I would say that we need more places like Star Bar in Atlanta, but then that would be impossible. It can't be duplicated, replicated, imitated, or even explicated.... If you've never been, start with a Tuesday night and get your funk on...or just cruise their schedule on the web and pick a band out that sounds interesting. Hell, pick out one that sounds horrible and you'll still have an entertaining time. Cheap beer, good times, and it makes no apologies for being a smoky dive that showcases unique live acts. Long live Star Bar. read more

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. read more

The Star is a great place to catch punk, rockabilly, alt country, indie acts. It's shine has dulled a bit, but it can still be lots of fun. Don't like the music upstairs? Head downstairs! Adrian, behind the bar, rocks! Grab a bourbon, PBR tall boy, or both and bee line it to the jukebox. It's old and it's fantastic! KISS, Sweet, plenty of punk. If you can't make a great playlist on it then just leave. You've come to the wrong place. Monday nights are silly fun. Jett, Rotknee, and Jacob give you "yer 15 minutes of fame." Get up there and mess up your favorite song. Everyone else does. Don't forget to get a picture in the photo booth on the way out, and thank Joe, the door guy, for keeping your ass safe! read more

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! read more

So you want to get hammered and shake your ass to the groovin' sounds of the seventies til 3 AM on a Tuesday? Boy, do I have the place for you! I don't know how normal people are able to do this, but my job affords me summers off, so I can partake from time to time. Anyways, it may have just been the people I was with, or the people I met while I was here, but I had a great time at the Super Tuesday Funk Dance Party. Things to Consider: 1. There is no cover (yeah!) 2. The drinks are super cheap. My entire tab was $10, and that was only because that was minimum. 3. Doesn't really get going til after midnight, but thats ok because there are darts in the basement. 4. Being after midnight on a Tuesday, the crowd is pretty small. It can be intimidating to dance at first, but there were plenty of dudes willing to show me how. 5. Even if you don't dance, this is probably some of the best people watching in the city. 7. Smoky, dirty, nasty, dive bar. It is what it is. read more

Pros: Good music, great crowd, cheap drinks Cons: the WORST bathrooms of any place you will ever pay to be admitted into, the photo booth pictures came out crappy (bad fixer?) read more

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. read more

There's not always a cover at one of Atlanta's favorite dive bars. There's comedy on Mondays, Dance Parties on Tuesday with 25 cents draft beers from 9-11p, and several bands are showcased on Thursday nights from about 10p-2am-ish - that's three out of six days without a cover. (Closed on Sundays) On nights when there is a cover it's usually for a reputable band who deserves to get paid to play there. Bands such as CC Booker III and Cadillac Jones are two local bands who performed there in late June to a very enthusiastic crowd. In the past, I have seen performances by The Urban ShakeDancers, KingSized and Unknown Hinson. My number one complain about the place is the smoke. It seems every other person who enters there is a smoker which is one of the reasons it is such a popular hangout spot. It's right up there with Northside Tavern when it comes to smokey places in Atlanta. One of the coolest thing about Star Bar is the guy at the door who asks for ID and stamps your hand. He is definitely as much a fixture as the "Elvis Sanctuary" in the back corner. To hear some people tell it - he's been there since day one-always smiling and doodling some pretty cool stuff. The Tuesday Night Dance Remix is definitely worth the time, energy and effort. The music doesn't really get going until about 11p or so. By 12 or 1a it's in full swing and everybody is cuttin' the rug to the cool, hip, funky sounds of 70's and 80's dance mixes. If you happen to end up there for a first date or secret rendezvous there are a few dark quiet spots in this lively joint. There's a patio out back and a lounge which puts distance between you and the music which by the way can get pretty loud. You may want to purchase ear plugs for a dollar or bring your own - it will make a difference. If you're looking for something to get your heart rate up at the beginning of the week, something to help get you through the rest of the week- you just may want to mozy on down to Star Bar in L5P and get your mojo workin'. read more

if you are wandering in Little 5 Points aimlessly, and need a drink or want to hear not so mainstream music, usually a local act, go to STAR COMMUNITY BAR. I've seen GUITAR WOLF, WOGGLES, KINGSIZED, NEON CHRIST and countless of other bands, though mainly local ones, it's a great place to check out what ATL has to offer. If you're all about 99X rock star mentality, you're better off going across the street to Junkman's daughter for another NIN t-shirt. If you prefer the strip down version of it, come pay a visit. Now git me a PBR. read more

