Great sound guy, with an equally superb sound system. Saw Marty Friedman and his band play here, and it was divine! My only quip is the lack of a menu, and no heads up to patrons about the general lack of food. Great staff, and great drafts with great pricing.
(5)
Kathleen D.
I came here recently to see the lead singer of my all-time-favorite-band play a solo show. We arrived a bit late and then decided we wanted to get food, so we headed to the seated section of the bar, which was closed off from the all ages show. We sat ourselves after some confusion and then walked up to the board to decide on drinks/food. I chose the Flying Fish Farmhouse and the pulled pork sandwich, and my friend chose the same beer, wings and a heaping pile of fries. The food was great (my friend kept announcing that the wings were among her new all-time favorites), but I don't think I've ever eaten so fast. I kept walking up to the guy manning the doorway to ask him if "the guy" was on yet. Fortunately, the answer was no each time. We made it back inside in time to hear the last part of an opener's set and to move closer to the front. Live and learn -- I'll absolutely eat ahead of time from now on. As for the show itself: Something that would've significantly benefited North Star? Fans. Or AC. Or any type of ventilation. The artist kept repeating throughout his set that it was so beyond hot in the room -- and it was. Like, sweltering hot. Almost unbearable. I think I would've been cranky if I had been there to see any other artist. As for the artist? Poor guy had to keep chugging water between songs. Moving forward, I'll keep the outside temp in mind when considering purchasing tickets here, but otherwise it's a pretty nice little bar/show area, and the sound quality was good. Plus it's only a few blocks walk away from me, so that's always a positive!
(3)
Dori H.
Man. Back in the day, I used to love this place. And, I guess, it's still a great place for intimate shows (if you can get past the shitty parking situation, the heat, and that weird smell). You almost always can meet whatever band/singer you're there for... Cool. Things that aren't cool: the bathrooms (gross), the wait staff (less than enthused), the food (overly salty), and the lack of straws (yes, new management no longer wants to provide straws).
(2)
Cassie J.
I went here for a small show with a singer we really liked. Kind of old and out dated. They advertise that they have parking but they wouldn't let anyone in the lot. Luckily we found street parking. The area they had the show was fine-- a lot of space but kind of a weird room. There is a balcony or something over most of the room so it kind of cuts your view off of the stage.
(2)
Matt D.
This update is not a fun one to write, and it doesn't come without three attempts to give my old favorite a chance to change my mind. This used to be the best happy hour north of City Hall (see glowing past reviews). That is no longer the case. The wings have gone from $.50 a piece to $.75 a piece to a whopping $1 a piece over the past four months. I understand rising food costs, but this is crazy. The wings are not any bigger than your competition, and they charge much less for them even at regular prices. Not only that, but the wings don't taste as good as they used to either! On top of the wing debacle, the hummus w/ pita chips isn't as good either. It used to have warm pitas with olives or veg on the side. Now it's a clump of dry hummus with cold pita wedges...blah. And then there's the mussels. Gone is the big bowl of spicy, soupy mussels with bread or fries. In its place is a small bowl of mussels with clumpy chili sauce. I'm completely unashamed to state that I used to take the remaining red broth home in a coffee cup and use it as a base for shrimp fra diavolo, because I couldn't bring myself to let them throw it out! North Star used to have the best mac n' cheese I've ever had: gone, gone, gone. To put salt on the wound, the staff and atmosphere have gone downhill a little bit as well. It used to have a fun, indy urban flare along with great cult classic movies on the tvs, but the last few visits provided us with loud death metal music and trashy tv. The only saving grace has been the excellent burger addition to the menu. For a place that prides itself on music, I'm going to end this review with an old Joni Mitchell quote: "Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you've got till it's gone."
(2)
Jennifer K.
they have an awesome happy hour deal which is $3 beers, any kind. which is unreal. and so much fun. the music is always different, which I like. the bartenders are super friendly and will take good care of you. the food is always great, the burgers, the hummus, the wings are a bit iffy at times but mostly delicious. my boyfriend and I have to convince each other not to go to their very inexpensive happy hour bc we love it that much. we always order the fries... why? because the seasoning and the dipping sauce is the shit. sounds lame right? no! they're the best fries ever and really yummy with the beer.
(4)
Marjorie B.
Decent selection of beer and really great vegetarian food options. I tried the black bean veggie burger which was one of the best I ever had. My boyfriend got the Brie sandwich which was really new and interesting. It's a cool place to hang out with friends.
(4)
Danielle F.
I write this out of years of frustration hoping that my local bar will improve. Crossing my fingers that this time it will be different because how could they possibly stay in business and remain so bad. But after 4+ years of giving the North Star the benefit of the doubt, it's time to call it quits. Instead of fixing the real problem: crappy food and mind-bogglingly bad service, NS has gone ahead and raised its prices, enacted a 2 drink minimum per person during quizzo and imposed an automatic 20% gratuity on its checks. Such desperate measures to make money would be unnecessary if NS just sold food that people actually wanted to spend money on and overhauled its wait staff and kitchen. I have been to NS dozens of times and the only thing that had me coming back was quizzo with Johnny Goodtimes. It's close to my house and I like trivia and quizzo happens to be during dinnertime. My friends and I begrudgingly order food and laugh at how bad the service is time and time again. But we've had it and here are just some of the reasons why: * Over the past 4 years, I've experienced many waiters at North Star and somehow all of them share the same terrible traits: they are poorly trained and utterly frazzled when you ask them for ANYTHING. They either seem like they're going to cry or slap you. You feel bad because you need a straw and then you finally ask for one and they tell you North Star doesn't have straws (true story). You order water and then are told that you can't have water because they're out of glasses (UM?!) Even though the dining room has about 8 tables, the 2 waiters on duty seem overwhelmed and confused. On many occasions it has taken 1.5 hours to get a veggie burger and 45 minutes for a plate of hummus (despite that, nothing ever gets removed from your check). This isn't a one-off thing. This has been my experience every time I have been to North Star for the past 4 years. * The food is hit or miss and a hit really just means mediocre. With so many good bars that also manage to serve great food (i.e. Johnny Brendas, Standard Tap) it is inexcusable that North Star can't get its shit together. If it were good, people would actually go to eat there because they wanted to, not because they had to. Instead the menu is outdated and overpriced and some combinations are simply confusing. A dollop of hummus and some warm pita wedges shouldn't cost $8. Brussels sprouts in tomato sauce? No. The specials aren't. And if you're going to tout yourself as Philly's best burger (false), then don't serve your burger on a bun that disintegrates at the touch. * The soda is flat and the beer is often skunked. * The bathroom doesn't have paper towels or a hand dryer so there is no way to dry your hands. Here's hoping one day I read that the kitchen has been overhauled and the waiters have been trained. Til then, good riddance.
(1)
Noah H.
An utter disappointment... Four great bands I know were scheduled to play there, and management cancelled on them an hour before doors opened, with no explanation. What's worse than a music venue that doesn't treat musicians appropriately? Nothing!
(1)
James C.
This place is awful, they cancelled my friends show tonight and were super rude about it
(1)
Kelly P.
I'd say the description of "gourmet dive" that has appeared multiple times on these reviews is largely an accurate term. What better way to spend an evening than with some bands you already know/some bands you haven't heard of, and some excellent brews. I'll bet you didn't know that the chefs here make ALL their sauces homemade (e.g. teriyaki and hot wing sauces, bleu cheese, garlic aoili, and more). Limited entree options for vegans however the kitchen will work with you if you want the black bean burger on a bed of lettuce, for example. Other information you may not know: - 50 cent wings at happy hour (5-7pm) - half priced drafts at happy hour 7 days a week, bro - no cover for the bar, and many shows have tickets available at the door - daily $4 drink special 9-11pm bartender's choice - free street parking, plus a small lot - tv's in bar and projection screen in dining room showing local sports games The next time you are thinking "what should I do tonight, I don't like the same old bar scene" pop on over and check out a show.
(5)
Seann C.
I am the band leader of one of the bands that was supposed to play last night at North Star Bar. My band plays frequently in Philadelphia and has NEVER dealt with a venue that acted as unprofessionally as this establishment did tonight. The show had been planned for a couple of months, and I know many people were planning on attending. However, according to a rude bartender, since not all of the bands were present EXACTLY at the load in time, they decided to cancel the show. VIA A FACEBOOK NOTIFICATION. Not even a call was made to the headlining band who was there loading in right at 6 pm and briefly left to pick up more equipment. In other words, the people in charge of sound/the show had something better to do with their night and apparently left around 6:30 (2.5 hours before the show even started). North Star Bar made an awful and stupid decision, losing a lot of money and respect from musicians and show-goers alike. I do not recommend this venue to anyone, especially musicians looking for a respectful and dependable venue to share their music with.
(1)
Sean M.
First time here: This place is awesome. The bartender was really cool and no matter how busy the bar got he made sure everyone had what they needed. Came in around 7pm to see a friends band play, they were headlining so I hung out for a while. My favorite thing about the place strangely is the actual design. The dining area is separated from the bar by one well placed corner that blocks the bar from the diners and the diners from the bar. Very smart. You wouldn't know it from the outside, but the place also has a stage for bands, a second bar, as well as a balcony overlooking the stage. Overall the place is also very clean and well kept. I was impressed by some of the things on there menu that were simple but also very creative. From one cook to another I love to see creativity. I ordered the Fish and Chips, they were some of the best I've had. Definitely would come back but probably only to see a band or dinner date since I don't live in the city.
(4)
Stephanie S.
Absolutely in love with their Apple & Brie sandwhich. I ate this and almost melted in my seat.... Granny smith apples covered in baked brie, atop an olive oil and ginger aioli, on a toasted baguette. Mezmorizing, I was so impressed. There were plenty of apples and oozy cheese with sweet aioli on it, perfect-o. As for atmosphere, its divey, but I like that. The beer selection was sub-par when I was there, but I know they rotate beers and have a changing selection, so I probably just picked an off-night for my particular taste of beer. Service was great, they seem to be friendly, but really busy during live-music show nights. I'll come back just for that apple & brie sandwhich! Well done chef.
(4)
Di P.
It took us some time, but we made it to our neighborhood bar. It's literally two blocks away and it took the pilot episode of Breaking Bad to get me out of the door. That show gives me the heebs. It's too real man. Like, crap! That could happen to me. I could have lung cancer and say "Screw it! I'm making some serious cash fast!" and it would be just like me to accidentally kill somebody with science. Hit too close to home. I digress. Truth is I've been to North Star Bar for a band once SIX YEARS AGO. Sea something. ... Crap. It'll come to me. Anyway, the venue itself was surprisingly big but small. I know that sounds not helpful, but it looks teeny tiny from the outside, but then you go to the back/side where the bands play and you're like "hmmm. this is alright! commence happiness!" Anyway I came here the other day, the bartender was nice, the beer selection was interesting, and the crowd was weird. A mix of people which was baffling and then realized it had to do with what band was playing at the time. (i.e. their parents came to watch them). There was only one working bathroom which sucks, but I would come here again on a rando night and just get a couple of beers which were mostly in the nice $5 range and chill out. They had a TV playing that White Castle movie. Ok. Nothing exciting, but nothing terrible. A fun place though for a random week night. It's the kind of place where you'd get to know your bartender well and next time you see him you'd say "hey Joe! So what happened? Did you get your dog that medicine or did you try that herbal remedy instead?" because you knew him THAT well. Love it. Sea Wolf. The band was Sea Wolf. Thanks google for coming up with it.
(3)
Frank W.
A great bar thats been around for years. Good music, and good bar tenders
(5)
Trevor D.
Great happy hour, good beer selection, food is decent - mussels and wings are very good. I've seen a few shows here and music wise it's a solid intimate venue
(4)
Dave B.
Place sucks big time! Took over an hour to get simple wings and fries. You don't want to go here. Never again!!!!! Ever!
(1)
Zackary A.
I really like this place but i'm trying to give away less 5 stars review to boost my cred on this Yelp service. So yeah I recommend the happy hour half price craft drafts and appetizers. The fries are fantastic.
(4)
Jonny R.
Good happy hour special ($3 all beer), but opening at five and not for lunch is unusual for a neighborhood staple (at least Era opens at 4!). The taplist is good, and the food more than passable, but the vibe of this place is just a bit too "icky" for me. Are the lines dirty here? Yuck! My Hell or High Watermelon tasted a little stale. And can get stop having minimums on cards? This is the 21st Century, people.
(2)
Joe A.
Food -- Delicious. Specials, wings, whatever you get, it's all good. Beer - Strong stable of good beer. Restrooms - Tiny, one person, easy to locate. Great neighborhood bar. Great happy hour, great bartenders. Very chill but can get lively very quickly.
(5)
Jill C.
I dont think I have been here in a decade or so, crist Im old. . but I dont think this place has changed in that entire span of time. Gritty, divey and a place where I question the cleanliness of the beer-tap system, but a fun place to see a live band. Seriously, I personally, would stick to bottled beer. Thats just me though, Im a little gun shy when it comes to tap systems. Saw a band here recently with a friend. Fun times were had, as this is a great place to see a band with a small crowd. Decent beer selection and prices weren't bad. I know they serve food, but we did not partake. As an added bonus, I am 30+++ and they carded me! There's a star in there just for that!
(3)
Callan W.
One of the better venues in this town for seeing smaller acts. I never had a chance to try their food, but they have a good variety of brews on tap that are tasty for your tongue and wallet. My brother is kind of a rockstar (there is one in every family) and when he plays North Star, he always sounds better. Maybe it is the guy working the board or their set up, but either way, it makes for an awesome show.
(4)
Donovan H.
Great atmosphere, good prices.
(5)
Jamie N.
Gotta give this place 5 stars. Easily. I come here at least once a week for the happy hour, nothing beats it. Three dollar drafts, 50 cent wings, four dollar hummus and five dollar mussels; heaven. The waitresses and bartenders are always super nice and they actually remember you. Great neighborhood bar, never been to a show, it's on my to do list though.
(5)
Seiji C.
i sat next to the grandmother of the drummer the drummer was great, the grandmother was better she told me how she had courted in that very bar 35 years earlier it's tough to be a legit bar and a concert venue N*Bar does it, well.
(4)
Joe S.
A great place to see a show and have some beers! Its a pretty big place and I have never been there where its felt overly packed or taken to long to get a drink. The people who work there are really cool too. Sound is kind of crappy otherwise I'd give this place 5 stars.
