I'm local and this is definitely a locals hang out. Always a fun vibe. Cool people, friendly bartenders, Touchtunes jukebox, and bands Fridays and Saturdays. Full bar, lots of TVs, pool tables. Perfect for football. Best bar in town. read more

Even dive bars have their stellar moments. No, I'm not talking about that woman wearing a loose fitting sun dress that climbed a top our pool table, breasts spilling out, as she writhed to the live music. Normally I'd call that a pretty stellar moment, but in this case, I'm talking about the surprise performance by the talented singer, LeAnn Rimes who joined that night's band for a couple of songs. You never know what or who you'll see, so check this place out. Inna Rude Mood: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM4up6brMao LeAnn Rimes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjMGtb3MDWo&feature=fvw read more

Star Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Ventura, California

(Actual rating: Decent 2.5 stars, definitely not 3 stars) The Star is totally the epitome of a "small town" DIVE bar. From the exterior design to everything and anything once you step into the lounge. We visited the Star on an early Saturday afternoon. It wasn't crazy packed, but had a handful of people. The bar is located along the right side of the wall and tables and pool tables are located to the left. As soon as I walked in, I spotted a karaoke machine, so I knew right away I was going to like this place... Right?! Ummm.. So when we walked in, it took our bartender some time to actually greet us. I thought this was weird because it was not busy. Not really thinking about that, we proceeded to order our drinks... For our second round of drinks, again we received the same cold-not really engaging attitude from the bartender. At this point we were just over it, and the drinks from the second round tasted like soda mixed drinks wit light alcohol anyway. I really wanted to like this place because of its location and it's overall style that's it's trying to portray but if the customer service isn't there, I don't feel comfortable spending my time and money there..especially if I don't feel welcome. read more

A proper dive bar ... Huge gold framed paintings of naked ladies in a Victorian setting on the walls. Pool tables. Sassy local bartender who has seen her share of shit. Bathrooms that would make Martha Stewart gag. A band at night. A name like the Star Lounge. If you ever watched a Frank Capra movie, this is the place the villian would hang out in. In just one exterior shot ... you'd know this was the villian's kind of spot. All you need to see is the giant neon sign and exterior and maybe have the Foley artists play some piano music mixed in with a few lauging/talking 'dames'. The inside of the bar is cavernous. I did not make it for the band at night ... I only stopped in because I love dive bars and there were 3 characters sitting at the bar who looked interesting. The first thing I noticed was that every bar stool wobbled unevenly when I touched it. Classic. The only part of this dive bar experience that wasn't so divey was the beer prices. I made the mistake of ordering a local 'craft brew' ... $7.50. owch. Not so surprising to pay that much for a pint in Southern California ... but for this place, I expected to not. Even the cheaper draft beers were pretty up there for dive bar prices. They did have a happy hour, but my early drinking got the better of me and I was there sitting down with a beer at 11 a.m. There was a guy who was obviously feeling great on one side of me. Not the type of guy you'd want to pick up hitch hiking ... but he had some interesting stuff to say about Obama. There was also a 70 something year old lady drinking a beer. She looked like she could have been June Cleaver 30 years ago ... if June Cleaver used at least 2 four letter swear words in every sentence. To hear a 70 year old lady in 70 year old lady clothes complain about all the kids who do nothing but 'talk shit' all day was almost worth the $7.50 craft beer prices. She walked out of the bar using a walker ... classic. The bartender was great. Very personable ... exactly what you'd expect a dive bar bartender to be like. I left her a $10 tip on 2 craft beers and a Tecate because she made the afternoon so pleasant. If I didn't have to drive to LA a few hours later, I probably would have stayed for at least another hour drinking. If you appreciate a TRUE dive bar, you will like The Star Lounge. I don't know how long it will make it without gentrification ... already one reviewer on here talked about adding stained glass windows to the front. Yikes. So, hit this place up and stare at the naked lady paintings on the wall before it turns into a bar that serves radish and arugala pizza and hires bartenders with handlebar mustaches. Just make sure to order Tecate from a can, or the drink specials on the board ... or else you will be overpaying for the dive bar experience. read more