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. read more

This place really is outstanding. I wanted to write this review as a couple of my friends not from the city, who have lived here more then a year had never been. If you are just moving to Atlanta and are looking for a great smoky dive, this is your new favorite watering hole. Amazing staff with the best attitudes. I've been to comedy nights here which are always outstanding. The shows are cheap and the music is great. I've seen a few punk rock bands here that had been on my list to see for a long time. The community part really spells it out. The drinks are cheap and you are guaranteed an avant-garde good time. read more

Star Bar is a classic dive--small, smoky, dark. There's a bar on the left, a bar on the right, and a stage in the center. Comedy on Monday nights is always hilarious--and free. There's parking in the back. read more

Fun place to drink and catch a live act. If you like the smell of cigarettes you will also enjoy your time here.

A ton of fun! Went for a friends birthday and danced until 3 am. Prices are typical of a bar, but Tuesday nights (80s night), is a great night to go. Have a ton of fun and met a lot of new people. Definitely check it out! read more

I live too far to venture here very often. In fact, this is the first time I have been here in about....oh....10 years. After the Little 5 Halloween Parade the Star Bar had a band playing outside and a DJ inside. There was a huge crowd at the outside band, but since the parking lot is also huge, it was perfect! After enjoying the fun outside (and the super cheap PBRs) we wandered in to shake our booties a bit. Such a good time! I will have to go back soon! read more

Star Bar is so nasty in a good way. The stage sits high, providing a relatively unobstructed view of the band at-hand. The crowd spews contagious energy, despite the occasional misogynistic remark. And the bartenders are really nice, even offering me little shots of water when I can't hold a cup. It's totally okay that my favorite Anthro dress now permanently reeks of smoke. That's how much of a star you are, stinking bar. read more

Ahhh maybe it wasn't my type of bar but I asked the 1st bartender for a lemon drop and she made it okay. It was drinkable then I decided to order another one for me and my friend unfortunately there was a different bar tender and this one did now know how to make it at all like at all. They both tasted like straight up sweet and sour juice only with ice. So we asked to have them remade. So he did and they came out even worse so at this point I told him just give me a beer and only charge me for the second round of lemon drops, other than that the drinks prices are awesome!!!!! read more

Small bar/ dance floor. There were two bartenders. The guy kept trying to make a lemon drop with no success. So we just decided on a margarita. The lady was a little better. The music was just horrible though. The DJ refused to take any requests. He said it was throwback music night or whatever. But if you looked around only a couple of people would dance at a time. All off beat, because the music wasn't the kind that you dance for. Overall just mainly sucked. DJ and all read more

Any bar that has an Elvis shrine is A-OK in my book. Some good bands come through, while some bad bands are fun to watch go down in flames! If you can get the dart board downstairs on a really hot or really cold day, it is a great cave to wait out the weather. Also, the (relatively) new owners are awesome and are keeping the Star Bar true to it's roots. Thanks guys! read more

Smoky dive bar free of too-cool bartenders? Check. Lots of local music, rockabilly, and comedy on Mondays? Check. Cheap drinks, cheapish parking, and all the people watching your heart could desire? Check. A photo booth and the Gracevault? Check. One of my favorite places for live music in Atlanta and as someone else said, a great venue for photographing bands. read more

If Monday night is upon you and you've finished every single Netflix comedy special over the weekend, Star Bar is the place for you. Divey, smokey, and amazing standup. A handful of comics get a few minutes each to impress the crowd (and it will be a crowd, get there early if you want a seat) and while most similar shows in ATL are hit or miss, I've never not enjoyed a Monday night of drinking cheap beer and laughing til my sides hurt. read more

I've been going to this lovely place ever since I wasn't old enough to go. That's quite a few years, friends. I don't care if the band is the one everybody or nobody wants to see, although I've gotten pretty excited when an out-of-town favorite shows up. Bring ear plugs. Wear old shoes and something you can wash. Rinse, Repeat. Even if you only ever have one, they remember your drink if you come back more than a couple of times. Minus one star for the excessive smoking inside (patrons' decision, but damn rude these days, given what we know) and because the ventilation system is growing fur. Star Bar needs to manscape the dust of ages. Meanwhile, I'm sticking around. read more

