is the one where I feel in my element. Now, that element is a bar where you can smoke, is dark, and feels like it’s still the 90s, so there you have it.
I found this place because it is where Five Eight has been playing when they’ve been in town. If you don’t know, they’re a regional act from Athens who have been around for 20 years, and put on a terrific rock and roll show. But there are many other reasons to come here, from comedy to local shows to just plain need a bar. Drinks are relatively reasonably priced, and they have a couple of bars going so you shouldn’t have to wait long. The clientele is attractive, but again, I come for too-​loud-​to-​hear-​anything rock, so I wouldn’t come here to pick up someone.
Interestingly, the place used to be a bank, and still has a vault! And there’s something pretty cool in that vault. So, the next night you’re in Little Five Points and you’re looking for something to do with a relatively cheap cover, try the Star Bar, and get your own look inside the vault. And when you do, you’ll be supporting local music in a cool place, and that is a good feeling.

WHat?! Did I really not write a review on this place???
I went to a rockabilly concert here on one of my first few dates with my lovely buns. I, WE, had such a FUN night!!! Everyone was so open and so fun! We were all just having a great time rocking to some great music.
Recently, I went there on a weeknight and … I don’t know how they’re holding up. but I hope they are still doing well. It was dead… but I did see a little crowd downstairs. I think it was just a little slow that night… but come the nights that they have shows… I’m sure it’s just as packed as it was when I went those few times.
Fun place! Nice door guy! Cool bartenders… oh… did I mention. there are 3 bars in there (that I know of)!
Ending with… this is still one of my favorite places.

So the downstairs bar? Yes. The patio? Yes.
Ask me something else about Star Bar… Try it… Go ahead.
I have no answers.
We were celebrating my birthday. I had a GREAT time. The End.

I was super lucky when I visited Atlanta because it just so happened to be on the one week a month when a live band was playing for free (no cover!) on a Thursday. As Robert M. points out this is just once a month.
Drinks are pricey as usual when you’re at the bar, but if you read above the bar they have specials going on. Music is loud and the crowd is pretty friendly, so it’s a great place to hangout, drink a few beers and enjoy some music from either a DJ or a live band.
They do allow smoking inside, just FYI, for some that will be a positive and for others a drawback. It’s comfortable located in five-​points so you’ll be in a fun area even if you want to head out!

This place was fun!
I came here on a Tuesday for free beer (Miller High Life, but whatever, free beer!) and because I was promised disco music. The disco music never happened because I spent most of my time chatting with other patrons at the downstairs bar, but I would definitely go back here to check out the DJ scene.
The crowd here on Tuesday was interesting — it definitely was chock-​full of hipsters (some of which appear to have voluntarily stopped showering), and then with a smackling of other types mixed in. I felt a little out-​of-​place at first, but the free beer helped me feel right at home. Just don’t mind the dirty looks from the ultra-​cool types who don’t believe in a good body wash, and you’ll be good.
The bartender was super friendly, and I loved the kitchsy décor. I didn’t catch a glimpse of the Elvis shrine, but I’ll look for it on my next trip.

This place features a once a month great band lineup with no cover on a thursday night; only happens once a month — usually on a Thursday night. I love this place and have been going here for years.
Monday night is standup comedy night. It used to be an amateur open-​mike night but lately has evolved into more of a seasoned amateurs /​semi-​professional showcase; better than The Punchline open-​mike amateur night and FREE (no cover).
Tuesday night used to be disco night with DJ Romeo Cologne; one of Atlanta’s longest running late night disco night dance parties. Have not been in awhile so I cannot say if it is still going strong.
Weekend night feature bands of local regional and national prominence. The genre is usually rockabilly /​southern rock /​grunge /​blues infused rock. I recently saw Nashville Pussy here for a rare US appearance.
This place is a dive bar so it may not suit everyones tastes. There is a downstairs bar with an outdoor patio for smokers.

You were in my dreams
last night.
Yes.
Yes, you were.
You are one dirty bird and you know
I like it dirty.
I like it dirty and the
way
you talk to me: Through
your bartender specials:
The $ 5 ginger Jameson pint or a tall can and a shot.
You scream «take me take me take me…»
and I try.
I do.
You little tease you.
I have only had the pleasure to play
with you a few times. But in those four visits…
I fell in love.
The musky smell, the friendly come hither vibe, the in your
face this is who I am take me or leave me…
I will take you.
I will take you every chance I get.
I just wish…
you treated me the same and paid
out
a little more.
Until the next time we have our song and dance;
I will always hold
the times we have had in a special place,
in my liver.

I’m «Yay– a fan!» mostly for the EPIC Elvis sanctuary in the back corner of this L5P venue. They’ve really outdone themselves with the prayer stool. Thank yuh vurry much.
Overall though, Star Bar is not a place I would visit too regularly. You’ve got the dirty bathrooms, the malfunctioning toilets, the ash covered floors, and the worst part? A COVER FOR A DIVE BAR. Kills me, but it’s reasonable since there are always bands playing, and you’ve gotta support them, am I right?
It’s most fun to see a show and take comfort in the fact that there are TWO bars, all within about 10 yards of each other.
The high points of Star bar would include:
2 bars, cheap-​er drinks, indoor smoking, intimate venue, photo booth, greasy strangers, the Grace-​tuary, easy-​to-​find parking, the occasional sketch-​artist. (No really, people that draw.)
This is not your place if you don’t feel like showering later.
Or maybe it is…

I’ve only been to Star Bar a couple of times (sorry, I’m not a music genius) on Monday nights for their comedy open mike. When I first went, there were about 20 people in the audience (not including the comics). When I went last Monday, there were about 60 people in the audience. Looks like open mike at Star Bar is blowing up!
I’ve been served by two bartenders who were equally cool although I do kind of favor the one with the big curly afro (sue me, I like big curly afros, especially on white guys). On these nights, I haven’t been drinking alcohol and sometimes a bartender will diss you when you’re not drinking beer or liquor but these guys didn’t do that (but I did tip them as if I’d gotten an alcoholic beverage — service is service).
Parking is plentiful and free on Monday nights (other nights someone will harass you for money, especially on the weekends). As of this writing there is no cover for the Monday open mike.
The only downside is the smoke. I don’t smoke, but it seemed like everyone else in the building did. I left about an hour and a half and felt like I’d probably sacrificed a third of a lung in there.
In summary, it’s a good vibe and a good intimate venue for comedy, so check it out!

This is a seriously crusty, smoky dive bar, which every city needs. Bathroom is a combo of mold, woodrot, eat pu**y graffiti and a lack of toilet paper and working door locks. Might want to take advantage of the band break to find another place to pee.
$ 5 Ginger Jameson drink special served in a pint glass was powerfully delicious.
Came to see Lloyd’s Rocksteady Revue. Singer Jonathan Lloyd is on a personal mission to stir up the ska scene in the city.
They will be playing for free (before 9) every Weds in March. Very fun show. They don’t come on until 10, but you can hang out in the creepy basement playing darts, ogle the Elvis shrine, or catch up with your friends until they go on.
Cheers~