UPDATE TO BELOW THOUGHTS: Someone's purtied up the place, at least the signage for the bar and the hotel. Both signs look awesome...the interior however hasn't changed and the carpet's still nappy at the enterance... Reasonably good dive bar just waiting to be taken over. Houses one of the area's last flophouses upstairs at the State Hotel. When I lived in Ventura I wanted to renovate the bar, do plate glass windows so the patrons could gaze out onto Main Street, and then live in the old flop upstairs. I know the evils of gentrification, and I love a good dive bar like anyone, but this place is begging for a re-do. And the upsatirs could be a killer loft. read more

Star Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Ventura, California

Ha ha. This place is a riot! True dive bar to the extreme. Stopped in on a Thurs night to play some pool on one of two tables avail. The only 3 patrons in the establishment were clearly regulars. Music is only heard by the customer prompted juke box which that night was a mix of obscure country to vulgar rap. Ordered a beer from the tap then it was time to play some pool. We finally got the quarter machine ($1 to play) unjammed to only have 5 balls released from table. Security opened the table to uncover the remaining balls so we assumed we were set. A scratch occurred well into our game to have the cue ball get stuck in the trap. My friend tried reaching in for it to find a number of cinder blocks inside the table, but alas no cue ball. Beers are poured in glass mugs at a fair price. If customers are curious about their ability to drive a vehicle after a few drinks this place offers a very convienent breathalizer on the wall to test one's sobriety before venturing out on them roads. Overall, this place is a hoot. 3 stars for the love of dive bars everywhere. read more

Star Lounge - For your convienence... - Dive Bars Near Me - Ventura, California

Not as "divey" as I would have expected. No radio celebrities at this Star Lounge. The Star Lounge is nestled in between the shops in the "second hand store district" on Main Street. Pretty basic bar. One long bar. One pool table. Very little furniture. Jukebox. cool HUGE faux fender guitar hanging from the ceiling. Basic beer offerings and mixed drinks. The bartendress was very sweet and super accommodating. They have lotto games. Haha! Have a beer or mimosa play lotto! The jukebox was pretty awesome. We rode our bikes there. It was a nice pit stop on our biking adventure. If you want a beer or other beverage check it out! read more

Star Lounge - The bartendtress is super nice! Mimosas - Dive Bars Near Me - Ventura, California

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I have never been more disappointed ! The place looked cool and I wanted to go there for a while! My fiancé and I were so mad, it almost ruined our day. You would think they would do an effort with the city closing the road to boost the economy!! After the waitresses forgetting our drink for a good 15 min, we finally got our margaritas ( I can't drink beer because of the gluten, so margarita is my go to); we got a 2 oz margaritas for, wait for it - $11 dollars! Had never seen this in my life, and I have traveled in over 30 countries!! Plus the soggy sandwich you have to buy, additional $8, disgusting, they would better be off with chips and salsa ! Such a scam ! I have never seen this ! Sorry if I am not a beer drinker ! read more

Great Bar in Downtown Ventura. Had a couple of beers and cost us 11.50$. Cool scene. Long bar. About 10 beers on tap. Got a coors light and lagunitas draft. Good stuff. Also has an electronic juke box next to the stage and live bands Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Great bar!! read more

Star Lounge - Great Specials on Drinks! - Dive Bars Near Me - Ventura, California

We Went here fairly recently for my cousins reggae show that they put on here. The bar area and the entire inside is divy but that's why I like it lol. The drinks were cold and the music was good but the outside seating is the best. Cheap drinks and good times. Downside, don't ask for certain cocktails. Just don't read more

Great band tonight and they are not too crowded. Can't wait for the music to start.They are here to impress

Well... after taking our money for two expensive rounds, I was told im 86ed. I'm 58 year old woman and never had issues until a certain female who works there said rude things to my husband of 30 years. I spoke up and now after taking plenty of our money they say I'm kicked out. This place has a strange way of treating women. read more

Star Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Ventura, California

Blonde bartender opened my beer with her teeth! I couldn't believe it honestly that's so disgusting! Then she just turns around and ignores me as if she knew I'd ask for a different drink. read more

Security and the bartender Tanner were great. Very friendly, made us feel very welcomed. Would definitely come back again.

