The Phyrst will always hold a special place in my heart. I grew up in State College, went to Penn State, and was lucky enough to bartend here back in the mid-'80s. These days I live in California, but every time I'm back home, I make it a point to stop in for a drink and a trip down memory lane. I met up with a few of my high school buddies on a Wednesday night while the students were away, so it wasn't packed but that actually made for a more relaxed night. The staff was upbeat and welcoming, and you could just tell everyone behind the bar was having a good time. There was a live acoustic band playing (though I didn't catch the name), which added a great vibe to the evening. The Phyrst is known for its nightly live music. The bar has been completely renovated since my time working there, and I have to say, the new layout is a huge improvement. It flows better and definitely handles a crowd more comfortably on busy nights. I even had the chance to chat with some of the bartenders and share a few stories from my time behind the bar. It's crazy how much has changed and how much has stayed the same. The Phyrst remains one of the most iconic bars in State College and has been a go-to spot for generations of Penn Staters. Whether you're a student, alum, or just passing through, it's a must-visit. read more

Phyrst Bar - Bars Near Me - State College, Pennsylvania

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First and last bar in our trip to State College. We arrived Friday and our group was already waiting for us at Phyrst. Great beers, a restaurant downstairs, superb ambiance and plenty of room. read more

Phyrst Bar - Bars Near Me - State College, Pennsylvania

This bar is fine having not changed much in 25 years. They tried to make it a bit more upscale than when it was the Phyrst Family Singalong. The bathrooms, though have not changed and we wouldn't recommend using them. We ordered shots of whiskey and asked for a cherry garnish, but we had to settle for an orange slice. There was a band playing and the setup seems to work. Not sure if we will return to drink whiskey out of plastic cups. read more

Phyrst Bar - Whiskey shots - Bars Near Me - State College, Pennsylvania

Apparently, it's the oldest bar in the state of the country or something like that. It's in a basement. It's very grungy. The drinks are extremely reasonable. Nothing fancy service from bartenders is average. Very big college bar. read more

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Divey college bar in state college. Live music often and plays a good amount of oldies. Cheap beer and some specialty mixed drinks focused on a younger audiences read more

My husband and I came in for dinner and were really disappointed. It took over 10 min for our server, McKenzie, to tell me that they were out of the wine I ordered so I chose another. It never came. My husband told her that he was allergic to canola oil and she said the salad he ordered wouldn't include it, but that everything fried was in canola. Dinner arrived, McKenzie said the bar was backed up and my new glass of wine was in the queue. My husband's salad was sprinkled with onions that had been fried in canola. He opted to pick them off. Dinner finished. Still no wine. We asked for the bill and the manager. The manager apologized and offered me a free glass of wine, and said he'd take it off the bill. I was charged for it anyway. I tried to call them the day after to ask them to remove the wine from my bill and their voicemail was full. Sigh. read more

This bar showed its true colors when I was there. I felt extremely discriminated against and was asked to close out my tab and leave after I was judged to be "visibly intoxicated", told I had too much to drink, and was fighting to stand up (I had two drinks and I'm 6'2" 230 pounds...) There was no slurring of my words, I wasn't being loud or obnoxious, zero stumbles or swaying in my walk, nothing. I didn't know waiting patiently and respectfully for a bartender was a signal for being too drunk. That standing at the bar like everyone else was a problem. I asked to order a round for my friends and the bartender said she had to see the group I was with if I wanted more than one drink, but not too long before I went up my friend got a round and there was no issue. Even the guy next to me ordered multiple drinks and wasn't questioned. (Both white men) There was absolutely no reason I should have been asked to leave the establishment and as a black man I feel that the only explanation was the color of my skin. When being kicked out one of the workers puffed up his chest and said to me "we can do this the easy way or the hard way" and that I can just leave or risk being banned as if I was looking to cause some trouble. All I did was respectfully ask why I was told I had to leave and what behavior made it so. I wasn't even able to inform the group that I was with that I was being kicked out. I asked to speak to the manager outside and the entire time he was being short with me, barely listened to what I was saying, and was quick to defend the staff by supporting their decision with the defense that while we were talking I was slurring my words. I couldn't have been more coherent and articulate during our conversation. I was also trying to educate him on how obviously racist the situation was and how bad it looks for a company and all he could come up with was that he had to get back to his job. Everyone has a job to do I get it, but this was simply just wrong. Do better Phyrst, do better read more

