I went to Star Bar on Tuesday, during their \"soft\" opening, and then again Thursday, during their grand opening. \n\nAs a bar, the potential is definitely there. It's got a great list of beers on tap (various stouts, IPAs, etc...), a decent selection of cocktails (they mostly tend towards the sugary and sweet side), friendly, gregarious bartenders and a very modern atmosphere.\n\nIt also helps that it's in my building, so I can literally roll out of bed (after a late-afternoon nap obviously), step out in my PJs and get some brewskis. \n\nMy only issue with this place is that it needs to find its identity. Who is your clientele? Obviously folks at the Constellation, but which crowd? I dig the high end, fancy drinks. But if you were going for a more loungey theme, include more wrap around couches and seating in general.\n\nIt was absolutely crowded the two days I went, and most people had to cram into the middle. More chairs would have been awesome.\n\nAlso, I dig the dim lighting, but the two TVs really distract from the overall atmosphere. The atmosphere doesn't really lend itself as a sports bar, so having sports game on (while good in most scenarios) will only detract from the conversation people are looking to have.\n\nOther than those small issues, I can safely say that a new star has been born on the east side of Madison!
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