When walking down Main Street in the and you hear some LIVE infectious grooves permeate the street at 3pm on a Sunday, it's best that you check it out!! Excellent bands, fun atmosphere but be weary what you order. If you are a day drinker or a dive bar conasour, this place is a must in Ventura! read more

Star Lounge - View from the alley bar. - Dive Bars Near Me - Ventura, California

How does anyone get a drink here when Penny is busy getting messed up with guys behind the bar. I love diver bars but still need service. I do no not recommend if you want a drink or a nice bartender. read more

Perfect dive bar that's clean and not too much and not to little the drinks are perfect the door men are kind and you'll always feel welcome Tanner is sweet too him well and make sure to have fun it's a great time any day of the week read more

Love this establishment. The blonde bartender was great and Alex and Steve and Justin are the greatest security I have ever experienced. Julia who wrote a review from about 5 days ago vvv is the girl who stole alcohol over the bar and I caught her. I told the bartender and bouncer because I respect this bar and everyone who works here. She saw that and started threatening me and when I turned she pulled my hair and started beating me just for telling the employees that she stole from them. This woman attacked me and everyone saw and she had to be dragged off of me and taken outside. I wish I knew her full name so I could press charges for the physical assault. Star lounge is amazing for saving me so quickly. read more

Great vibes here - Gabi is fire. She knows how to run the bar & the DJ booth, and is one of the main reasons we all go! Love y'all

Supper fun bar with a great vibe. I love the atmosphere at night but has equally good vibes during the day. Gabby was a fast and efficient bartender with a great variety of drinks she could make. Definitely one of my favorite bars! read more

My ex hubby and I would drive down from Santa Barbara and camp in the campgrounds and spend our evenings at various dive bars on the Main Street but the Star Lounge is my favorite! I took a random trip to Ventura on a Tuesday afternoon and had a blast at the Star! Amy was behind the bar and her service was prompt and instead of serving me and disappearing down the bar with her friends, she chatted me up and introduced me to her friends/regulars. I will be back just to hang with her! read more

Star Lounge - Amy the great! - Dive Bars Near Me - Ventura, California

Definitely a dive atmosphere! The band was really good, but pretty loud; don't plan on having a conversation! Drinks were heavy handed, but no A/C didn't really work for this gal! Thank goodness for the outdoor patio! read more

Star Lounge - Going back in time! - Dive Bars Near Me - Ventura, California

I believe the bar tender's name was Mo and she was an absolute delight! Never had to wait long for a drink! She was very attentive and on it. I will definitely come back to this bar! read more

Really cool bar! Stopped in a Ventura for a work meeting and found this bar on Yelp. Service was amazing, Penny helped our entire party and let us great company. read more

I just wanted to come on here and say I haven't been to the Star since covid and this Sunday I decided to pay my favorite dive bar a visit. I was nervous to see that it's not so dive-bary anymore and see a younger crowd however it turned out to be the best night I've had in a long time! The entertainment was amazing and the bartenders were especially accommodating! I got the pleasure of meeting Lexi and Penny my two new favorite bartenders. They were so sweet and so much fun. Definitely made our visit one to remember. We will be sure to come back occasionally on Sundays to see them! read more

this place is great... fun food and meet people... I try to go there every chance I can... Yella Curs Please read more

Let's see.. Came on this afternoon and got a Beer and a Cosmo the bartender on duty a blonde girl was pretty rude and unprofessional. I have never been to this establishment before because I'm new to town. That being said my husband's beer was warm and so was the gentleman's beer who was sitting right next to us. It was brought up to bartender girl and she was just a bitch about it complaining I don't know I'm not an engineer? My question to the owner of this establishment is.. Why do you have such unprofessional people working in your establishment? If your in it to make money and build cliental get rid of staff that are lazy and unprofessional! I mean you have a beautiful bar let it shine and get rid of the shit. read more

Was there last Sunday the 27th and the short girl with alot of tattoos was wasted and she was making out with what I assume to be her boyfriend BEHIND the bar.... I couldn't believe what I was seeing & when she finally got my drink order she gave me my drink and snatched my card out of my hand before I can even hand it to her. After that my girl friends waited a long time to get her attention so we ended up just leaving because she was the only bartender and was too drunk to do her job accordingly. Probably will never go back here read more

Karen was great we were first time visitors she helped with food recommendation and great dri ks..we will be back..