(4)
Mimi L.
Why have I not try this place until now. It's more of a dive bar feel with gourmet food. A couple of friends referred this place and I was sold when they said food is really good. I went and I got carded. The bouncer not only carded me but asked if anyone in the bar could vouch for me. I was like this is crazy. I am 34 and look no where under 21. His announcement was funny. I walked back to my business and grabbed my I'd. Went back because I had a couple of clients waiting for me there. I sit. Ordered drinks. And ordered the chicken baguette sandwich w/fries. This sandwich looked ordinary. But boy was I wrong. It was amazingly good. I shared this sandwich and wish I never did. I wanted to the whole sandwich after the first bite. The fries are fresh cut fries not the frozen stuff. I couldn't believe how wonderful the food was. A couple of days later I ordered the food to go. I got the same sandwich, Mac and cheese and fish and chip. So, so good! Everyone should try this local gem but be sure to bring ID. They take carding to the next level. They also have a side parking lot. That was a plus. But I walk because it is around the corner from my business.
(5)
Eric V.
I haven't had any food here (yet), but the specials sound great. The bar service was wonderful... the entire staff is really friendly. I admit, one night I had one too many shots of Tequila... and the next time I was there, they just laughed it off and pointed out that I at least had a good time! Also, you can't beat the fact that you can see live bands in the back, and happy hour prices are awesome(1/2 price drafts).
(4)
Lena W.
I saw Reign of Kindo here and it was amazing. I love that band and the venue was pretty good. It felt very personal and close there. The show was great, but the man monitoring the pa system could have done better. Everything was out of sorts and made the show a little less enjoyable.
(4)
christina g.
Went here to see a couple local bands last week. The staff was very friendly, but quite lazy. The sound guy was texting or something on his phone rather than doing sound stuff. The bar tender in the room with the performing was reading a magazine. It was a Tuesday or something and they weren't very busy, so that could have been part of it. We tried some food, which was pretty good. My friend ordered the veggie burger, which was supposed to have guacamole on it. When she received it, however there was not. She asked the waitress to bring some on the side, but the waitress said they were out. That was disappointing and she could have mentioned it when we ordered. Also, drinks were a bit pricey. A lager and a rum and coke was $11. The place was pretty clean, which is always a plus. The space was much bigger than I expected. It is separated into three sections: a bar area, tables and juke box kind of area, and a larger room with a stage and second bar. They also have a small parking lot. All and all it was pretty good. It is definitely worth another shot.
(3)
Sean H.
The North Star Bar must be appreciated for its welcomed embrace of local and foreign musicians who have yet to fully implant themselves at the forefront of pop culture. A quick glance at several of the past acts (Young the Giant, Manchester Orchestra, GIVERS) shows that it is necessary to keep your ear to the ground to upcoming shows at this venue - you may just catch a great diamond in the rough. The North Star Bar must also be appreciated for the surprisingly good food that comes out of that self-admittedly tiny kitchen. The menu appeared ambitious, given the fact it's just a couple of people in a rinky, dinky canteen. However, the chicken baguette with chive-horseradish aioli was great. Check that. It was very good. The fries were equally as great, hand cut and tossed with sea salt. The beer selection is strong - only 10 or so to choose from, but a great selection despite the fact there were no light beers (which are necessary after you have had 5 or so heavy IPAs and stouts). I have seen two shows here so far, and really enjoyed both. The sound was fine and the small area affords a close, up front view of the band from every direction. Plus, it's great to be able to go to the bar or sit at a table and still see the band perform. So what's the downside? One is that the upstairs seems to be wasted space that does hinder the view of the downstairs spectators. While you always have a good view of the stage, the lack of a back or side stage combined with the upstairs sloping downwards towards the stage creates a narrow, almost myopic view of the stage which is somewhat detrimental in my opinion. Further, when upstairs, the view down on the stage is great - very unique in that you're literally on top of the band, which is cool. But unless you're one of the 10 people who have a view from the railing, you can't see anything. Which begs the question of why they are wasting such a large, unused space up there. My last, but biggest, issue is that during both concerts, the crowd reaction was tepid at best. While subpar performances should definitely elicit a poor audience reaction, it is clear that this crowd was just not attuned to either show I was at. An engaged audience claps, cheers and commends fantastic instrument solos, in the middle or end of a song. When a band finishes a great set, they should get applause and cheers for an encore. I saw very little of this, other than the obligatory applause at the end of each song. It's clear that there was very little genuine appreciation for the musical talent exhibited - at least at the two shows I attended. Perhaps I should have known when I stood in line at the bathroom behind the lead singer of the band I was seeing, and I turned to the guy behind me and told him that it's crazy that I'm waiting for the lead singer to finishing taking a piss, to which the guy behind me responded that he didn't even know there was a concert tonight. It's an odd detriment to levy against this place, but it is cause for concern. North Star can't directly control the quality of its patrons. I get that. And perhaps Philly's appreciation for music is more limited than I thought. And perhaps North Star Bar really is just a neighborhood bar first, restaurant second, music venue third. But if North Star Bar is going to take its booking to the next stage (so to speak), it needs to be able to foster an atmosphere of musical appreciation - rather than just throwing the bands up on the stage and hope people pay to see them. Much like the bands it currently books, this place may one day be great - but for now it's still floating out there in the rough.
(3)
Tim P.
I returned to the North Star recently after a long hiatus. I'll admit I have never gone here to hang out, I have always gone for show and lately it seemed the sort of bands I liked had abandoned the venue for Kung Fu Necktie and Johnny Brenda's. I was happy to go back and realize that the North Star is still a great place to see a show. The setting is small and intimate, usually you can meet the artist before or after the show if you like. The balcony is also a neat place to watch the show. I'll admit the sound guy can go a little overboard with the volume. As far as the bar itself I was impressed with the beer selection and the decent prices. I haven't eaten here but it seemed besides the pub food the chef had a few unique items that might be worth checking out on their own. Parking in the area was also easier than expected on a Saturday night and the neighborhood is nicer than it was a few years back. On the bar side the 2nd floor is open now, I don't remember than from a few years ago. There were just tables and some artwork there. It looked more like the upstairs of a nice restaurant than a dive venue. Strangely enough this building has very good sound isolation. If you are in one part of the bar you won't hear the band or radio from any other part. Don't expect to sit at the front bar and get a free show.
(4)
Kim D.
Okay, bottom line: I just can't not love the NorthStar. It holds personal significance for me, as well as just being a pretty dope place to see a show. Unfortunately I haven't been here in years, because there really haven't been any bands coming through here lately that have interested me. But I would definitely love to go back again if the opportunity presented itself. I miss the funky decor and the staircase (that's weird, right?) Oh and parking can be a cinch if you get there early enough. (Unless things have changed over the last couple years.)
(4)
Jose A.
Awesome beer selection for a venue and a neighborhood bar, very hipster, but thats all good, the beer and chill atmosphere are well worth the trip. There is no cover if you are just going to the bar on show night....
(4)
Rachel F.
The North Star Bar was a really interesting experience. To be fair, I went to see Uh-Huh-Her there and the place was covered in lesbians, so we may not have been the regular clientele. I really liked the room that the concert was actually in--it was spacious and really nice for shows. The back bar was a good addition too. I also appreciated the beer list, which was extensive. I did not like that everyone has to wait in the much smaller main bar before the show and that the show started incredibly late (apparently this is a chronic condition for the North Star). So....I think it'd be fun to hang out it, but I'm not sure that I'll go to another show there.
(3)
Kevin S.
I recently made the trek up the parkway to the Art Museum neighborhood with a buddy of mine from out of town to see a show at the North Star Bar. After what turned out to be a longer than expected hike, we finally arrived about an hour before the show was scheduled to begin. We were there for an evening of progressive rock featuring Echolyn and The Syn. There are actually two bars, on one side, the North Star bar is more or less a dive bar, but with a slight hipster look and feel and a really good beer selection. There are tables in the back, and I guess you can order food. We however bypassed this option and went straight for the bar. The brew selection consists of a small but elite collection of microbrews, and the prices are reasonable. The other bar was for the concert venue. It's not a huge space, perhaps holding a couple hundred people, On one side, there's the stage, the other the bar, and there's even a second floor with a balcony. There are bathrooms upstairs and downstairs, and though they look kind of dirty, they weren't too bad. They actually had a pretty good audio setup, as there was good acoustics, good equipment, and not much distortion(the sound guy actually knew what he was doing). Both bands were good but both started late. To get into the concert, you have to pay a cover charge. Through their website, you may buy "tickets" in advance. However, upon arriving I realized this was pointless. They don't really have a box office or anything like that. When we got there, at about five minutes after the show was scheduled to start(but a half hour before it actually did) a woman came around and asked if I had paid in advance. I said yes and pointed to my name on the list on her clipboard, and she stamped my hand. That's will call at the North Star Bar for you. Overall the North Star Bar gets a thumbs up from me. Unfortunately, since it's so far away from, well, everything, I don't know if I'll be back anytime soon.
(4)
Mikey I.
This is probably one of my favorite places to see a show in Philly. As other have stated, the place is small/intimate yet still carries sound. Their sound guy is also reputedly one of the best my friends has worked with as well. They have one of the best happy hours in Philly as well, shame they're in a spot that's a little bit further than where I usually am at that given hour during the week. The beer selection is pretty good. It's half priced at happy hour. Their wings are small but probably among the best I've ever had. I love their wings so much I actually called ahead for a giant takeout order as well.
(4)
Alicia O.
I've only been here for shows, but I wouldn't mind coming here for just the bar. I always have a hard time finding parking and usually have to park blocks away and walk for a while, but I don't mind. Overall, it's a really great place to see bands. They always have great music and good food and beer.
(4)
J P.
This is a great neighborhood bar that people come to from all over for the live music and atmosphere. Definitely a Philly fairmount staple. Good beer, food and mix of people. I love this place.
(5)
Lene P.
It's a nice big space but it's not my favorite venue to see bands play. The last notable show I saw here was what may turn out to be Guitar Wolf's last show in Philadelphia. This was probably 4 years ago, though. My issue with the show was how the sound didn't have that awesome garage rock loudness that Khyber does so well. Yes, it's because Khyber is a smaller venue, but for a band like Guitar Wolf, who once touted an album as loudest one ever (possibly as a joke, but still), this turned out to be a disappointment for me. I probably shouldn't blame NSB for this since there may be other factors and in the 4 years past, the venue may have gotten better. When I didn't drive, I took a cab here. That seemed to be the easiest way. Driving, I was able to find parking in the neighborhood. There seems to be a parking lot near the bar, but I don't know much about it.
(3)
Bill M.
North Star can definitely be a fun place for shows. The stage is also one of my personal favorites for when it comes to getting good photographs of bands. And I love it for the variety of shows too. You can see plenty of great local acts, as well as fun national acts like Pretty Girls Make Graves. They also have the occasional all ages show. North Star also has the best selection of beers when it comes down to Philly Concert Halls (Johnny Brenda's come pretty close though).
(4)
Oleg H.
I wasnt totally sober by the time we got here, but it was one of the stops on a friend's tour of local bars. This place seemed like a cool friendly local venue, with a cool upstairs room. The art upstairs was pretty cool as well (made by one of the people working in the bar...)
(3)
G S.
Nice local spot, draws people from both sides of Girard and a convenient place to meet friends and neighbors. Good beer selection, pretty decent food overall. I wouldn't go out of my way to go there as a destination unless I'm heading to a show but, for a neighborhood place, it's nice to have it here.
(4)
Kevin J.
the best music venue in the area, a great value and an asset to the neighborhood. have seen many great local and national tours come through here. They should make something happen with the upstairs, as of now it's just a dark bathroom hallway that happens to have a partial view of the stage. I think they should put a satellite bar up there and liven it up. but that's my only real criticism. The food is decent and there is a good selection of brews. As an area resident I am grateful that they host community recycling collections for us. the venue is easily accessible by SEPTA 15 and 33 and 48.
(4)
Tyler B.
Everyone talks about how great the happy hour is, and rightly so. I would drink just about anything draught for half off, but when my choices go beyond the normal dive-bar selections to include PBC, Sierra Nevada, Mared Sous, and other inventive micro-brews then why complain? The kitchen is pretty creative with their specials, more on the 'pub' end of 'gastro-pub' but this is a drinking spot more than an eating spot. Add in reruns of Cash Cab and this makes for one of the city's better happy hours.
(4)
Brian N.
I'll first admit... I've never actually been to a show at North Star. I just live in the area and use North Star more as a neighborhood bar. Admittedly, it does neighborhood bar quite well. First and foremost, (and as many have said) I love their happy hour... 5:30 - 7:30, everyday. Can't beat it! Half price pints and 25 cent wings. The pints used to be a really really good deal. Now they're just a really good deal. They used to have Yards ESA for $3 ($1.50 during happy hour), but they increased prices to $4 ($2 during happy hour). They wings are small, but that's alright with me. I've always found smaller wings to be a little more tender than those really big ones. Every time I've been here, the staff has been very friendly. The atmosphere is cool; I've been in on a chill Saturday and they had some movies showing on the TV behind the bar and everyone was just relaxed, drinking a few cold ones. The food... It's alright. Nothing really to get excited about, but after a few beers and you're craving something salty, it does quite nicely.
(4)
Jim H.
