Keith S.

If anyone has read my reviews you will note that I am a huge dive bar fan. I just love 'em. The atmosphere, the vibe, the "seediness"..it's a draw for me. I just have no use for overpriced, pretentious nightclubs, and the like. Give me a little hole in the wall, with cold beer, interesting regulars, and a friendly barstaff, and I'm good.. Throw in some live music, and I'm hooked. VIP Liquors is not a true dive bar, but has some of the same qualities, and is more akin to a old school neighborhood bar. My friend Sean is a regular and invited me to join him this past Friday night. I had been here one other time, but it was literally for only 15 mins as we simply grabbed a beer and went on our way. This time, we chose to hang out for a while, so I was able to really soak in the atmosphere. The bar is a combination bar and liquor/packing store, so you can stop in for a drink, or take one to go, haha. The liquor store area is well stocked, and well lit. A little something for everyone. The bar itself was pretty typical. A couple of beer promo signs, a dry erase board with specials, and a cooler in the back. The bartender, Audie, stood in the center of a 4 sided bar, and kept everyone's drinks full. A little quiet at first, but personable enough, and gets to talking as the night progresses. I also noticed that the regulars were quite friendly and open to newcomers. There's a pool table and a video putt putt golf game, that is more fun than it sounds, haha. Friday is also karaoke night, so there was plenty of good (and not so good) renditions of radio stapes, but everyone was having a good time. I even belted out a couple songs. All in all, a nice little "hole in the wall" bar, that captures that neighborhood bar feel, but with just enough "dive" to keep from being stale/boring. It's also a perfect place for a first-timer..you'll be just as welcome as a regular.