Jamie V to bartender: I'd lkke ttow beeerrss annd a snot of wihissky! Bartender: What? Jamie V: tow beers whisskey I pay you. Bartender: What? Jamie V: Beerrs two and a shot one of jack you take money. Bartender: Coming up. Bartender: Here you go. Jamie V: Tanks! Bartender: That stuff will kill you. Jamie V: Brring it! read more

I love the star lounge, I've only been a few times but the service is great and I love the atmosphere. It's a bar for the 21-35 crowd, but I've had amazing conversation with everyone attending. Malyse is the best bartender here for sure, tonight I told her to surprise me with a drink and it's now my go to drink here. read more

The Star Lounge is a divey little bar in the heart of Ventura. There isn't much in the way of seating or decor, but the lounge offers a couple of pool tables and plenty of bar seating. Everyone here seems friendly and the bartenders rock! Love this place because you can go in dressed up or down and still feel like you belong. read more

I don't know what this place is like at night. Came in here to escape the glare of the early afternoon sun--and because the homeless guys were getting really aggro about people using their backstreet open-air latrine. This dark, dingy stop has a sense of humor. How else could you explain the paint-by-number paintings of naked women and the Jagermeister on tap? The bartender matron seemed nice, so I was a little hurt when she didn't automatically float a lemon wedge in my draft Hefeweizen and instead flirtatiously offered some sleazy dork two heady mugs of draft Coors Light because she "had a hard time working the tap," tee hee. During my exaggerated eye roll, I caught sight of the other patrons (rather quiet touristy types) and then my very own doppelgänger--oh wait, that was my reflection in the gray-cast mirror behind the bar. Anyway, this place is okay. It's on a groovy street, and the drinks do their job, and you can use the loo. read more

Been coming to the Star Lounge for along time and I love this bar! Was in this last weekend and the bar was slammed, but Penny was on point! The staff is great! Steve and Jimmy offer the best securit, I always feel safe! Penny, Lexi, and Mo behind the bar is so much fun! These ladies know how to work as a team and get your drinks out fast with a smile on their face. Only down side to this bar is the lack of cleanliness, the bathrooms are always out of soap, messy and just don't seem clean. The well needs to be taken apart and cleaned by a professional, the smell is like sour milk, the patio could use a simple hose down daily, over all the bar needs to be cleaned every day, maintenance needs to be a priority by the owner or manage. read more

Always a good time at the star lounge with friends and family. Good people good morning sic and drinks are fair. Clean bar and bathrooms always a good pool game going on. read more

Star Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Ventura, California

Walk by Star Lounge at about 2PM and peek in: you're sure to see some pretty scroungy eyes peering back at you. But that's why they call it ... STAR... it *sParKleS* with it's own special magic. Seriously, it's a unique little dive where the young and geriatric come to play pool on one of the 3 or 5 pool tables--I'm never sober enough to remember how many pool tables they have. You can have a pitcher or a pint, maybe watch the live band, maybe listen to the juke, or see a game playing on the Tele'. It's a good crowd on live-music nights, but if you go on game night you should probably wear your favorite flannel and get your best bar-whore voice going... cuz it's going to be one of *those* nights. read more

Too bad about the morons they have for "bouncers". Not the slightest hint of being humans. Sometimes the bands are actually very good. Clubs should go back to house bands, where bands play at least 2-3 weeks straight. Then you know what to expect. When there is a good band, you know you can go back in a night or 2 and the same good band is there - it's great! This dive isn't so bad, the bar is nice but in all the 100's of bars I have been to (and I am a non-confrontational type guy) these are by far the pushiest, ego-driven rudest pre-humanoids hands down anywhere consistently. I check back every few months and the same guys who ate too many paint chips are still there. Makes me stay away. Otherwise, I would be there once a week at least! read more

It was OK. There were two swamped bartenders, and drinks were a little on the slow side but my friends had their drinks paid for so it wasn't much of an issue. The music was great, we were there close to 1 AM and everyone inside was plastered drunk. Outside, we were approached by several homeless people asking for money but without pockets, we weren't much help for them. I'd offer to buy them a drink but you can't bring beer outside. The vibe inside is relaxed, everyone was cool. read more

Nice little dive bar, they have pool table and live bands; also have a small little outside patio. The patio reminds of something you would see in a New York, alley type of feel to it. reasonable drink prices read more

Classic dive, cheap drinks, local and import beers, 2 pool tables, downtown Ventura......