The bar tenders know NOTHING. The most rude and dismissive bartenders I've ever come across. We left no tip because of how we were treated and then frowned upon because of it. Why should we tip for shitty service? I'm sorry but being ignored, served the wrong drinks, served shots without the other features it's supposed to come with ( like a simple lime and salt) was sub-par service. The hiring managers need to do a better job vetting their employees but idk what more you can really expect from a college town bar. We spent a significant amount on drinks if that's worth anything. ALUMNI BEWARE read more

This place seriously sucks. The washed up, arrogant, has-been or wanna-be bouncers are unreal...to say the least. A group of co-workers and myself visit State College often for meetings. We are a group of law enforcement personnel from all over the state. A bunch of us visited here to support the only two guys out of our group that wanted to come here because they liked the band that was playing. Ughhhhh!!! Ok...fine....let's go. As typical State College bar rules...they card you when you walk in and charge a small cover. My friend had her law enforcement badge in a wallet with her ID. She pulls it out to give the bouncer her ID and he says, "Don't flash your badge at me!" Um....jealous?? She didn't even realize he saw it. The comment was just uncalled for. When you do get into the basement-like atmosphere it is so crowded with rowdy college kids, you can barely move. One of the guys in our group was standing up listening to band and he closed his eyes and was bouncing his head to the music......KICKED OUT!!! No band for you!!! (corny Seinfeld Soup Nazi reference...) The bouncer claimed that he was too drunk since he had his eyes closed!! We couldn't believe it. We have never had problems any place else we visit in State College. We'll avoid this place in the future. read more

Probably my favorite bar in State College! This is the only place in town that lets you in on your 21st birthday and I, like many other students, got my first legal drink at this place on the night of my birthday. As you walk down the steps you quickly descend into what is essentially just a basement with a live band, pool tables, and a bar. Another unique aspect of this place is that they have live music 365 days a year with a lot of great local bands and talented artists (not sure if this is still the case w/ Covid). They have seating and an open area in front of the band for dancing. As with any of the bars in State College targeted for students, drinks are dirt cheap. Mixed drinks are around $3 and a domestic beer is $1 or $2 during happy hour. Stark contrast from NYC to say the least... Only downside is that the place can get very noisy and crowded when a band is playing. Makes it very hard to talk with someone. But you don't come here to do that, you come here to drink like a fish and dance to live music until you get kicked out. read more

I hope they replace with something better. Very dirty and bad staff. Also the atmosphere is bad

Let's talk about respect. I went to the phyrst after several years of graduating from Penn state. I was excited for the experience because it was iconic in my time. I'm sorry to say that times have changed. This bar is no longer the place to be. Instead, it's the place to stead clear of. It's place that doesn't even respect loyal (no longer loyal) customers. I walked down the familiar steps with my out of state, California, ID, and the bouncer snaps it in half... an accident. I guess it happens. Instead of apologizing, he says, "it's not supposed to do that". I shockingly give him three different forms of identification, and he begrudging let's me in saying again, "your ID shouldn't break." Anything will break if you bend it enough... sir. I received no apology from the bouncer or the establishment. I was approached by an employee and told I wouldn't have to pay cover the next time I came. This is hardly meaningful because I don't live in this town, and I am unlikely to ever be back here again. Why? Because everyone who goes to the phyrst isn't underage with a fake ID. The phyrst needs to learn how to respect its customers. In addition, I feel like the phyrst has lost its charm. It was barren on a Saturday night, and the students prefer other more fun bars. I would suggest steering away from the phyrst. If you want to feel nostalgic, grab fries at Ernie's. read more

Best bar in State College hands down, despite the fact that i have done actual structural damage to the premises and thrown up here on multiple occasions (DISCLAIMER: Laura is not writing this, this is a ghostwritten Yelp review) It's a good time, trust me. Live music 365 days a year? Hell yeah. Like if you were lonely enough you could come here on Christmas day and go to war and listen to a band. That's MY favorite bar. Also PHH is legendary, we're here RIGHT NOW live from PHH and the deals are legendary. My one complaint is that Bandcamp was replaced with TVs??? And most of the time they're playing an ad for Local Whiskey/The Phyrst... an establishment I am already in. If they HAVE to keep this at least make the ad showing people having a good time, not just of employees doing mundane tasks. Also please provide a drumstick for the cowbell. That's the only thing that's been missing for awhile now. read more