I sit in my car on a Fairmount side street. I was worried about parking, but found an ok place near 27th st. I hadnt gone bar hopping in decades, frankly, even when I was young and pretty, I didnt really do it all that much. But here i was today. I was to meet a few friends to check out a few of the local bars. I took my cellphone, car keys, and grabbed my Costanza-like wallet. " Do I really need this? " I thought I decided to just take my money and credit card, and that I probably wouldnt need my Acme card for this. I lingered over my license, wondering if I would need it. I chuckled to myself. Ive been going grey since 19. In pictures I often look older than my dad. Even with a little help from JFM (Just for Men) I NEVER get carded. So in the first of what would be a series of bad decisions over the night, I left my ID in the car. North Star wasnt the first bar we hit that night, but we werent drunk when we got there. It looked like a cool place from the outside. A couple of tricked out Harleys stood out front. I wondered what kind of crowd was in there and if they would see my flame colored hawaiian shirt as a cry for help. A large intimidatig black man was leaning on a mailbox, talking animatedly on a Bluetooth. His bass-like voice filled the quiet street. I was not savy enough to realize that this was a bouncer. We dont have bouncers in the Burbs. We went to walk in. " Excuse me Gentlemen! Can I see your ID?" he bellowed He couldnt mean me. My friends showed their IDs and began to walk in. I was realizing that I had made a huge mistake by not bringing ID " Hey guys!" I mumbled, " I dont have my ID" The bouncer still stood there but was back into his phone conversation. one of my friends turned around and told me to come anyway, as he couldnt have meant for my old ass to show ID. I began to walk in until I felt a hand on my shoulder. " Hey!" , he said sharply, " were you just going to go in and ignore me!" My mind raced. Was I going to get my ass kicked? Was I going to run away? Was I going to make a smart-ass comment that would increse my chances of getting my ass kicked? I optioned for being apologetic.I realized that this guy knew i was of age but it was his territory and he ruled over it. I also realized that he wanted to F* with me. He admonished me, told me to bring my ID next time and told me I could go in. Inside, it looked like a really cool dive bar. We stayed in the front bar. Apparently there is a back bar with a stage for live music. There was a concert going on but we werent interested, and to avoid paying a cover, we opted to stay in the front. We got a table with extremely uncomfortable stools. The crowd was diverse, the good , the bad and the tattooed. I guess the band playing dictates the crowd, a lot of black clothing alot of tattoos. My friend bought me a beer to make up for almost getting me killed by the bouncer, so I didnt deal with the bartender. They looked the part, and i noticed there was a computer with Youtube on it behind the bar. I wondered the signifigance of that. I had a Guiness to clear the pallate after the Belgian beers we had earlier. I was hungry, and I heard that the burgers were good here. There was a chalkboard advertizing an Olympic Burger, which was basically a souped up cheeseburger served with onion rings instead of fries. (get it! ? Olympic rings) I wanted it. Plus I heard somewhere to always try the special when you go to a new place and may not go again. We called a waitress over and I adored her from the moment she tripped over my friend's bodybag-like backpack. She was cute and friendly and even though she was really busy, gave us her time and didnt rush away. It was loud in there but not so loud that we couldnt have a conversation. Plus , we could hear the music from the concert without having to pay. Suckers! I didnt get the same vibe as in Bridgids, about interacting with other patrons. Everyone basically stayed in their own group. My burger was fantastic. Ill have to go back sometime when i hadnt had 4 beers so i can really enjoy it. The waitress checked on us often. This is not something im used to in the burb bars that are often less busy.It was time to go. As we walked out I passed my friend, the bouncer. He shouted in my direction, " Whats the score!?" I stopped. He said the same thing 2 more times. It wouldnt be wise to ignore him again , but what score? Phillies? Eagles? Me vs Him ( hes winning 1-0) I turned and said, "which score?" He looked at me like an idiot. Of course. the Bluetooth again, i HATE those things. He wasnt talking to me. Why does every outing end with me looking like an ass. Overall I gave it 4stars. I didnt really take any points off for either Bouncer incident, as it was mostly my fault and he was just doing his job. It was a cool place with good food and good service.
(4)
Ken H.
I'm going to break my own rule and review a live music venue based on one night of music Pros (+4) * Great selection of beer & great prices * Cool 'pit' area in front of the stage * Cool bar where you can hear the music and not pay a cover * Cool upstairs where you can look down on the band Cons (-1) * When you think there are 2 bands and a 9:00 show time and you show up around 9:30 figuring the opening band will start a little late and the opening band actually comes on at 10:00 (so bad that the guy behind me asked if the music would get better... as he was ready to chew his own face off), followed by an unannounced band that plays a 45 minute set, followed by the headliners coming on at midnight to a crowd that dwindled signficantly due to the earlier bands. Will I go back - of course. Will I show up much later - hell yeah.
(3)
Tim O.
My favorite bar to see a show. Good selection of beer on tap. Showroom is separate from the bar/dining area, which has a pool table. If I were putting together a list of Philadelphia dives, the place would get an 8 out of 10, not that it's dirty or anything, it just has the feel. A small stage, maybe 20 feet wide. A dance floor recessed a few steps below the regular floor of the room. A bar in the back for the 21+ shows and a balcony and bathrooms upstairs. Saw Yeah Yeah Yeahs here right around the time they put out Fever to Tell. Street Dogs, the Matches, Youth Brigade/Swingin' Utters were some other good ones.
(5)
Tom C.
Ode to North Star Bar- A Haiku Good time drinking, bar tender cool J F A tat food OK stage super small Pros- I liked this place a lot. I liked that it was off the beaten path and I even like it's tiny stage. I think the PBR tallboys were cheap (I think, I really don't remember...it's ok I took a cab people) . Staff were cool and even friendly, enjoyed chatting with everyone. Cons- Parking, although I sneaked into a rock-star spot I could tell I lucked out. The menu looks great and after being underwhelmed by my chicken sandwich, I believe a bit ambitious.
(4)
Andy S.
Great joint, only eclipsed by The Khyber as far as the best dive to see a band in the city (though the NSB has closed the gap a bit). The goods...better than average bar food, more than one bar (though both can be tough to navigate when it gets crowded), pool tables (same negative when crowded), and the upstairs view to see a band can be really cool (though if you aren't up front upstairs, you are SOL as far as seeing anything). Sound is like every other place...sometimes good, sometimes not. The bads...neighborhood used to be a dump, but it was getting better...parking can be tough, always felt more crowded than it really was. Still, I saw some fantastic shows here, and the negatives can't rightfully be applied to the venue itself. On my "win" list, for sure.
(4)
Lisa G.
It's an okay venue, though it's pretty small, with odd dimensions (there's steps in the audience, which allows people to sit). The sound was average. The bathroom situation is what killed it for me. There's only one men's and one women's downstairs. Not sure about upstairs. They ran out of tp in the women's even before the show started. If you're gonna have live music, you need to be prepared for a large number of people.
(2)
JEAN S.
Great place for happy hour. They have a decent draft list. My bf and I bundled up and trekked here during one of the many snow days this winter and drank ourselves warm and filled up on bbq wings and cheese fries for under $20. The bar area is your standard bar but the dining room has absolutely no atmosphere at all. There seemed to only be one server working and she seemed to be either new-ish or not very good at her job. Bathroom lacked both toilet paper and paper towels on our visit.
(3)
Ryan P.
Went to see a band here last week...and a group of us went to Happy hour/dinner: We heard they got a new chef! So I noticed that the wings are so much better and bigger/meatier- Huge plus since I love wings Then about and hour later we got dinner: My friends got: Burgers, Mac and cheese, pulled pork, and I got Mahi Mahi (it is supposed to be a wrap, but I just got it on a bed of lettuce! Everything was great. I am excited since this neighborhood bar is in my brother's backyard...we will be back much more now!
(5)
Kimberly H.
Unlike everyone else, I go to North Star just to hang out. I've never made my way into the part with the stage, honestly, simply because I prefer to be near the bar. BUT I do know that they have some pretty awesome acts all the time ranging from teeny weeny to pretty darn large. I eat here. I think this place has some of the best food in the area and, as Bill M. mentioned, an exceptional beer menu that's very reasonably priced. Burgers, chicken sandwiches, veggie versions of their food are what I eat and recommend. They have some pretty bangin' fries, too. Oh! And the bartenders are always really cool, too. I've never had a problem getting a drink or getting attitude or any bar BS. Just an FYI: If you have Philly Car Share and drive up there they have a PCS parking spot in their lot, too. (Lot is little, park on street.)
(4)
itasha c.
I am a big fan of this place.I love the atmosphere and the bands. The food is good, and the drinks are better. Great crowd and the bartenders are awesome.
(5)
Adam C.
I got the opportunity to support a local band by entering this Fairmount hot spot. If you want a change from spaces like Johnny Brenda's or Khyber or Trocadero or Vox Populi or Barbary or TLA or Electric Factory or Transit (OOOOOPPPSS! They be closed yo!) or Tritone or Bob & Barbara's or Avenue Q or the guy who peed himself at the corner of 8th & Bainbridge... Oh you've been paying attention. So anyway, this is the only venue that's way out on the north west end of the city and a hop skip and jump to the infamous Eastern State Penitentiary if you want to rock out with your wahjiggadeehuh?!?! out with a bunch of prison ghosts... Be my guest you FREAK!!! I wouldn't suggest it. But I do suggest you bringing your combat boots for some serious thrashing in this place... Or whatever ails you? There is always creative new faces playing, screaming, goofing, or Tim and Ericing (EW!!!??!!?!) here. Even the guy who wore that striped green shirt from Blue's Clues performed here under the name Steven Burns, which is his real name and his album unrelated to that kid's programming is actually quite good. Ok, I'll quit geeking here. But again geek away b/c for the most part there isn't much hate here to say the least. You're a star at the North Star... Only if you're in the band or know the band or paying a round of drinks or tipping your bartenders or you're not drinking and have to be the D/D to take the rest of the puke-machines home. You're not just a star... YOU'RE A SUPERSTAR!!! ...actually you just have a freakin' overload of patience and I commend you but at the same time pity you for not having a beer you creepy uptight "I found Jesus in my Fruit Loops" never kissed anyone but his mom weirdo!!! Sorry got to log off now. My mom needs to check her facebook. ;)
(4)
Natalie M.
So living on the other side of the river by the zoo, I'm always excited when I don't have to go any further into Center City than the Fairmont area for fun. I've been meaning to try out the North Star Bar for years and last night was finally the night! A favorite band for NYC was coming down to play with some local Philly bands, so why not? Gotta say, I was really pleased. The location is great; it's far enough from the madness of the area that there is plentiful parking (and a small lot) but not so far that you fear for your life going to and from your car. The venue is broken into a bar area and the show area. The stage and sound system were all pretty reasonable and the staff was helpful! There were decent beers on tap and the food was decent too. I'd definitely come back!
(4)
Sarah B.
Their food is good an fairly cheap, the bar is authentic and unpretentious, and the music is great. For such an oddly-shaped room (long and narrow, split by a balcony right in front of the stage) the sound quality is admirably good. This is a good place to see bands that, five years from now, you will have to pay thirty or forty bucks to see at a larger, crappier venue.
(4)
Dane T.
Nice place to catch a show. The happy hour is good. 4 for $1 wings and half price drafts. I miss the pool table but overall the staff is good and the crowd is chill. Good place to have a drink in fairmount.
(4)
Kristen S.
I really like this place. Good food (love the yummy vegetarian options!), fun atmosphere, great music, nice servers. Great to have in the neighborhood.
(4)
y r.
the menu is a wasteland for vegans. only item my vegan boyfriend and i could eat on the menu was a tofu sandwich, so we ordered two. around an hour later, the waitress finally brings our dinner--one sandwich. oops! but it's not her fault, it's ours. she insists we ordered only one sandwich--even though we were two people there for dinner--and then proceeds to give us flack for giving her the wrong order! if only she had apologized, took responsibility for HER mistake, but no. flustered, hungry, and unsure what to do, we placed an order for another sandwich, knowing that we would likely be sitting there for another hour waiting for it. (seriously, how long can it take the chef to slap together a tofu sandwich? and especially for customers whose order the waitress screwed up?) i would hope she would have insisted our order be placed at the head of the list, but no. so then we dig into our paltry little single sandwich, now cold. man did it suck. the tofu was UNSEASONED. there was no mustard or other condiment. and maybe a piece of lettuce. disgusted--and still hungry!--we decided not to bother waiting for a second round of the same, and left (don't worry, we paid first). what an awful dining experience. oh, and the beer is also overpriced.
(1)
L B.
Went here for the first time last night and loved it! I didn't have any food, so I wasn't able to give them five stars, but I certainly don't have any complaints. Any bar that has Dogfish Head's 60 minute IPA on tap (or even in bottles) is alright in my book. I wasn't expecting such a solid draught list. The other thing that impressed me was the size and sound in this place. I got a beer at the bar in the front and hung out for a few minutes, thinking that my buddy's band hadn't started playing yet. Then I wandered into the back and saw that they'd been playing all along. I couldn't believe I hadn't heard them playing right on the other side of the wall! I'd definitely go to more shows here.
(4)
Thommy S.
Great spot indeed... like a few things about this place for different reasons and at different times... I've been to shows here and have had amazing times... also love to shoot pool here during their bangin happy hours! Last time I was in here was awhile ago I but none the less a memorable time at happy hour- unaware of the band that was packing in early for sound check I turn around to walk out and catch a smoke when Tom Morello was walking in playing with his solo project The Nightwatchmen!
(4)
Zig Z.
In followup to Jan T below regarding band startup times: I just called to try to pin them down on a startup time, was extremely persistant yet kind to the employee I spoke to, and learned that they are absolutely forbidden, and resistant, to putting out that information. The message is" we don't know anything, we cannot tell you if there are any opening acts, we don't want to give you any helpful clue whether the act you want to see will be on stage before midnight on a worknight, because, frankly, we'd like all of you to show up at 8 pm when we list the starting time so you will spend money on drinks and food all night" This is a SHITTY ATTITUDE and UNJUSTIFIABLE in light of the fact that a fairly hefty cover charge exists. Why not just f--'in helping out your customer a little with information that you obviously possess? Why all the secretism? As if you didn't negotiate a start time with your band? I play in a band and know damned well that DOES NOT HAPPEN. They need to cut the Bullshit and just be honest.
(1)
Barbara W.
if i could i would give the north star bar, one star for service and food and 4 or 5 stars for a live show venue. i'll start with the negative. a few weeks ago, my boyfriend and i went to see a show at the north star. beforehand i decided we should check out their food. (i've been trying to find the place with the best nachos.) i called twice in the week beforehand about parking, show start time, etc. on one call, the fella was very pleasant - didn't really have alot of the answers i was looking for, but very nice. the next call i made closer to the date, the gal who answered was abrupt and dismissive. i hate that! so the night of the show - the bar and back room were crowded. there was one waitress. and from what i hear there is an upstairs room also. i don't know if they had a separate waiter/waitress or if the one downstairs was also doing upstairs. it took forever to get drinks (we gave up on ordering beers from our waitress and went to the bar) and then took over 30 minutes to get our food. we were told there was only one person in the kitchen. it was a friday night - i don't understand why they were so short staffed or if this is how they always run their business. and the food was just ok - nothing to write home about. also, the place smelled bad. i'm sure it's years of mold that would have been covered up by cigarette smoke in the past. on the positive side - i liked the venue for seeing bands! the bartender was great in the show room (the ones at the front had been short). she did a better job of handling the crowd at her bar. since i hadn't seen this band live, i watched from the floor. in the future i want to watch a band from the balcony. i also liked the art work they had hung in the back room. the door guy was nice. he never yelled or got short with the smokers when he repeated had to ask folks to move around the corner, so we didn't disturb the neighbors. i would go the north star again to see a show, but i will definitely pick another location for a meal beforehand.