If you're a fan of talented local bands, interesting people, and an intimate atmosphere then you'll dig the Star Bar. I have seen so many great shows at the Star Bar that I've lost count. Another nice tidbit about the Star Bar is if you need to take a break from the music, then you can slide downstairs to the Lounge or you can relax with a drink on the porch. No matter what scene you're looking for, Star Bar comes through. The staff there is great too! 5 stars easy! read more

Star Community Bar - ...before it was a bar, it was bank. - Music Venues Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

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It no shock that this place is a DIVE. But I tend to like dirty, dive bars. I think it brings character.... However, I was a semi regular on Tuesday Funk Nights. It was most definitely the place to take my friends visiting form out of town that happened to be here during the week. The first time I arrived in Atlanta and was introduced to Tuesday at the Star bar was in 1998, and I fell instantly in Love!! But unfortunately the last time I arrived I was told that the original Funk DJs were no longer employed there, and the new guys were OK, but not nearly the same vibe from the crowd or music. I soon found out the the DJs moved to 10 High, and I can get my Funk on again :-) Yeah!! read more

If I could rate ZERO stars, I would. We came to have drinks and would have stayed for a while. I've never had a bar lose my business so fast. Our bartender asked for our IDs and when one of our party didn't remove it immediately from his wallet, the bartender developed an attitude and was blatantly rude. Not to just one person but to everyone. Unnecessary. Unwarranted. We were all smiles, completely polite. We even apologized for the TERRIBLE INCONVENIENCE of needing to remove an ID from a wallet in order to check it. And he still treated us terribly. Before we even ordered. Congratulations on your two dollar tip. Interesting that a spot like this is completely empty on a night when the bar across the street has an hour and a half wait. Now you know why! Racism kills businesses. Your loss. read more

I come here on Tuesday nights with friends. We love the chill vibe, no dress code, no cover, great music and cheap drinks.There is a parking lot in the back of the building which is convenient. Well drinks are $4 and you can get a shot and beer for $5. We really come because the djs play classic jams that keep you grooving through the night. I like that most people that come on Tuesday dance- there's no judgement. We are all just out to have a few drinks and have a good time! read more

Star Bar is one of my favorite dives in ATL. They have cheap drinks and cool people and the best amateur comedy I've ever seen every Monday night. It gets packed in there and they start around 930, not 8 like the website says. ;) The host, Rotknee is very funny and most of the comedians are great. Don't sit at the table in the back because people will stand right in front of you. Arrive around 830 and you should be able to get a seat near the stage. Star Bar also has other cool events like dance parties and live music. It's just always a good idea, especially with Little 5 having great restaurants right there. They don't sell cigarettes, ya gotta buy em across the street. It's a really smoky place so if you hate that, don't go. That is all. :) read more

Weak ass drinks in a plastic cup... enough said... the scene is indie punk rock.. cover charge was 10.00 for everyone.. was it worth it? Not to me. The venue is tiny, full of people who still want to be indie kid cool.. but you know they hold a full time job for the man... and Friday night they grab their printed t's . checkered Vans, and pretend to be teenagers without a care in the world.. for a 10 buck cover charge. The drinks were sadly made, I can make better drinks.. the bartender was this emasculated thin geek with dark rim glasses.. who didn't look like he wanted to bar tend, but probably worked there to be a cool kid and listen to indie rock bands who wear band outfits as their gig costume.. this place is so not for me... but hey different strokes for different folks. read more

Four of my all-time favorite bar photos were taken in the Star Bar photo booth. The night we went was, dare I say it, cock night, meaning the gents were free and the ladies coughed up a $5 cover charge. An older punk band was on stage which lit my fire cuz I'm that kind of girl, but since I was there with more conservative work friends, I rocked out while they hailed a cab and dragged me off to our next destination. Definitely looking forward to returning here on my next visit to Atlanta! read more

The place has no character what so ever - bland as hell, the only entertainment value here is the live band. What I'm saying is that it doesn't offer enough diversity to entertain the average crowd. And if you don't like the music they're playing, you're pretty much out of luck. Tried using the Photo Booth they have there, but couldn't find the dollar slot. :[ My card got denied here, even though we all know that I couldn't possibly be denied. Anywhere. Ever. read more