The worker told my friend to "F*** off" twice. They do not use line leap correctly, and if you get a line leap pass here especially on the weekend it does not matter. You will spend money to not get in. I have heard it is a fun place, but we were threatened by the worker so I do not see myself going back. The manager was very nice and professional at least. read more

I'd give 0 stars if it were an option. One is too many. As soon as we walked in the bartenders were incredibly rude, asking if we were drunk or tired even though it was about 11pm. About 5 minutes later we noticed a bouncer walking around kicking people out -- especially odd given that there were no more than 15-20 people in the bar. We were told to leave shortly after. Overall a terrible experience. Our first and only time here, and we will not be going back. read more

I don't care what anybody says. Phyrst is probably the best example of a no bull, classic college bar, located in one of the most classic college towns in the country. The pitchers are cheap and there's always music. This place is what it is... and it's not apologizing. read more

Your typical college bar. Usually pretty crackin and no need to dress up. Try to get in early so you dont have to wait in the fat ass line. Dont remember how drinks are cuz i usually buy a crapton but i dont think theyre very expensive. Good place to go rage and get rowdy tho, which is probably the most important aspect of any bar. read more

If you are 21, hit this place up. Are you 22? Cool, you should go here too. The day you walk across the stage and collect your college diploma should probably be the last day you go to this bar. Phyrst is your quintessential college dive bar. Small confining space, guys wearing super tight tshirts showing off the one condom that has been in their wallet since 11th grade, girls wearing high heels and little else, bouncers with muscles as big as your head, cheap booze, loud live music, one working toilet in the bathroom, sticky wet floor...you get the idea. Within the first 5 minutes, I slipped and completely wiped out flat on my back on the floor. Grown ups, enter at your own risk. College kids, live it up. read more

Phyrst Bar - MD 20/20...man that takes me back - Bars Near Me - State College, Pennsylvania

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WORST BAR IVE EVER BEEN TO. Waited 30 minutes for ONE drink and then waited AN HOUR for French fries. Server forgot we had free drink and then took 20 minutes to fix the check. It is a 4X4 box where the waitress couldn't handle 3 tables. Long story short the waitress was terrible and I'm never going back. read more

Phyrst was a bar I used to enjoy as a student and my first stop on a bar tour during my visit back to Penn State. I definitely got a new perspective of the place... I used to only go out to bars on Friday or Saturday and not until about 10 at night. This time, I was in on a Tuesday at 7. Sooooo basically my husband and I had the place to ourselves. A fun little dive bar with benches to sit at and a few pool tables. There was a band setting up for later that night. Bartender was super friendly and chatted with us for a while. I made my husband get a pumpkin bomb - pumpkin beer...some other stuff....not really sure what was in it - whatever it was he really liked it. As I remember it, and as I can tell from the other reviews, this place can get mad crowded and loud on the weekends. That's how I remember most bars in State College though. Be prepared to get beer on your shoes and fight for a place to stand. Or, show up on a Tuesday at 7. read more

Phyrst Bar - What Phyrst looks like on a Tuesday at 7. - Bars Near Me - State College, Pennsylvania

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I ended up at the Phyrst for a short time on a snowy Sunday night since I thought to myself "Hey, I haven't been here in ages, how much could it have changed?" In a way, it's a lot like I remember it. Pirate ship o' booze. Semi-loud music that's tough to talk over. That and some of the people that were drinking just confused me. I managed to land there during half-price everything happy hour. Generally, this means grab some of the pricer stuff like shots or bombs, right? Well, very few people did get bombs or any hard liquor. On the other hand, no less than 35 pitchers of $2 or so Coors went by my head in a 15 minute timespan. Yuengling pitchers were the same price. A pitcher of Blue Moon would have been a buck more. Maybe I just feel too much like a geriatric nowadays. Packed up and left not long after. On the other hand, as an added bonus I left smelling like a sweaty frat party. I would have rather smelled like the former second-hand smoke. read more