(3)
Kathleen T.
just like forrest gump's dumb-assed box of chocolates, with the north star you never know what you're gonna get. did i actually use forrest fucking gump in a review? yes. i did. when the north star antes up and gets solid sound, folks, then maybe i'll de-forrest this review.
(2)
anthony P.
I saw Fall out boy here last night. Been meaning to go for some time, my sister always raved about the place. Its got the old-school dive feel. But i like the 50's wallpaper and small stage. If you're a dude the bathrooms are ok (sorry ladies)...it just has a great vibe, like something cool definately has and will go down here. The beer selection is great. and the prices especially during happy hour are good. if you go try the jerk wings and have a Rouge or Yards...mostly make sure you see some music. places like this should be supported so they stay open
(4)
Melissa M.
I spent a rainy Sunday evening in the North Star Bar with my friend Leanimal, her roommate and a local drunk named Al playing cards. There was some live music going on in the other room, but from what we heard calling it 'music' is a bit generous, although the people preforming were most definitely alive. As far as dive bars go this one had no special characteristic (besides the live 'music,' I guess) to separate it out from all the other dives along Poplar street. I will say they were letting underage kids in to go to the show, which does give them some extra dive-bar points, but not enough to push it over the top. Since we were playing cards, Leanimal kept trying to turn the lights up, and the waitress kept dimming them. Which we did not understand, because we were the only people in the bar who were not at the 'concert.' After a few rounds of this game the waitress finally told us that the owner has cameras all over the place and watches the feed at his house, and he was calling in and saying that the lights in the back were too dim. WTF? The owner of the bar sits at home and watches live feed of the back room of the bar? I'm guessing some pretty shady stuff goes on here after closing hours. The PBR pounders were cheap and the french fries were greasy, but there is really nothing too spectacular about this place to warrant a return visit. Oh, also, their website claims that they are 4 blocks from the Philadelphia Art Museum. If by 4 they really mean 15 then they are correct.
(2)
Dave J.
Happy hour is the cheapest in the neighborhood and it's two and a half hours long. The beer selection is continuously rotating and North Star is one of the few bars that always seems to carry a micro porter or stout on tap. The food is surprisingly good considering it's served in a paper basket. Overall my favorite bar in the Fairmount neighborhood and only loses points because they don't show sports on the tele, but that's not their shtick.
(4)
Nija T.
Always heard great reviews about it so I decided to check it out. It was like super dark in there. There main lighting was these tiny candles on the tables. I couldn't even read the menu. So I left. Maybe in the day its better and less "too cool to have lights"
(2)
Tom D.
I've lived in the Fairmount area for 3 years. I have been telling myself I needed to get this place; and now, finally, I've been, and I am impressed. Fun vibe, great prices, decent eats, nice folks, everything you'd want in a local bar. But wait, it's a venue? Oh yea, that's why I wanted to come here. I had lots of fun and I expect to be back.
(4)
David T.
Dirty, loud, sticky floors, crappy, rundown venue. if that's your thing more power to you. I can't stand the place.
(2)
Melanie M.
My fiance and I absolutely love to go to the North Star! The food is delicious, in particular the Beer Muscles! The bar always has a rotating tap of strong & tasty beers, no Miller or Bud here! The servers & bartenders are very friendly & helpful. Absolutely, positively check out the North Star!
(5)
Russ C.
I'll be the first to admit that I was wrong. I had my doubts about the North Star, after all from what I had heard about it (indie music and hipsters), NS is not exactly my scene. However, after a long night there, I was pleasantly surprised. My friend (Kyle R. who also reviewed) wanted to see "We Are Scientists" and did not want to miss a minute of the action. So we got there around 8 and watched three bands play before "WAS." I'd say of the three; 1 was good, 1 was bad, and 1 was average. I was relatively unfamiliar with We Are Scientists, but the intimacy of the club made it fun and enjoyable. The North Star is a great place to chill or to see a band. I recommend standing on the balcony to watch a show, its a great perspective. **Also, a few months ago John Legend quietly showed up here and played some of his new songs** so you never know what you're gonna get.
(4)
duocorn i.
Talk about an intimate setting for a show. North Star is my favorite place to see live music in Philly. I saw Pinback there in May and we were literally two feet from the stage. Even if we had decided to stand in back, we would have only been about ten feet away. There is also a balcony upstairs, where you can almost reach down and touch the top of a band member's head...if you want to. These are some of the acts they've had this year: Pinback, Dick Dale, Sound Team with Cold War Kids and Midlake and the French Kicks will be playing there in October. northstarbar.com It's also a bar, which means you have to be 21 and older.
(5)
Catherine G.
We journeyed to Philly from New York for a show by our friend's band, Von Hayes, and I have to say it certainly gives the Mercury Lounge a run for its money. First of all, we rolled up and somehow the bouncer was so dumb that he let my boyfriend go past without paying the cover. That's an extra $8 with which to drink! Best. There's a front bar area, a middle room with tables and stuff, and then a large separate music room with a bar in the back, which also has tables -- so unusual. But great. And the stage is SO HIGH off the ground, it has to make for excellent sightlines when a band plays that draws more than 20 people. I wouldn't know. But it's a pretty good guess. And the drink prices were pretty good as I recall. I really have not even the tiniest beef with the North Star. Good job, Philly! Five stars.
(5)
John P.
They have good shows here, was there last night actually. I'd give it 4 stars, but the bouncers here can be real jerks sometimes. My one friend couldn't get into a show once because his license just expired. He's like 30 years old too...seriously thats just lame.
(3)
Cherie C.
Small, friendly bar with a back room where you can catch some great live music.
(4)
Brian C.
North Star is a great little venue to see a band. I've been fortunate enough to catch some pretty awesome acts come through here - the kind of acts that end up making it huge a year later, and never play small intimate shows like you'll find here. The sound is pretty consistent, and you shouldn't have trouble hearing anything... they like to crank it up (that said, earplugs are recommended). The beer list is actually pretty decent for a music venue - somewhat similar to Johnny B's. I came here a couple weeks ago and tried the food for the first time. They have a happy hour w/ 25 cent wings, so I gave those a try... they were pretty dinky, but I was satisfied after 10 of them and a basket of fries. Keep in mind - There is a dining area upstairs if there's no seating available downstairs. There are 2 bars - one in the main entrance, and one in the back in the performance area. There is also a bathroom, where the balcony is. Overall, I really like North Star, and always have a good time.
(4)
Christina C.
So I headed to this place last Thursday and was greeted with the typical 'ID?' It was going to be my first visit tagging along with some friends who frequent there. But no go as the sad loser at the door decides to stop me claiming my ID was not on his 'special list' of permitted IDs. It was an Australian driver's licence with the full photo sch-bang... And in my 13 months in Philly my 'authentic' ID has never been an issue in any bar... for goodness sake it allows me to get on planes and fly interstate..! This deuchbag at the door goes on to tell me that I need my passport instead..(what a ridiculous notion--- it's a dive bar!! as if I would wander around with my passport!!) and tell me about how he can end up in jail with a $5000 fine if he let's me in....(here's a nickel.. tell someone who cares...). Seriously, does this entail this loser's one moment of excitement for the day? Ok- so my bug bear is with this clown and not the bar itself as I never did get to have a 'non-alcoholic lemonade' there...
(1)
Erica Jade L.
Probably the best venue to catch a band in Philly. They must have a great booking agent because a lot of the bands who play here end up getting huge within a year. Go weekly - you're bound to witness the next big thing.
(5)
Katie L.
again... this place really depends on what band you're going to see and what you enjoy seeing. the beer isn't that expensive, but I guess they can get away with it being a venue bar. strange crowd otherwise. hands down. strange.
(3)
Nikki R.
Great food! I am a huge fan of the mac and cheese and their burgers. The food specials always look super yummy and they have good deals for happy hour (5-7pm). The wait staff is super friendly and on point--I didnt have to ask for napkins or refills. Their draft list is impressive and you can carry out 6 packs. Havent been here for a show yet, but am looking forward to doing so in the future. Oh, and they have a (smallish) parking lot! Sweet! My only gripe is that there were no paper towels/hand dryers in the bathroom, leaving me to use toilet paper....we all know how that goes.
(4)
Colin C.
i'm not a local, and i do not claim any cred with this. i just went to a concert there. well, i went to see pwolf, and so i guess you could say that I fell in love at north star... not with north star, though. duh. sigh. p wolf! nervous about the bouncers because of some of the other reviews, i was super polite, and they seemed fine... i think they are just tapped into the citywide aggression-network and will respond to any sass with a smackdown. a friend and i had a few beers, which was affordable at $5 for one from the tap, and this was not happy hour, and they had some nice selections like yards and rogue ale. the concert was intimate in their stage area, with plenty of lurid eye-contact with the sexy musicians, and it is easy to stalk them as they enter and exit the stage. My big minus for this place is that as my friend and i tried to stalk the musicians at the end of the concert, the bouncers were adament about clearing us out of the stage area, thereby separating us from our stalkees... sigh. maybe next tour.
(4)
Cindy F.
So I recently moved to Philadelphia from San Francisco and have yet to do my share of exploring around the city. I went to North Star to meet up with some friends, and I am happy to say it was the first bar in the Fairmount neighborhood I have tried out. The place seemed like a total locals bar. It was much bigger than it appeared from the outside and apparently had a music venue inside as well. I didn't get to stay for long and only had one drink. As most bars do, this one had a minimum $15 credit charge. Since I only had one drink, the very considerate bartender (Kate was her name I think) let me pay with my credit card w/0 making a big deal. Great service and good atmosphere, I will definitely return!
(5)
Danny M.
I went here to see a band that I've been listening to a lot recently. I enjoyed the place and show. Had a good meal...Mac N Cheese was the star for me but the North Star burger held it's own as well. Doors to the venue were to open at 9 but didn't open until 9:15. I normally wouldn't care about a 15 min delay but our crew and 80% of all of the other people who attended the show were there around 8:30. So the bar/restaurant side where they make you wait in line to go into the venue side was shoulder to shoulder packed with 1 bartender. Waited about 10 mins per drink. The venue should open its doors once a crowd starts to form in the bar part just so that people are not packed in like that. Once the venue doors opened and the crowd was now split between the venue and the bar/restaurant side then it was enjoyable/comfortable. The next downside came when we walked into the venue side and attempted to get a drink at the venue bar which also had just one bartender...this time a 15 min wait. Ugh. I truly believe that all of this waiting around had to do with just being understaffed. I noticed that halfway through the show both bars had 2 bartenders and the flow of service for drinks was now normal. Both the front and back bars should of had 2 bartenders from the very start of the night. Especially for a show on a Saturday night. I pondered about whether to give 4 stars or 3 and I went with 3 just because of the long wait at the bars. That's one of the most annoying things ever when you go out. Here's my 5-9 dollars per drink....thanks for making me wait 15/20 mins to buy them. Other than this service issue I loved this place and it's vibe.
(3)
Tim H.
I love this place. The atmosphere is always appropriate, service is good, and selection is good. Not fantastic selection, but good.
(4)
Erik W.
Went back a second time last week and had an even better time than the first (perhaps because I knew what I was getting into). Spent way more time at the bar, and realized exactly how kick-ass their beer selection is. I ordered 20 of their wings at happy hour, and they were BANGIN', yo! The sound was a bit better this time, not quite as loud, and I could hear the instruments better. Perhaps it's hit-or-miss in that place, which I guess is par for any venue. Got another way-friendly waitress this time, and the bartenders were courteous and friendly. I'll be back!
(4)
Daniel P.
The first time I came to the North Star Bar, I swore I would never come back. Two years later, my friends are performing there at a relatively high-profile show. So here I am. My experience has changed a lot since those two years have passed. Originally, my friends and I thought the people at the North Star Bar were rude and unpleasant. The show was excessively loud. They had issues with us promoting our group at the show, even though we brought a lot of people and drummed up a lot of hype for the band (Anamanaguchi, both shows). They were charging people double or triple for re-entry (People were taking smoke breaks, trying to get away from the heat and noise and then finding they weren't allowed back in). Overall, this time, the staff was wonderful, even gracious toward us. 8Static had table space and could promote freely, we also helped run parts of the event, so there is that. NSB still didn't allow re-entry, which is horrible for a sold out show, and it got sweaty and nasty for a while. But the ticketing situation would have made it impossible for them to keep track of re-entry this time as well so in their defense they did what they could. It would be nice for them to find a solution to that. I did not grab food there, either time. But a lot of us did grab drinks and everything was hunky dory. They put up with us a lot later than they had to after the show while we tried to figure out ride arrangements. It was great. Based on this experience, I would happily come back, and even recommend it.
(3)
Peter K.
This place is terrible. Do NOT come here for the food or the service. Hummus was chunky with stale pita. The mac and cheese was cold. And the fries were clearly not seasoned and they came with a side of a flavorless aioli/sauce. We came tonight (12/15/13) and the waitress was extremely rude and never checked on us. We ordered our drinks from the bar. We had to walk up to her to ask for a menu. We had to walk up to her again to order our food. And then we waited for 30-40 min for the food I just described above. I have no intention of ever coming here again.
(1)
Dan C.
I am a musician and play at North Star frequently. Always love playing shows there. Huge stage, good sound guys, quality acts. Sound quality in the audience really depends on where you stand, but watching from the balcony is a cool view. Always great beer on tap. Food when I've had it is pretty good. I really want to get to a happy hour at some point.
(5)
Jane G.
This place has some serious attitude. Of course you expect a little bit of that ...we are in Philly after all, but I rather of not heard the head chef bitching cause I placed a food order. The bar tender had serious attitude and was happy to serve watered down drinks containing little to no actual alcohol. This is the oldest trick in the book if you have a rowdy bar crowd, but for a well behaved good paying customer ...no excuse is good enough. Oh yeah and don't go upstairs, dark, dirty, and depressing.
(1)
Lindsay D.