The Star Bar is a mainstay of Little Five Points (L5P) and east Atlanta. The drinks are averagely priced and well-made. The music scene is not as diverse as it used to be. Now it is mostly jam stuff, punk, some rock, folk and various indie but largely avoids hip hop, soul, blues. Thus the live music scene there now is overwhelmingly white and not a dancing crowd. So the shows are generally good but the crowds are often a snooze. Dancing at the shows is usually not gonna happen. YMMV on that but I prefer a more lively crowd when I go to a show. The takeaway here should be that the bands are generally of good quality and are worth the entrance fee (if there is one, many shows are free; another reason this place is gold!) but the crowds attracted are mediocre which translates into an often mediocre atmosphere. Tuesday night deserves separate mention as it is of lore. It USED TO BE DJ'd by Quasi Mandisco and Romeo Cologne. They are no longer there. The new set of DJs rotates around it seems and is of much lower quality. Sometimes DJ Speakerfoxx is there and she spins very good hip hop, dance and trap music. And there are a couple of other good DJs that rotate in but the rest are mediocre. So Tuesday nights have taken a hit since the departure of Quasi and Romeo, both of whom NEVER failed to deliver a good and lively night of dance music. Tuesday nights used to be one of the things I really looked forward to. Now, the situation is that the 3rd Tuesday seems to be the reliable night that they have in a good DJ so that is when the crowd has begun to build. YMMV on any other Tuesday night at Star Bar. I love the place. I hope this has been helpful. read more

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 decor. I didn't catch a glimpse of the Elvis shrine, but I'll look for it on my next trip. read more

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! read more

If you want to get funky and shake your booty but don't want to dress up and don't want to spend much money, this is the place to go. Especially on Tuesday nights when it's funk night. The DJ brings out the 70's and 80's grooves you may have forgotten about. Who doesn't like a little MJ throwback? It doesn't get going until about 11pm. Don't expect a singles scene. The crowd is not for beautiful people only. Bring your own toilet paper and/or travel size seat covers. The bathrooms are pretty yucky (think MJQ.) read more

Alright, I admit, I truly judge a nightclub/bar by how good of a time I had. I went to Star Bar last night to listen to some live music with a few of my friends and I had a really great time. Yes, it is a dive - and has that sort of smug, we ARE cooler than YOU will ever be vibe, but I did not care one bit. I don't drink so this review is not alcohol fueled, I drank water all night and the bartenders were very gracious and flirted just the right amount without being creepy. (I love that!) Anyway, I think it's a great venue for live music and a really fun place to go hang out. read more

Starbar has what you need. Eclectic music and people in a rock city neighborhood mixed with 3/4 alcohol. Everyone I've met at the Starbar is at the very least interesting and the friends I've brought with me have always had a good time. Although it is the only bar I've ever left at the end of the night where the cab driver asked me not to smoke in the car, when I wasn't smoking. read more

I really miss the Star Bar and its photo booth. I saw many, many shows here during my Atlanta days. Hands down best Star Bar moment ever - Neko Case lifting up her shirt on stage because she had "just seen a cop walk by the front door." Love it. read more

I find it plain even though it has strange/interesting acts and you can expect to see something crazy. I've had plenty of fun times here but it was more the beer and the people i came with. In general too smokey, noisy, busy, and everything else soso. Some people love it though, so try it out. read more

I used to love the Star Bar but that was before other places went smoke-free and Atlanta did not. Just can't put up with that much smoke anymore, for any band, no matter how much I love them and how close to them I can stand. Once Atlanta grows up and goes smoke-free, I'll be back to the Star Bar. For now, I'll stick to the smoke-free venues. read more

I'm all about live music, some good alcohol, and a good crowd of people. I found Star Bar to be a total dive. I really don't understand all the great reviews, but to each their own! My experience here has been, you go to the bar and order a 420 and a vodka cranberry...in return you get a pbr and a whisky sour. The bartender just kinda looks at you and you don't question him, pay your tab and move on. It's dirty. You leave smelling not just like cigarettes (it's expected when you go out to see a show, esp. somewhere like this), but like this dirty dusty smell. There's a definite shower before bed upon returning home from here. The place overall is just dirty. I'd prefer never to come back here and it would take a damn good band to get me to return. read more