Here's to talking about respect! A group of 10 people were looking forward to taking our last friend who had just turned 21 that night (it was after midnight) to finally have her first legal drink. They let half of us in, saw our friend and claimed she was too intoxicated so they'll let her in for one drink and then we'll have to leave. What? Based off what judgement? This is a self controlled, very respectful group of students willing to pay you money. No one is even close to being too intoxicated. That's why we came here. Oh, and when I asked my friend to repeat what the bouncer said, the bouncer tried to change his answer probably because the look on my face revealed how stupid his judgement was. Anyway, they charge all of us a cover, sit us down, serve the birthday girl one shot and then packed us up to leave. We did get the cover back, but essentially we got kicked out for ... sitting there? Being respectful? We all had masks, ID's and money to be spent. I don't know what they teach kids at Penn State, but it's not a good business strategy. read more

I love this bar. The best bar in State College. The bartenders are great and are very attentive and always are the best. They support the veterans. read more

I went to this bar & my friend was kicked out with absolutely no reasoning. This is discrimination. I have never been so disappointed in a bar experience. She was so upset that it ruined her whole night & experience. She was sober and was told that she was too drunk just because we had a large group. This split the group & ruined our whole night. I will never go to this bar again. She has experienced traumatic stress & anxiety from this reaction which was entirely undeserved. I will never go to this bar again. I am so disgusted with this situation. Our whole party of 45 left and all vowed to never come back. This situation has left us so emotionally distressed and traumatized. We will be taking legal action for this unwrongful discrimination. read more

This bar is very unsanitary. The ceiling constantly leaks and even leaks out of the lights which is a extreme fire hazard. The floors behind bar are rarely cleaned, the straws are never replaced or covered so there is always dust on them. Also, multiple areas behind bar are never wiped down so there is tears of grime covering them. Over the summer, the men's toilet flooded and the bar stayed open until there was literal poop water flooding the floor. The bartenders were then forced to go back downstairs to close the bar in the filth. Also, for about a week there was a rat behind bar and all that was done was a trap was set out. Food was still served and bartenders were forced to be back there with the rodent. The manager tries to flirt with all of the bartenders and even will throw ice at them during shifts in front of customers to try and be "funny". The service takes forever and half of the bartenders you can tell have no idea what they are doing. I once ordered a tequila sunrise and it had pineapple juice in it. During the back to school bar crawl, I waited 30 minutes for a drink and eventually left because it wasn't worth waiting. It's a shock that this place hasn't been shut down by health services yet and wild that people still go to this bar. read more

Don't bother unless PSU is in session. Summer staff is terrible as is the entertainment. 1/2 off EVERYTHING happy hour doesn't seem to register with the staff. During the school year it's an average dive bar that used to be a lot better, I'd suggest the Brewery if looking for the dive bar music theme. read more

I'm sort of torn on how to classify Phyrst. On one hand, it may be the only bar left in State College that still allows smoking indoors. That's one check in the Dive Bar category. On the other hand, you can throw down $30 to join the Mug Club and "buy" a super heavy mug that is yours and yours alone to be used at the bar. It's true. They hang it on a hook, and then when you go, you can be all like "hey, give me #143 please, my name is ___ ____". That's one check in the Not-So-Dive-y category. The other factors supporting the Dive Bar categorization include: cheap drinks, subterranean location, the fact that they serve Mad Dog, bathrooms that you have to turn sideways and shimmy into, general crowd attire includes sweatshirts and/or slouchy pants. The Not-So-Dive-y bits include: a decent selection of beers, the fact that they serve Mad Dog (take that, hipsters!), the COWBELL, the fact that college students consider themselves "regulars" and/or "townies", live music, the existence of waitstaff, and table service, Table Wars. So, despite the fact that I can't classify the Phyrst, I CAN say that it's a great place to go for a rowdy weekend evening. I like being stationed at the cowbell table and getting everyone all riled up with PSU chanting, but that's just me. If you're looking for a nice quiet evening on the town, this is not the place; for everyone else: it's definitely worth fighting the crowd. Especially if you like to order MD2020 at the bar. read more