To begin, I've been to North Star for happy hour before and had a good experience. This review is predominantly for the bar as a concert venue. I went with a group of friends to see a pretty well-known band for a pretty reasonable price, so I was pumped about the show. The bad experience began right off the bat. None of our seven tickets scanned properly by the guy at the door. He proclaimed that it was "impossible" for the ticket scanner to malfunction, implying that we were trying to sneak into the show. We had to wait outside for about twenty minutes for manager to arrive, only to hear that we were fine to enter the show. No apology or anything for the accusations. After we got in, we realized we couldn't buy alcohol in the concert section - maybe because it was an all-ages show? Either way, that was a bummer following our twenty minutes of waiting outside. As for the actual show, the main room consists of a main floor and a balcony. The balcony is quite large, but you can't actually see anything at all unless you are hanging over the edge of the rail...meaning that most of the balcony was wasted space. From the bottom level, it was also really difficult to see because the wasted balcony space created a really low ceiling, really limiting the view if you were standing more than about 80 feet back from the stage. I love standing room only, small venues because of the intimacy that type of environment creates, but the layout at North Star was really just more frustrating since it was so difficult to actually see anything. Overall, the band was good and the price was reasonable. However, I wouldn't go back because of the layout and negative customer service experience.
(2)
J W.
Great, intimate venue for rock shows. Their daily happy hour rules. Half off drafts and the $5 mussels from 5-7 are tough to beat. The service blows sometimes, but it hasn't kept me from coming back almost weekly. The one waitress cards us and introduces the specials as if she's never seen us before every single time we go. Maybe we're just forgettable like Ann from Arrested Development? Doubt it. I tried the North Star Burger here once and it was really quite mediocre. Overcooked and flavorless. The hummus leaves much to be desired as well. For me, it'll be happy hour beer, mussels, and hot wings exclusively from now on. Oh, and rock & roll, too. --------- Update: They changed their happy hour price to $3 drafts across the board instead of half off. Still a great deal considering the great crafts they have on tap. Also of note: they accept credit cards but have a $15 minimum.
(3)
Bill G.
North Star is a neighborhood icon. I started going there 20 years ago when I first got married and we lived in the city a couple blocks away. The food is Ok, the drinks are reasonable and the live music is usually good. It is a younger feel and is kind of a dive but if your looking to hang out at a landmark then you could do worse.
(3)
Marissa R.
I finally went to this place for the first time, and it was a much smaller and more intimate venue than I had imagined! The beer/liquor selection and prices were really good, and the food looked tasty! The staff were super helpful for all of my "needs" during the show that I attended... and I had a really awesome time overall. I'll be back. Thanks, North Star, for a really fun time!!
(5)
M. M.
The most impressive thing about this "gourmet dive" bar and music room is the caliber of acts it manages to attract to its fairly small stage. Some pretty big or buzzy names play here (Wino, J. Mascis, Watt), albeit sometimes with a lineup or experimental project that's not the big concert draw for the particular act (but if you're a fan you don't care, of course). The ticket prices aren't bad, the sound is OK and the bar is decent enough that if you're a bit of a beer geek like me you can find something ok to drink, although the selection doesn't knock my socks off. They also serve food but to be honest, unless I needed a bite before the show or cheese fries during, I probably wouldn't drive all the way into this neighborhood just to eat. The block the North Star is on is OK (and appears to have gotten better over the last few years), but there are still plenty of shady looking blocks around, and given that the North Star parking lot is small and often gets full, finding parking on the very narrow parked-up surrounding streets can be difficult. There are lots of good places to chow down that are easier to access. And the food itself, while again, decent, isn't showstopping - it's just bar food, kind of gussied up. Probably meant to attract neighborhood habitues who like to eat. Sound for the gigs is OK and I like to watch from up in the balcony where there are also bathrooms, but one thing that's conspicuously lacking is any kind of seating up there, such as couches and chairs. At most little clubs, the balcony area, particularly the part that you can't see the stage from, is often turned into a cozy lounge, a la the TLA and the Note. North Star's balcony is dead empty, doesn't even have a table and chairs, and thus wastes space since no one is going to stand in an area where they can't see the band playing. There are tables and chairs - the hard, uncomfortable, sit and drink your beer variety - in the downstairs part of the club, but some loungey couches or armchairs upstairs would be pretty easy and make it a lot nicer to hang out.
(3)
gordon e.
Went here for the Shiny Toy Guns concert. I go here pretty regularly. North Star can be dark, crowded and noisy. If that's what you are in the mood for, they have good drinks and good food. No complaints there. My only complaint is that their concert management staff made a weird situation really unpleasant. The week before the concert, I bought seven concert tickets from the bar, and paid cash. When our group tried to get inside the doorman told me that my tickets had already been scanned, and asked that we pay agan to get inside. I explained that something in their system must be wrong. He said it was "impossible" that our tickets were legitimate, and he told me to back off when I was trying to explain what happened. We waited 10 minutes in the cold before the manager showed up. He explained that their ticketing system was on the fritz, confirmed that our tickets were on a list, and let us inside. No apology from the doorman or the manager. Not the end of the world, but for the out of town guests, it wasn't a good way to start the evening. Entirely avoidable with some good old-fashioned customer service. Boo north star. Don't be dicks to music lovers who bring six friends.
(2)
MC M.
Um, yeah. Here are some turn-offs for me: 1. An overpriced menu. 2. A room so dark you can't see the plate and so loud you can't hear across the table. 3. Getting my food about forty-five minutes later, nearly cold. The ~super artsy~ pornography in the next room over just really made it for me. OH MY GOD NAKED WOMEN HOW EDGY NORTH STAR SHIT. I HAVE NEVER SEEN GROTESQUE NAKED WOMEN BEFORE.
(2)
John R.
Decent food, good selection of draughts, terrible event management, bearable acoustics, friendly people, and overall a decent place to settle in for a mediocre night. If you're thinking of playing here, I've had only terrible experiences. The last time I played here, we had to leave for a friend's surprise birthday party at midnight the night of our show. We asked the door man if there was any pay for the event, and he said that we would have to wait for the end of the show in order to sign a contract to be paid. Not trying to do that, we asked how much it would be, and the door man 'estimated' about 5-10 dollars for the entire band. Now, in my experience, the person working at the door has only one job: to know how much money is coming in. Later in the evening, we received a text from one of the other bands letting us know that we had actually earned $60. This would have been a nice addition to our recording fund and worth waiting another hour. We played for their venue, we brought them beer-loving customers, and we spent money at the bar for drinks; yet, they did not even have the courtesy to give us to money that we earned. I don't play for an extremely popular band, but we are very closely connected with the following that we have. They've lost both an act and a friendly customer base due to this underhandedness.
(3)
Danielle P.
Wow, what a find in Fairmount! I went to a concert here (Shiny Toy Guns -- awesome band, check them out) and got there early for happy hour and some food. It's a tiny and very cozy bar area but has ample seating in the back for food, which I highly recommend getting! It was the weekend before Hurricane Sandy and they had a fitting drink special for $4... a Dark & Stormy. My fiance and I shared hot wings which were some of the best wings I've ever had. They were plump, juicy, not overly greasy, and the sauce was a perfect balance of spice and buttery goodness. My fiance ordered the mac and cheese which he said was DELICIOUS. It had some white cheddar and American cheese action going on, with bread crumbs on top. The bartenders were super friendly and went out of their way to create my favorite drink: a Sloe Comfortable Screw. It's a screwdriver with Southern Comfort and Sloe Gin in it. Amazing. I will definitely be coming back here for the service, food, and ambience!
(4)
Eisha C.
I am a big fan of this place.I love the atmosphere and the bands. The food is good, and the drinks are better. Great crowd and the bartenders are awesome
(4)
Jake S.
Great place to watch some live music in Fairmount. Stage on one end, bar on the other. Plenty of room to get around, and the bartender was attentive. I lived here for a year and only went once, I was missing out.
(5)
Dustyn C.
A dark, inviting live music bar in a mildly sketchy neighborhood. The tap list always has something I want to drink, the few times I've eaten the food it was surprisingly good. The best part of this bar is the customers. I've had a lot of nice interactions with friendly people inside this bar. If you're the type of guy who goes to a bar with a stage out of sheer curiosity and desire for adventure, the seemingly schizophrenic booking that happens here could be right up your alley. Many times, I've seen three or four bands take turns on this stage during an evening who had only one thing in common musically, which was that they were all performing artists. You never really know what your're going to get if you don't already know what you're getting into. Sometimes that is exactly what you want, and North Star is your bar.
(4)
Monica S.
Last time I was here was to see The Bird and The Bee (best duo ever). In the past, I've never been able to enjoy a show here because I've been towards the back of the room or someone's spilled an entire beer on me or I lost a shoe. So there I was, woe-is-me-style when I saw TBATB was playing at North Star. "I'm never going to enjoy it," thought I to myself. Either succumb to defeat or devise a plan. I felt like a champion on that particular day, so I went with the latter. I got to the show early. Well, early enough. My friends and I squeezed our way towards the front and had an awesome time. Inara George (lead singer of TBATB) is mesmerizing. If you have a chance to see her, please go. So, what have we learned? If you really care about the performer, get to shows early so you have a good view. Sure, this goes for any venue, but North Star is a stand out in the awkward room category. If you can work out the early arrival, you're in for a treat.
(3)
Randi S.
Ok sooo I'm torn. I had a banging time at Northstar last night at the Mimosa show as I whipped unsuspecting glow stick wielding 22 yr olds in the face with my sweat drenched hair (que Willow Smith). But I can't say my good time was due to Northstar's menu (though I do thank them for booking an awesome show). BUUTTTTT... the food. Dude. Come. On. I had the Chorizo flatbread, well I mean I took a few bites. Putting 7 slices of spicy Jimmy Dean sausage on a piece of dough with a few red onions and no sauce ain't a Chorizo flatbread nah mean? So then I had a mad case of food envy and starting picking at a friend's mac and cheese. Hey so uh last time I checked there are two main ingredients in mac and cheese; macaroni noodles and cheese. Well, one ingredient was missing, cheese. None. It tasted like oily butter noodles that you serve a 4 yr old picky eater. I need to start keeping the Kraft orange cheese powder packets in my purse for such occasions. Not impressed. At that point I felt like a mooching ass Goldilocks.... I had to try baby bear's hot wings. "Juuuuusssstttt right". Kudos. So all in all, I did have a great time at Northstar despite a few subpar entrees. I'll be back I'm sure but will definitely order something else.
(3)
Ron C.
I can't believe that I have only been to the North Star twice but what a cool venue. Went last Saturday night to see Fishbone (one of the greatest live acts ever!) and had a blast. The venue is small and intimate but the sound can be crappy if you are up front (we were). Both times I have been here (the first for Ruder Than You, The Pietasters and the Toasters last Halloween) the place is so small that you can talk to the artists as they always seem to be hanging around out front or in the bar area. Ticket prices are reasonable and they always host the up and coming or the niche bands that might not draw in a larger venue. Great selection of beers on tap at reasonable prices for a concert hall. Haven't had any food here but might try it in the future. Looking forward to my next show here.
(3)
Kristan P.
mac and cheese was tastey. Can't beat the happy hour deals. The show we saw (shiny toy guns) was awesome. However, I've been to plenty pubish places in philly that manage to have a bit better service and more seating.
(3)
Jen K.
Awesome dive. This bar has been here FOR-EV-ER, and used to be just the one building, with music in the rear (back before most of ya'll even moved to Philly, or were in diapers for that matter). They expanded into the building next door, which is now the music venue. The sound isn't so great, and the balcony view is a joke, but you don't really care about that part. You care about seeing your band with only about 50 other people max in this small venue. And you can care about it and be underage, which is good for the kiddies. This is one of my favorite places to see a show. And you can chat with the musicians before and after while they're smoking out front. Good beer selection, not overpriced. Awesome happy hour. The food is surprsingly good here, although I've caught the cook on off-nights too. Stir fried shrimp- 2 thumbs up. The regular adorable bar tender, who gave me an umbrella on my rainy birthday, is always a sweetheart.
(5)
Elizabeth D.
North Star is a pretty rough and tumble concert/event space and bar in our neighborhood. They have a great beer list that's reasonably priced. The bartenders are really friendly and it's a lot of fun seeing a show here.
(4)
Georgia K.
Went there last night to see Sea Wolf. I was really excited about the show, but after waiting through two opening acts and no Sea Wolf in sight, we left early to catch the train home. Website first listed the show at 8 (then 9), but by 11:30 they weren't on! I don't understand the main act not coming on until midnight, especially in a city where mass transit essentially shuts down at midnight. Beer selection was good, staff was non-existent. Maybe an ok place if you live around the corner, but not worth a trek from the northwest on public transit. I won't be going back.
(2)
Erin F.
The first time I visited the North Star was about a month before I moved to town, sometime over the course of the weekend that I decided I was going to move to town. On a brisk October night, my special friend took me to North Star. Halloween was playing on IFC on the TV above the bar. It was then that I knew one thing: I need to get cable asap so I can watch IFC. I had food at North Star for the first time over the weekend after being curious about their menu for a long time. I had a veggie burger - simple, your standard .5" thick patty (I'm guessing not freshly prepared), but with pleasantries like guacomole, cheddar and a ciabatta roll. I wasn't expecting much but it was pretty delicious and no-frills. Would a side of fries been too much to ask? Probably not, but, as veggie burgers go, it was decent. The service leaves a little something to be desired but no major issues there, the music venue is bigger than you'd expect, and the new upstairs looks great and surprisingly fancy, but is probably only put to use when the downstairs is overflowing and busy. The North Star is the closest bar to my apartment (unless you count the weird pub at the corner of 24th & Brown), which earns bonus points, the food is good, and the crowd and atmosphere are agreeable. I reccomend.
(4)
Rhonda E.
Went there for a show but I had never been there before. I expected a kind of Divey joint with a limited menu and beer list. Not so. We got there early and I was able to get a nice IPA without any hassle. The food was good as well. I"m always a sucker for french fries done well. The staff was friendly and very amenable considering how loud the show venue was. I'd come back for a happy hour or a meal here in the future.
(4)
Ian G.
I saw Pete Yorn play here once, very intimate. It' gets a favorable rating because you can get close to the artist. It's a decent place to see up and coming bands or maybe they should be called bands that will never make it. Good Prices to see Live Music. Your not going to catch major acts here but it's good to go to a show blind once in a while.
(3)
Jenna S.
(I swear this is a completely un-biased opinion of North Star Bar.) I've been going to this place for quite awhile. Even since before I became a lush in my hey day. They still offer all ages shows and it's a great place to see your friends' bands play. On occasion, you'll catch a fairly big-named band that you least expect to play a venue like the North Star. Great beer selection and I hear their happy hour is pretty effing sweet. Oh, and their one barback is pretty damn cute if you ask me. Maybe next time I'll get him to swoon over me and eventually get him to marry me. Oh wait... that already happened. So stay away, ladies. I'll fight ya. (I told you this opinion was completely un-biased.) (I also lied.) PS - Tip your bartenders!
(5)
Stephen C.
All bars look the same right? Thats the feeling I get. This place looks quite small on the outside but you go in it actually big. Went to see show here and it was an intimate setting if you want to call it that lol. The drinks were reasonable. Though my favorite liquior Chamboard was not available lol. The bottle was on bottom shelf and quite dirty. The bartender advised me not go order that lol, which i complied. It was a good time here. I didnt order any food but it looked mouth watering. This is a place I would visit again for another show. Cheers!!
(3)
Kristine D.
I really like the spaces for live music at the North Star Bar. The Victorian room and the main stage are both really great spaces with a lot of space for a lot of people to come. However, they have got to do something about their bar. The drafts are putrid. I ordered a Yards Brawler and it was almost black in color. But I decided to be nice and deal since the surly bartender already gave my husband the stink eye for sending back his Kenzinger for the exact same reason. He swapped his out for a canned beer, choosing not to gamble on any more of the drafts. I accidentally spilled my beer (really, it was an accident- but also a blessing in disguise since i asked for a canned beer to replace it). The canned beer was $2 less than my draft, and even though the bartender saw me spill it, and we were the only ones at the bar, she still had me pay for the new beer. When I was a bartender, in that situation, I would have just given the patron a beer, and not charged. Accidents happen. I even tipped her an extra dollar for having to clean up my mess. That was the last beer for me that night. I will be back to support the bands they bring in, but I will only buy the canned beers.
(2)
Walter K.
Major disappointment here. Happy hour moved up a half hour and the tiny wings are now three for a dollar. To top it off, they have TVs but can't show phillies game b/c they don't have comcast. Still a goos place for shows but they can't advertise the fact that they have the best happy hour in town, and neither can I.
(3)
Miguel S.
A corner bar that's doing their best to bring in decent bands. It's not perfect (sound is better on some nights than others). They don't book as many acts up my alley as they had in year's past either. But, this joint is classic in a town (and country) that sorely lacks surviving venues of this type, size, charm & with their hearts in the right place.
(4)
Rob R.
The craft beer selection is a perfect fit for this hipster dive bar meets underground music venue. I've had the opportunity to see some of the best performances from some of my favorite bands here. It's small enough to provide some of the most intimate performances yet large enough to carry the sound. I honestly can't think of a better venue I would want to see a band. My hat is off to you North Star. Keep on rockin!
(5)
Josh S.
Came here awhile ago to see a pearl jam cover band. the band kicked ass but it was damn near impossible to get a drink at any of the bars... Lines and lines of thirsty patrons waited and waited but the drinks never came. my wife and i ended up watching the show completely sober !(gasp) Turns out a couple bar tenders called out that night or something like that. overall is was an ok experience...guessing by now they got the Booze flowing again.
(3)
Jessica E.
There is no other venue in Philly quite like the North Star. Between the lamp and the rugs on the stage and the fact that a lot of the musicians enter through the bar, you feel a certain connection to the performance that you miss at a more formal venue. Also, I have never been to a show that has been crowded, which makes me wonder how they stay in business (or if I just pick the unpopular shows), but I certainly like it! Also, you have the option of standing near the stage, sitting at a table, or chilling on the balcony. There is a vibe here that you just do not get at any of the other music venues in Philly. It is comforting and welcoming. For beer, they have a pretty standard selection of micro-brews for a very reasonably price. I have never eaten here, but the menu looked unique and intriguing. I usually go here for shows, but if I were in the neighborhood or just looking for a quiet place to go on a weekend, I would definitely hang out at the bar or perhaps in their new upstairs seating area, which is beautiful. Despite the fact that their are no paper towels in the bathrooms (which, I will admit, is annoying), this is definitely one of my favorite spots in the city and I always look forward to seeing shows here.
(4)
Gandhus M.
I love me some live rock & roll. Especially at intimate venues. I love joints like NSB. It's awesome to see it attract the kinds of bands it does. I've had some kick ass times here and seen some memorable shows here including the Supersuckers &The Black Keys. Haven't been in a while, I was drinking Guinness and Heinekens when I was here last. I gotta get back and see what they are serving these days. I hear they've come a long way. It's in what would be considered Brewerytown, a neighborhood that a decade or two ago didn't attract many visitors. New businesses and youth have helped to turn it around. Even though I don't get down that end very often, that's always good to see. Enter: the Hipster. Hipsters don't bug me like they do a lot of people. I've always found them to be innocuous and harmless. Let's face it, some of the best places to eat and drink are within hipster enclaves. If they're going to help revitalize blighted areas of this city and turn them into something worthwhile, I say have at it. I need to get back to the North Star Bar soon.
(4)
Paul S.
WTF happened to this place? Disorganized box office, overpriced concert tickets, disgruntled staff and overpriced, terrible food. Sante Fe hummus was a chipotle flavored dip that looked about as appetizing as poop on a plate, accompanied by jar olives and a raised kaiser roll for $8. Our poblano Caesar salad was nothing more than a $10 plate of shredded lettuce drowning in lemony dressing that is on par with McDonalds As the song says, "Never going back again"
(1)
Amy S.
Not usually one to write reviews, but I've been coming here for quite some time for Quizzo and keep coming back for a reason. First off, they just revamped the menu and it was awesome. The servers let us know about stuff that we might like based on what we used to order off the old menu, which is great. The servers really get to know the regulars, and guess what? If you're a nice person (and not complaining about the two drink minimum that was enacted because your sorry ass wasn't ordering stuff during Quizzo and taking up a table for 2+ hours that could have been used for someone else), they'll treat you well. Now, in the past, the food was not known for being particularly fast (hence the 4 rather than 5 star rating). But that is in no way the servers' fault, and they have always been very nice and apologetic (even comping us items that took a while). Food itself has been coming out faster and better than ever. Bottom line, treat your servers right and they'll treat you right. Also, great small Quizzo atmosphere with a bunch of regulars that are fun to compete against. If I lived closer to Fairmount, this would hands down be my go-to local bar. Screw Flanders.
(4)
Dan D.
Decent Happy Hour. Their wings here are pretty damn good. The mussels looked awesome, I will be getting them next. Nice little atmosphere.
(4)
Sarah W.
Full disclosure I'm friends with the Amy S. who recently posted a review here. We're on a quizzo team that has been playing at North Star Bar fairly regularly since last fall. I'll keep this review short and sweet, but I just wanted to reiterate Amy's comments about the waitstaff on Monday (quizzo) nights. Erin and Stephen (Steven?) are typically the only two waiters on Monday nights, and the place gets packed for quizzo, but they are always super friendly and on point. When the menu got completely redone (a big improvement btw) a couple of weeks ago, both of them came up to me individually, expressed concern that what I usually order was no longer on the menu, and made suggestions based on what I used to order from the old menu. So not only did the remember what I usually get, but without me even having to ask they were making recommendations for what I might like on the new menu. The food is decent, and the new menu especially is an improvement, but my 5 star rating is 100% due to the service we get every week from Erin and Stephen (sp?).
(5)
Tess G.
Word on the street was that North Star bar got a new menu. Finally tried it out last night, and OMG. I have two words. Nacho. Fries. The food is a great improvement from before. Burgers, sandwiches, and plates to share with an updated, slightly quirky vibe. I had Nacho Fries which were fries covered in cheese, black beans and guac. It tasted SO good and definitely fresh. Looking forward to seeing where the menu goes from here and hoping the Nacho Fries never leave the menu.
(5)
Jason F.
Went here over the weekend - good beers on tap & the burgers were pretty solid. Not hard to get a seat and the bar service was good. Friend and I did not try the small plates, we went straight for the burgers. I had a the habenero chili burger (I know), and it was awesome - my friend had something that was layered with pork belly and a burger. For a Friday night, not crazy packed and I think they have live music, though I have never been there for it. The waitress was pretty busy, but we never wanted for beer or food, so props to her.
(4)
Kimberly B.
Some friends dragged us here for quizzo last night, and it was a great time! The service was wonderful, despite how packed the place was. Our server was attentive and really fast. I never expect much at a place that does stuff like quizzo because I know how hard it is to wait on people during those kinds of events. Everyone's food looked and smelled awesome, though I didn't try anything. I hear that the new menu is so good, and I definitely want to try some food next time I go. The quizzo itself was a blast. I saw that this place is also a music venue, and that seems pretty awesome. The clientele all had a good vibe. I will definitely be back for some more quizzo and maybe a show!
(5)
Chelsea R.
This is not a review of food, beer, or atmosphere. It's a comment on how this Philadelphia music venue treated its local music scene this evening. I do not know what woman was in charge, but she made an absolutely terrible decision when she cancelled four (that's right, four) bands earlier tonight. It is disrespectful to both patrons and musicians to cancel the day of the show. It is just plain rude to do it with just a few hours to spare. Oh, and all this occurred without so much as a call to the bandleaders. Thank you, North Star Bar, for being yet another reason why it is incredibly difficult to play music and make a living in this city. As a Philadelphia musician, as a resident of Fairmount, and as a former supporter of your establishment, I just thought you should know how much you've hurt your own community tonight.
(1)
Emilie R.
Love this place! Great beer selection and their wings are delicious. Awesome happy hour deals too. Whenever Erin is working she makes our experience that much better - she's so sweet and attentive and personable. Stephen is great too! UPDATE JUNE 2015: food menu changed and it's just terrible, they got rid of all of the great HH deals (since when is $1/wing a deal?!), and they never have the AC on during the summer so it's a sweat box.
(1)
Harry E.
QUIZZO QUIZZO QUIZZO! We have a great time here playing quizzo with friends. The happy hour prices are really good for beer and $.50 wings are sadly now the norm... but still a good price. The teriyaki flavor is our favorite very sweet and savory. The beer selection is very crafty, just check the big chalk board and get your selection at a decent price.
(4)
Keith K.
This is more out of frustration then anything else. The last few times I've gone, I am treated rudely by the bartenders. Rolling of eyes and telling me that they won't give me what I want (it was nothing crazy, a new drink cause the old tasted like soap). I used to be a regular and preferred it over era or Sarah's. The menu had changed and instead of coming an explaining to me he rudely said, "it's up on the chaulk board." What's going on?! I used to love this bar. The burger was great, the muscles solid. And the only two servers who made you feel at home where Steven and Erin. Were the greatest. Don't think I'll go again.
(1)
Michael N.
It's a shame, this used to be the go-to spot for indie music in the late 90s and early 2000s. Unfortunately it doesn't seem like they maintained ties with those bookers and a lot of the good shows for a venue of this size are heading over to Johnny Brenda's or Underground Arts. The room also hasn't changed in 10 years, and I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I'll speak for the venue as I've only had a few of the food items and they weren't anything special. The sound in here is ok. The louder the band, the worse it gets. I guess that's somewhat the rooms fault and sometimes the sound guys fault. If you are an out of town band looking to play Philly, I think this is a reasonable spot to shoot for. Unfortunately this area does not get a lot of foot traffic so I wouldn't expect a lot of walk ups. It's also not close to public transportation (other than a spotty bus route) which hurts them even more. I really hope they can turn it around somehow.
(2)
Maria S.
This venue is very big and I had seen a couple of shows here!! Fun and exciting as a place like this goes and a good place for photographs.
(4)
Kelley O.
I've tried so hard to like this place, as it is a staple in the neighborhood, but every time I go there is an issue. Most of the wait staff are less than thrilled to be there and certainly take their time in serving customers. Their wings, if they actually have them, change prices and quality every time. $1 per wing for happy hour? That's not even a deal. They used to have great mussels but now they're not even offered. The menu has been downsized to about 10 overpriced items. The draft deal for happy hour is pretty good, but I can get a Golden Monkey for about the same price at Rybrew. I really wish this place would get their act together because I want to see them do well. They have the potential to be a great bar. That said, the music venue part is great. I enjoy seeing shows there and a lot of great bands have history with NS. Best of luck guys. I'll try back in a few months to see if anything changes.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey, Casual Noise Level : Loud Music : Live Good For Dancing : Yes Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Queen R.
Great sound guy, with an equally superb sound system. Saw Marty Friedman and his band play here, and it was divine! My only quip is the lack of a menu, and no heads up to patrons about the general lack of food. Great staff, and great drafts with great pricing.
(5)Kathleen D.
I came here recently to see the lead singer of my all-time-favorite-band play a solo show. We arrived a bit late and then decided we wanted to get food, so we headed to the seated section of the bar, which was closed off from the all ages show. We sat ourselves after some confusion and then walked up to the board to decide on drinks/food. I chose the Flying Fish Farmhouse and the pulled pork sandwich, and my friend chose the same beer, wings and a heaping pile of fries. The food was great (my friend kept announcing that the wings were among her new all-time favorites), but I don't think I've ever eaten so fast. I kept walking up to the guy manning the doorway to ask him if "the guy" was on yet. Fortunately, the answer was no each time. We made it back inside in time to hear the last part of an opener's set and to move closer to the front. Live and learn -- I'll absolutely eat ahead of time from now on. As for the show itself: Something that would've significantly benefited North Star? Fans. Or AC. Or any type of ventilation. The artist kept repeating throughout his set that it was so beyond hot in the room -- and it was. Like, sweltering hot. Almost unbearable. I think I would've been cranky if I had been there to see any other artist. As for the artist? Poor guy had to keep chugging water between songs. Moving forward, I'll keep the outside temp in mind when considering purchasing tickets here, but otherwise it's a pretty nice little bar/show area, and the sound quality was good. Plus it's only a few blocks walk away from me, so that's always a positive!
(3)Dori H.
Man. Back in the day, I used to love this place. And, I guess, it's still a great place for intimate shows (if you can get past the shitty parking situation, the heat, and that weird smell). You almost always can meet whatever band/singer you're there for... Cool. Things that aren't cool: the bathrooms (gross), the wait staff (less than enthused), the food (overly salty), and the lack of straws (yes, new management no longer wants to provide straws).
(2)Cassie J.