I recently visited State College to check out the Homecoming game & hang out with family I have attending Penn State. After the game, we came to Phyrst to grab a few beers before the night was over. Full disclosure - my job is related to the service industry, & I have extensive experience working in restaurants & nightlife. I also realize that a college bar is not a place to go for anything other than a "good ol' time", which is what we were after. Those things said, this place exploits the fact that it's in a college town & treats it's patrons like garbage. Our experience started with an hour-long wait to get inside. Since it was homecoming weekend, this was probably something that couldn't have been avoided. This was followed by a cover charge & an environment that is best described as "catering to the lowest common denominator frat bro". Speaking from personal experience, this can be a lot of fun within the right context. Additionally, if you like tired-looking waitresses all wearing trashy, cleavage-bearing attire (I'll go ahead and assume this is required by the management), and you like your cover bands to play Smash Mouth's greatest hits, this is probably the place for you. So we got a few pitchers of beer, sat down, & were generally enjoying ourselves when a bouncer approached me and said that I had to leave because I was too drunk. When I asked him what he was asking about, he said he was sorry but I was slurring my words & that I had to leave immediately. I found it strange that he knew I was slurring my words considering I was using my phone when he approached me, but I guess he was clairvoyant or something. I then asked to speak with a manager to find out what was going on, where I was then escorted outside & told that there was no way I could get back inside. When I asked what I was doing that would be grounds for throwing me out of the bar 15mins after I arrived, paid a cover, & bought several pitchers of beer, I was told by the manager that "there was no way he could know what the bouncer's reason was, but that I had to leave". Even though I was clearly not intoxicated or slurring my words, the manager admitted that he "honestly did not give a f**k", and that the issue was completely out of his control. So what conclusion can I draw? The line was crazy, there was a cover charge for everyone, & most people's first action when arriving in a bar is to buy a drink. I believe that the management wanted to cycle in new people to pick up those initial charges throughout the night, & then once the line thinned out they would let people stay to get drunk. I even said this to the manager, to which he replied, "That would be bad business". Personally, I think throwing people out of your who just waited an hour to get inside your rathole bar for doing nothing other than sitting down & talking to other people in their party worse business. But hey, what do I know? Save your time & trouble, go ANYWHERE else in State College. read more

I used to love this bar when I was in school. I came back to visit as an alumni (I'm 30 years old by the way). I asked for a round of shots for 10 people and the bartender Ryan Ross (i believe his name is) asked for everyone to come to the bar. Our table was close to the bar so I asked if I can point them out and he said sure. He then said they all needed to come to the bar at which point I declined the shot and went back to join my friends. Next thing I know, I'm surrounded by 4 guys kicking me out because I'm acting "inappropriate". Very unnecessary and very unprofessional as all I did was decline an order. There was no reasoning with them when I tried to explain all I wanted was a round of drinks for friends that were visiting and I didn't find it appropriate to bring 10 people to the bar when they were standing right there, especially as we were older at which point Ryan's response was "I don't give a fuck how old you are". Again unprofessional. I've never been treated this way and I live in NYC. I was told he is the manager and he needs to fired IMMEDIATELY if that's the way he treats alumni. Also as my fiancé was trying to talk to the manager Ryan Rosh said I was acting like a bitch. HOW IS THIS GUY A MANAGER?! All I did was decline my original order! read more

The phyrst? No thank you. I have been to this bar 2-3 times, each time was dragged here for a friend's 21st birhtday. Will never go on my own accord. It's more of a place to go with a group of friends, not a place to go and meet people, unless you go to the pool tables on the right. The music is much too loud and I literally have to shout at the top of my lungs to say anything. By the end of the night, I just get pissed off and sit and drink the filthy blue moon that I'm scared i'll find a cockroach or rat pee in. If you have a drinking problem and want to stop drinking, or stop spending money on drinks, next time you're out here, just simply look up at the ceilings and see how disgusting it is. You'll want to stop drinking that beer you ordered right away. read more

Nah- definite not a fan. Super dark, crowed, dirty, ugly looking little Irish wood bar. Not my taste. The bathroom was DISGUSTING, SMALL, and GROSS. The place was so small and crowded that I spilled my drinks on me on numerous times. There is wood benches for sitting that are to small and uncomfortable. Honestly I thought the placed was garbage. read more