I went here for a small show with a singer we really liked. Kind of old and out dated. They advertise that they have parking but they wouldn't let anyone in the lot. Luckily we found street parking. The area they had the show was fine-- a lot of space but kind of a weird room. There is a balcony or something over most of the room so it kind of cuts your view off of the stage.
(2)Matt D.
This update is not a fun one to write, and it doesn't come without three attempts to give my old favorite a chance to change my mind. This used to be the best happy hour north of City Hall (see glowing past reviews). That is no longer the case. The wings have gone from $.50 a piece to $.75 a piece to a whopping $1 a piece over the past four months. I understand rising food costs, but this is crazy. The wings are not any bigger than your competition, and they charge much less for them even at regular prices. Not only that, but the wings don't taste as good as they used to either! On top of the wing debacle, the hummus w/ pita chips isn't as good either. It used to have warm pitas with olives or veg on the side. Now it's a clump of dry hummus with cold pita wedges...blah. And then there's the mussels. Gone is the big bowl of spicy, soupy mussels with bread or fries. In its place is a small bowl of mussels with clumpy chili sauce. I'm completely unashamed to state that I used to take the remaining red broth home in a coffee cup and use it as a base for shrimp fra diavolo, because I couldn't bring myself to let them throw it out! North Star used to have the best mac n' cheese I've ever had: gone, gone, gone. To put salt on the wound, the staff and atmosphere have gone downhill a little bit as well. It used to have a fun, indy urban flare along with great cult classic movies on the tvs, but the last few visits provided us with loud death metal music and trashy tv. The only saving grace has been the excellent burger addition to the menu. For a place that prides itself on music, I'm going to end this review with an old Joni Mitchell quote: "Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you've got till it's gone."
(2)Jennifer K.
they have an awesome happy hour deal which is $3 beers, any kind. which is unreal. and so much fun. the music is always different, which I like. the bartenders are super friendly and will take good care of you. the food is always great, the burgers, the hummus, the wings are a bit iffy at times but mostly delicious. my boyfriend and I have to convince each other not to go to their very inexpensive happy hour bc we love it that much. we always order the fries... why? because the seasoning and the dipping sauce is the shit. sounds lame right? no! they're the best fries ever and really yummy with the beer.
(4)Marjorie B.
Decent selection of beer and really great vegetarian food options. I tried the black bean veggie burger which was one of the best I ever had. My boyfriend got the Brie sandwich which was really new and interesting. It's a cool place to hang out with friends.
(4)Danielle F.
I write this out of years of frustration hoping that my local bar will improve. Crossing my fingers that this time it will be different because how could they possibly stay in business and remain so bad. But after 4+ years of giving the North Star the benefit of the doubt, it's time to call it quits. Instead of fixing the real problem: crappy food and mind-bogglingly bad service, NS has gone ahead and raised its prices, enacted a 2 drink minimum per person during quizzo and imposed an automatic 20% gratuity on its checks. Such desperate measures to make money would be unnecessary if NS just sold food that people actually wanted to spend money on and overhauled its wait staff and kitchen. I have been to NS dozens of times and the only thing that had me coming back was quizzo with Johnny Goodtimes. It's close to my house and I like trivia and quizzo happens to be during dinnertime. My friends and I begrudgingly order food and laugh at how bad the service is time and time again. But we've had it and here are just some of the reasons why: * Over the past 4 years, I've experienced many waiters at North Star and somehow all of them share the same terrible traits: they are poorly trained and utterly frazzled when you ask them for ANYTHING. They either seem like they're going to cry or slap you. You feel bad because you need a straw and then you finally ask for one and they tell you North Star doesn't have straws (true story). You order water and then are told that you can't have water because they're out of glasses (UM?!) Even though the dining room has about 8 tables, the 2 waiters on duty seem overwhelmed and confused. On many occasions it has taken 1.5 hours to get a veggie burger and 45 minutes for a plate of hummus (despite that, nothing ever gets removed from your check). This isn't a one-off thing. This has been my experience every time I have been to North Star for the past 4 years. * The food is hit or miss and a hit really just means mediocre. With so many good bars that also manage to serve great food (i.e. Johnny Brendas, Standard Tap) it is inexcusable that North Star can't get its shit together. If it were good, people would actually go to eat there because they wanted to, not because they had to. Instead the menu is outdated and overpriced and some combinations are simply confusing. A dollop of hummus and some warm pita wedges shouldn't cost $8. Brussels sprouts in tomato sauce? No. The specials aren't. And if you're going to tout yourself as Philly's best burger (false), then don't serve your burger on a bun that disintegrates at the touch. * The soda is flat and the beer is often skunked. * The bathroom doesn't have paper towels or a hand dryer so there is no way to dry your hands. Here's hoping one day I read that the kitchen has been overhauled and the waiters have been trained. Til then, good riddance.
(1)Noah H.
An utter disappointment... Four great bands I know were scheduled to play there, and management cancelled on them an hour before doors opened, with no explanation. What's worse than a music venue that doesn't treat musicians appropriately? Nothing!
(1)James C.
This place is awful, they cancelled my friends show tonight and were super rude about it
(1)Kelly P.
I'd say the description of "gourmet dive" that has appeared multiple times on these reviews is largely an accurate term. What better way to spend an evening than with some bands you already know/some bands you haven't heard of, and some excellent brews. I'll bet you didn't know that the chefs here make ALL their sauces homemade (e.g. teriyaki and hot wing sauces, bleu cheese, garlic aoili, and more). Limited entree options for vegans however the kitchen will work with you if you want the black bean burger on a bed of lettuce, for example. Other information you may not know: - 50 cent wings at happy hour (5-7pm) - half priced drafts at happy hour 7 days a week, bro - no cover for the bar, and many shows have tickets available at the door - daily $4 drink special 9-11pm bartender's choice - free street parking, plus a small lot - tv's in bar and projection screen in dining room showing local sports games The next time you are thinking "what should I do tonight, I don't like the same old bar scene" pop on over and check out a show.
(5)Seann C.
I am the band leader of one of the bands that was supposed to play last night at North Star Bar. My band plays frequently in Philadelphia and has NEVER dealt with a venue that acted as unprofessionally as this establishment did tonight. The show had been planned for a couple of months, and I know many people were planning on attending. However, according to a rude bartender, since not all of the bands were present EXACTLY at the load in time, they decided to cancel the show. VIA A FACEBOOK NOTIFICATION. Not even a call was made to the headlining band who was there loading in right at 6 pm and briefly left to pick up more equipment. In other words, the people in charge of sound/the show had something better to do with their night and apparently left around 6:30 (2.5 hours before the show even started). North Star Bar made an awful and stupid decision, losing a lot of money and respect from musicians and show-goers alike. I do not recommend this venue to anyone, especially musicians looking for a respectful and dependable venue to share their music with.
(1)Sean M.
First time here: This place is awesome. The bartender was really cool and no matter how busy the bar got he made sure everyone had what they needed. Came in around 7pm to see a friends band play, they were headlining so I hung out for a while. My favorite thing about the place strangely is the actual design. The dining area is separated from the bar by one well placed corner that blocks the bar from the diners and the diners from the bar. Very smart. You wouldn't know it from the outside, but the place also has a stage for bands, a second bar, as well as a balcony overlooking the stage. Overall the place is also very clean and well kept. I was impressed by some of the things on there menu that were simple but also very creative. From one cook to another I love to see creativity. I ordered the Fish and Chips, they were some of the best I've had. Definitely would come back but probably only to see a band or dinner date since I don't live in the city.
(4)Stephanie S.
Absolutely in love with their Apple & Brie sandwhich. I ate this and almost melted in my seat.... Granny smith apples covered in baked brie, atop an olive oil and ginger aioli, on a toasted baguette. Mezmorizing, I was so impressed. There were plenty of apples and oozy cheese with sweet aioli on it, perfect-o. As for atmosphere, its divey, but I like that. The beer selection was sub-par when I was there, but I know they rotate beers and have a changing selection, so I probably just picked an off-night for my particular taste of beer. Service was great, they seem to be friendly, but really busy during live-music show nights. I'll come back just for that apple & brie sandwhich! Well done chef.
(4)Di P.
It took us some time, but we made it to our neighborhood bar. It's literally two blocks away and it took the pilot episode of Breaking Bad to get me out of the door. That show gives me the heebs. It's too real man. Like, crap! That could happen to me. I could have lung cancer and say "Screw it! I'm making some serious cash fast!" and it would be just like me to accidentally kill somebody with science. Hit too close to home. I digress. Truth is I've been to North Star Bar for a band once SIX YEARS AGO. Sea something. ... Crap. It'll come to me. Anyway, the venue itself was surprisingly big but small. I know that sounds not helpful, but it looks teeny tiny from the outside, but then you go to the back/side where the bands play and you're like "hmmm. this is alright! commence happiness!" Anyway I came here the other day, the bartender was nice, the beer selection was interesting, and the crowd was weird. A mix of people which was baffling and then realized it had to do with what band was playing at the time. (i.e. their parents came to watch them). There was only one working bathroom which sucks, but I would come here again on a rando night and just get a couple of beers which were mostly in the nice $5 range and chill out. They had a TV playing that White Castle movie. Ok. Nothing exciting, but nothing terrible. A fun place though for a random week night. It's the kind of place where you'd get to know your bartender well and next time you see him you'd say "hey Joe! So what happened? Did you get your dog that medicine or did you try that herbal remedy instead?" because you knew him THAT well. Love it. Sea Wolf. The band was Sea Wolf. Thanks google for coming up with it.
(3)Frank W.
A great bar thats been around for years. Good music, and good bar tenders
(5)Trevor D.
Great happy hour, good beer selection, food is decent - mussels and wings are very good. I've seen a few shows here and music wise it's a solid intimate venue
(4)Dave B.
Place sucks big time! Took over an hour to get simple wings and fries. You don't want to go here. Never again!!!!! Ever!
(1)Zackary A.
I really like this place but i'm trying to give away less 5 stars review to boost my cred on this Yelp service. So yeah I recommend the happy hour half price craft drafts and appetizers. The fries are fantastic.
(4)Jonny R.
Good happy hour special ($3 all beer), but opening at five and not for lunch is unusual for a neighborhood staple (at least Era opens at 4!). The taplist is good, and the food more than passable, but the vibe of this place is just a bit too "icky" for me. Are the lines dirty here? Yuck! My Hell or High Watermelon tasted a little stale. And can get stop having minimums on cards? This is the 21st Century, people.
(2)Joe A.
Food -- Delicious. Specials, wings, whatever you get, it's all good. Beer - Strong stable of good beer. Restrooms - Tiny, one person, easy to locate. Great neighborhood bar. Great happy hour, great bartenders. Very chill but can get lively very quickly.
(5)Jill C.
I dont think I have been here in a decade or so, crist Im old. . but I dont think this place has changed in that entire span of time. Gritty, divey and a place where I question the cleanliness of the beer-tap system, but a fun place to see a live band. Seriously, I personally, would stick to bottled beer. Thats just me though, Im a little gun shy when it comes to tap systems. Saw a band here recently with a friend. Fun times were had, as this is a great place to see a band with a small crowd. Decent beer selection and prices weren't bad. I know they serve food, but we did not partake. As an added bonus, I am 30+++ and they carded me! There's a star in there just for that!
(3)Callan W.
One of the better venues in this town for seeing smaller acts. I never had a chance to try their food, but they have a good variety of brews on tap that are tasty for your tongue and wallet. My brother is kind of a rockstar (there is one in every family) and when he plays North Star, he always sounds better. Maybe it is the guy working the board or their set up, but either way, it makes for an awesome show.
(4)Donovan H.
Great atmosphere, good prices.
(5)Jamie N.
Gotta give this place 5 stars. Easily. I come here at least once a week for the happy hour, nothing beats it. Three dollar drafts, 50 cent wings, four dollar hummus and five dollar mussels; heaven. The waitresses and bartenders are always super nice and they actually remember you. Great neighborhood bar, never been to a show, it's on my to do list though.
(5)Seiji C.
i sat next to the grandmother of the drummer the drummer was great, the grandmother was better she told me how she had courted in that very bar 35 years earlier it's tough to be a legit bar and a concert venue N*Bar does it, well.
(4)Joe S.
A great place to see a show and have some beers! Its a pretty big place and I have never been there where its felt overly packed or taken to long to get a drink. The people who work there are really cool too. Sound is kind of crappy otherwise I'd give this place 5 stars.
(4)Mimi L.
Why have I not try this place until now. It's more of a dive bar feel with gourmet food. A couple of friends referred this place and I was sold when they said food is really good. I went and I got carded. The bouncer not only carded me but asked if anyone in the bar could vouch for me. I was like this is crazy. I am 34 and look no where under 21. His announcement was funny. I walked back to my business and grabbed my I'd. Went back because I had a couple of clients waiting for me there. I sit. Ordered drinks. And ordered the chicken baguette sandwich w/fries. This sandwich looked ordinary. But boy was I wrong. It was amazingly good. I shared this sandwich and wish I never did. I wanted to the whole sandwich after the first bite. The fries are fresh cut fries not the frozen stuff. I couldn't believe how wonderful the food was. A couple of days later I ordered the food to go. I got the same sandwich, Mac and cheese and fish and chip. So, so good! Everyone should try this local gem but be sure to bring ID. They take carding to the next level. They also have a side parking lot. That was a plus. But I walk because it is around the corner from my business.
(5)Eric V.
I haven't had any food here (yet), but the specials sound great. The bar service was wonderful... the entire staff is really friendly. I admit, one night I had one too many shots of Tequila... and the next time I was there, they just laughed it off and pointed out that I at least had a good time! Also, you can't beat the fact that you can see live bands in the back, and happy hour prices are awesome(1/2 price drafts).
(4)Lena W.
I saw Reign of Kindo here and it was amazing. I love that band and the venue was pretty good. It felt very personal and close there. The show was great, but the man monitoring the pa system could have done better. Everything was out of sorts and made the show a little less enjoyable.
(4)christina g.
Went here to see a couple local bands last week. The staff was very friendly, but quite lazy. The sound guy was texting or something on his phone rather than doing sound stuff. The bar tender in the room with the performing was reading a magazine. It was a Tuesday or something and they weren't very busy, so that could have been part of it. We tried some food, which was pretty good. My friend ordered the veggie burger, which was supposed to have guacamole on it. When she received it, however there was not. She asked the waitress to bring some on the side, but the waitress said they were out. That was disappointing and she could have mentioned it when we ordered. Also, drinks were a bit pricey. A lager and a rum and coke was $11. The place was pretty clean, which is always a plus. The space was much bigger than I expected. It is separated into three sections: a bar area, tables and juke box kind of area, and a larger room with a stage and second bar. They also have a small parking lot. All and all it was pretty good. It is definitely worth another shot.