My favorite bar in State College for life - wonderful music (especially the Night Crawlers on Thursdays), cheap drinks with specials, stinky typical college-like bathroom, man what else do you need in this place? Lots of memories of mine sleep in this bar. Not for people who want to talk a lot though, usually music is very loud here. Smoky as well! :) read more

for some reason, Penn State students love this bar. It's the go to place for 21st birthdays. And i guess, in all fairness, during their happy hour you can get a pitcher of Hopback or Smithwick's for under $5. And Ernie's upstairs is awesome, with great fries and great cheesesteaks. But the bar just blows. Awful crowd. Awful music. Awful stench. read more

Phyrst......You let me down. I was always happy to have you around, even more so when Zeno's went non-smoking. You were like an old couch for me. Ugly and beat up, a little stained and smelly, but comfortable as hell. On my last visit I found that you went smoke free too. I think that kinda sucks! I still stayed, got pissed drunk, listened and loved the band playing (i most always do), then grabbed a cheesesteak upstairs on the way back to the hotel (via taxi). Service is always decent and the bouncers aren't meatheads (the ones I have talked to are friendly and funny). When in State College, give the Pryrst a visit. Cheers, Darth read more

I was reminded last night I have fallen down these stairs a total of 8 times in my years at Penn State. You win, Phyrst. read more

Epic road trip '11. First stop: State College, PA to have some drinks/party and crash at my buddy's place. And yes, I'm going to show the excited drunk-notes I took on my phone... :-/ ---------------------- Phyrst live band on a [random] tues! holy f*ck it's cheap compared to NYC!! my God the bartenders are hot!! (esp. Cassie) last call@2 2twenty2 on tues! (That was the band that played. https://www.reverbnation.com/2twenty2band) I'm going to interrobang the shit out of this one: $2.50 pitchers?!?!!??!!?!! ---------------------- If you're like me and love it when a girl rocks on stage, you may be compelled to buy her a drink. Quick tip: Katie Lucille's preferred beverage is whipped vodka on the rocks with a splash of ginger ale :-) I will definitely be back. It may have been my phyrst time, but it won't be my last! read more

Best bar in State College!!! Bouncers and bartenders are friendly. I've never had any issues here. Usually an older college crowd inside. So, people tend to be more respectful and considerate of others. Food can be ordered while here. Try Suzie Wongs egg rolls and the Philly cheese stakes. read more

Favorite college bar, favorite bar anywhere, hands down. We came, we sang, we drank, we took part in Table Wars, we lost our voices and our minds. It's been a few years since I was back, so it may have changed. But it was a fabulous place to drink---just like it was when my Dad was at school at PSU. I haven't found a bar as "comfortable" since. You haven't lived until you've been at the Phyrst on a football game Saturday night, standing on a bench, pounding on the ceiling, holding on to the people around you (who you don't know) so you don't fall, screaming out the lyrics to some song with EVERYONE ELSE in the bar....grinning your head off. It's a wonderful feeling. read more

This review is solely based on the amount of fun I had from going here a couple of times. The drinks are reasonably priced and you can get better during happy hour. I've never had the food there so I can't say much. But my favorite part about the Phyrst is the live band that they have and the throwback songs. It's a great place to come if you want to grab a couple of drinks and listen to some good ol' music. read more

Phyrst is definitely the dive bar described in many of these reviews. Some people have had bad experiences, some amazing but there are few things that are undoubtedly true and aggregating the reviews really does summarize the Phyrst experience. I went to PSU once upon a time but the out of state school loans college debt story was all to real for me. Prior to turning 21 I was never able to patronize this or any of the other fine PSU bars, just the underage options. As described it is small and dark but provides a very efficient pathway to getting alcohol at a value. Most daily drink specials are less than $5 and there is a $5 Irish Trash Can for those who want to whole depressant (alcohol) /stimulant (energy drink) experience. You can potentially get very "affordably" drunk at which point your experience becomes dependent on how "angry or happy or awake" your inner drunk is. There was a cover band that didn't hurt or help my experience but if you're a cover band person you might enjoy yourself. The cover is only $2...better hit the ATM. I was here on back to back nights right before the students came back on campus so it was mostly locals with a few early students, very chill. My boy played some pool we had a few drinks and left in a good place. The bartenders were all pretty cool and seemed to have the drink service handled. I left with a number, a good buzz and a good vibe. You can't not check it out, for better or worse and for those who stay...See you on the other side. Major key alert*- It's important to get to these types of bars early...small bars have these problems...show up early and do your damage otherwise be stuck in lines at the door and the bar waiting for a drink read more