(3)Sean H.
The North Star Bar must be appreciated for its welcomed embrace of local and foreign musicians who have yet to fully implant themselves at the forefront of pop culture. A quick glance at several of the past acts (Young the Giant, Manchester Orchestra, GIVERS) shows that it is necessary to keep your ear to the ground to upcoming shows at this venue - you may just catch a great diamond in the rough. The North Star Bar must also be appreciated for the surprisingly good food that comes out of that self-admittedly tiny kitchen. The menu appeared ambitious, given the fact it's just a couple of people in a rinky, dinky canteen. However, the chicken baguette with chive-horseradish aioli was great. Check that. It was very good. The fries were equally as great, hand cut and tossed with sea salt. The beer selection is strong - only 10 or so to choose from, but a great selection despite the fact there were no light beers (which are necessary after you have had 5 or so heavy IPAs and stouts). I have seen two shows here so far, and really enjoyed both. The sound was fine and the small area affords a close, up front view of the band from every direction. Plus, it's great to be able to go to the bar or sit at a table and still see the band perform. So what's the downside? One is that the upstairs seems to be wasted space that does hinder the view of the downstairs spectators. While you always have a good view of the stage, the lack of a back or side stage combined with the upstairs sloping downwards towards the stage creates a narrow, almost myopic view of the stage which is somewhat detrimental in my opinion. Further, when upstairs, the view down on the stage is great - very unique in that you're literally on top of the band, which is cool. But unless you're one of the 10 people who have a view from the railing, you can't see anything. Which begs the question of why they are wasting such a large, unused space up there. My last, but biggest, issue is that during both concerts, the crowd reaction was tepid at best. While subpar performances should definitely elicit a poor audience reaction, it is clear that this crowd was just not attuned to either show I was at. An engaged audience claps, cheers and commends fantastic instrument solos, in the middle or end of a song. When a band finishes a great set, they should get applause and cheers for an encore. I saw very little of this, other than the obligatory applause at the end of each song. It's clear that there was very little genuine appreciation for the musical talent exhibited - at least at the two shows I attended. Perhaps I should have known when I stood in line at the bathroom behind the lead singer of the band I was seeing, and I turned to the guy behind me and told him that it's crazy that I'm waiting for the lead singer to finishing taking a piss, to which the guy behind me responded that he didn't even know there was a concert tonight. It's an odd detriment to levy against this place, but it is cause for concern. North Star can't directly control the quality of its patrons. I get that. And perhaps Philly's appreciation for music is more limited than I thought. And perhaps North Star Bar really is just a neighborhood bar first, restaurant second, music venue third. But if North Star Bar is going to take its booking to the next stage (so to speak), it needs to be able to foster an atmosphere of musical appreciation - rather than just throwing the bands up on the stage and hope people pay to see them. Much like the bands it currently books, this place may one day be great - but for now it's still floating out there in the rough.
(3)Tim P.
I returned to the North Star recently after a long hiatus. I'll admit I have never gone here to hang out, I have always gone for show and lately it seemed the sort of bands I liked had abandoned the venue for Kung Fu Necktie and Johnny Brenda's. I was happy to go back and realize that the North Star is still a great place to see a show. The setting is small and intimate, usually you can meet the artist before or after the show if you like. The balcony is also a neat place to watch the show. I'll admit the sound guy can go a little overboard with the volume. As far as the bar itself I was impressed with the beer selection and the decent prices. I haven't eaten here but it seemed besides the pub food the chef had a few unique items that might be worth checking out on their own. Parking in the area was also easier than expected on a Saturday night and the neighborhood is nicer than it was a few years back. On the bar side the 2nd floor is open now, I don't remember than from a few years ago. There were just tables and some artwork there. It looked more like the upstairs of a nice restaurant than a dive venue. Strangely enough this building has very good sound isolation. If you are in one part of the bar you won't hear the band or radio from any other part. Don't expect to sit at the front bar and get a free show.
(4)Kim D.
Okay, bottom line: I just can't not love the NorthStar. It holds personal significance for me, as well as just being a pretty dope place to see a show. Unfortunately I haven't been here in years, because there really haven't been any bands coming through here lately that have interested me. But I would definitely love to go back again if the opportunity presented itself. I miss the funky decor and the staircase (that's weird, right?) Oh and parking can be a cinch if you get there early enough. (Unless things have changed over the last couple years.)
(4)Jose A.
Awesome beer selection for a venue and a neighborhood bar, very hipster, but thats all good, the beer and chill atmosphere are well worth the trip. There is no cover if you are just going to the bar on show night....
(4)Rachel F.
The North Star Bar was a really interesting experience. To be fair, I went to see Uh-Huh-Her there and the place was covered in lesbians, so we may not have been the regular clientele. I really liked the room that the concert was actually in--it was spacious and really nice for shows. The back bar was a good addition too. I also appreciated the beer list, which was extensive. I did not like that everyone has to wait in the much smaller main bar before the show and that the show started incredibly late (apparently this is a chronic condition for the North Star). So....I think it'd be fun to hang out it, but I'm not sure that I'll go to another show there.
(3)Kevin S.
I recently made the trek up the parkway to the Art Museum neighborhood with a buddy of mine from out of town to see a show at the North Star Bar. After what turned out to be a longer than expected hike, we finally arrived about an hour before the show was scheduled to begin. We were there for an evening of progressive rock featuring Echolyn and The Syn. There are actually two bars, on one side, the North Star bar is more or less a dive bar, but with a slight hipster look and feel and a really good beer selection. There are tables in the back, and I guess you can order food. We however bypassed this option and went straight for the bar. The brew selection consists of a small but elite collection of microbrews, and the prices are reasonable. The other bar was for the concert venue. It's not a huge space, perhaps holding a couple hundred people, On one side, there's the stage, the other the bar, and there's even a second floor with a balcony. There are bathrooms upstairs and downstairs, and though they look kind of dirty, they weren't too bad. They actually had a pretty good audio setup, as there was good acoustics, good equipment, and not much distortion(the sound guy actually knew what he was doing). Both bands were good but both started late. To get into the concert, you have to pay a cover charge. Through their website, you may buy "tickets" in advance. However, upon arriving I realized this was pointless. They don't really have a box office or anything like that. When we got there, at about five minutes after the show was scheduled to start(but a half hour before it actually did) a woman came around and asked if I had paid in advance. I said yes and pointed to my name on the list on her clipboard, and she stamped my hand. That's will call at the North Star Bar for you. Overall the North Star Bar gets a thumbs up from me. Unfortunately, since it's so far away from, well, everything, I don't know if I'll be back anytime soon.
(4)Mikey I.
This is probably one of my favorite places to see a show in Philly. As other have stated, the place is small/intimate yet still carries sound. Their sound guy is also reputedly one of the best my friends has worked with as well. They have one of the best happy hours in Philly as well, shame they're in a spot that's a little bit further than where I usually am at that given hour during the week. The beer selection is pretty good. It's half priced at happy hour. Their wings are small but probably among the best I've ever had. I love their wings so much I actually called ahead for a giant takeout order as well.
(4)Alicia O.
I've only been here for shows, but I wouldn't mind coming here for just the bar. I always have a hard time finding parking and usually have to park blocks away and walk for a while, but I don't mind. Overall, it's a really great place to see bands. They always have great music and good food and beer.
(4)J P.
This is a great neighborhood bar that people come to from all over for the live music and atmosphere. Definitely a Philly fairmount staple. Good beer, food and mix of people. I love this place.
(5)Lene P.
It's a nice big space but it's not my favorite venue to see bands play. The last notable show I saw here was what may turn out to be Guitar Wolf's last show in Philadelphia. This was probably 4 years ago, though. My issue with the show was how the sound didn't have that awesome garage rock loudness that Khyber does so well. Yes, it's because Khyber is a smaller venue, but for a band like Guitar Wolf, who once touted an album as loudest one ever (possibly as a joke, but still), this turned out to be a disappointment for me. I probably shouldn't blame NSB for this since there may be other factors and in the 4 years past, the venue may have gotten better. When I didn't drive, I took a cab here. That seemed to be the easiest way. Driving, I was able to find parking in the neighborhood. There seems to be a parking lot near the bar, but I don't know much about it.
(3)Bill M.
North Star can definitely be a fun place for shows. The stage is also one of my personal favorites for when it comes to getting good photographs of bands. And I love it for the variety of shows too. You can see plenty of great local acts, as well as fun national acts like Pretty Girls Make Graves. They also have the occasional all ages show. North Star also has the best selection of beers when it comes down to Philly Concert Halls (Johnny Brenda's come pretty close though).
(4)Oleg H.
I wasnt totally sober by the time we got here, but it was one of the stops on a friend's tour of local bars. This place seemed like a cool friendly local venue, with a cool upstairs room. The art upstairs was pretty cool as well (made by one of the people working in the bar...)
(3)G S.
Nice local spot, draws people from both sides of Girard and a convenient place to meet friends and neighbors. Good beer selection, pretty decent food overall. I wouldn't go out of my way to go there as a destination unless I'm heading to a show but, for a neighborhood place, it's nice to have it here.
(4)Kevin J.
the best music venue in the area, a great value and an asset to the neighborhood. have seen many great local and national tours come through here. They should make something happen with the upstairs, as of now it's just a dark bathroom hallway that happens to have a partial view of the stage. I think they should put a satellite bar up there and liven it up. but that's my only real criticism. The food is decent and there is a good selection of brews. As an area resident I am grateful that they host community recycling collections for us. the venue is easily accessible by SEPTA 15 and 33 and 48.
(4)Tyler B.
Everyone talks about how great the happy hour is, and rightly so. I would drink just about anything draught for half off, but when my choices go beyond the normal dive-bar selections to include PBC, Sierra Nevada, Mared Sous, and other inventive micro-brews then why complain? The kitchen is pretty creative with their specials, more on the 'pub' end of 'gastro-pub' but this is a drinking spot more than an eating spot. Add in reruns of Cash Cab and this makes for one of the city's better happy hours.
(4)Brian N.
I'll first admit... I've never actually been to a show at North Star. I just live in the area and use North Star more as a neighborhood bar. Admittedly, it does neighborhood bar quite well. First and foremost, (and as many have said) I love their happy hour... 5:30 - 7:30, everyday. Can't beat it! Half price pints and 25 cent wings. The pints used to be a really really good deal. Now they're just a really good deal. They used to have Yards ESA for $3 ($1.50 during happy hour), but they increased prices to $4 ($2 during happy hour). They wings are small, but that's alright with me. I've always found smaller wings to be a little more tender than those really big ones. Every time I've been here, the staff has been very friendly. The atmosphere is cool; I've been in on a chill Saturday and they had some movies showing on the TV behind the bar and everyone was just relaxed, drinking a few cold ones. The food... It's alright. Nothing really to get excited about, but after a few beers and you're craving something salty, it does quite nicely.
(4)Jim H.
I sit in my car on a Fairmount side street. I was worried about parking, but found an ok place near 27th st. I hadnt gone bar hopping in decades, frankly, even when I was young and pretty, I didnt really do it all that much. But here i was today. I was to meet a few friends to check out a few of the local bars. I took my cellphone, car keys, and grabbed my Costanza-like wallet. " Do I really need this? " I thought I decided to just take my money and credit card, and that I probably wouldnt need my Acme card for this. I lingered over my license, wondering if I would need it. I chuckled to myself. Ive been going grey since 19. In pictures I often look older than my dad. Even with a little help from JFM (Just for Men) I NEVER get carded. So in the first of what would be a series of bad decisions over the night, I left my ID in the car. North Star wasnt the first bar we hit that night, but we werent drunk when we got there. It looked like a cool place from the outside. A couple of tricked out Harleys stood out front. I wondered what kind of crowd was in there and if they would see my flame colored hawaiian shirt as a cry for help. A large intimidatig black man was leaning on a mailbox, talking animatedly on a Bluetooth. His bass-like voice filled the quiet street. I was not savy enough to realize that this was a bouncer. We dont have bouncers in the Burbs. We went to walk in. " Excuse me Gentlemen! Can I see your ID?" he bellowed He couldnt mean me. My friends showed their IDs and began to walk in. I was realizing that I had made a huge mistake by not bringing ID " Hey guys!" I mumbled, " I dont have my ID" The bouncer still stood there but was back into his phone conversation. one of my friends turned around and told me to come anyway, as he couldnt have meant for my old ass to show ID. I began to walk in until I felt a hand on my shoulder. " Hey!" , he said sharply, " were you just going to go in and ignore me!" My mind raced. Was I going to get my ass kicked? Was I going to run away? Was I going to make a smart-ass comment that would increse my chances of getting my ass kicked? I optioned for being apologetic.I realized that this guy knew i was of age but it was his territory and he ruled over it. I also realized that he wanted to F* with me. He admonished me, told me to bring my ID next time and told me I could go in. Inside, it looked like a really cool dive bar. We stayed in the front bar. Apparently there is a back bar with a stage for live music. There was a concert going on but we werent interested, and to avoid paying a cover, we opted to stay in the front. We got a table with extremely uncomfortable stools. The crowd was diverse, the good , the bad and the tattooed. I guess the band playing dictates the crowd, a lot of black clothing alot of tattoos. My friend bought me a beer to make up for almost getting me killed by the bouncer, so I didnt deal with the bartender. They looked the part, and i noticed there was a computer with Youtube on it behind the bar. I wondered the signifigance of that. I had a Guiness to clear the pallate after the Belgian beers we had earlier. I was hungry, and I heard that the burgers were good here. There was a chalkboard advertizing an Olympic Burger, which was basically a souped up cheeseburger served with onion rings instead of fries. (get it! ? Olympic rings) I wanted it. Plus I heard somewhere to always try the special when you go to a new place and may not go again. We called a waitress over and I adored her from the moment she tripped over my friend's bodybag-like backpack. She was cute and friendly and even though she was really busy, gave us her time and didnt rush away. It was loud in there but not so loud that we couldnt have a conversation. Plus , we could hear the music from the concert without having to pay. Suckers! I didnt get the same vibe as in Bridgids, about interacting with other patrons. Everyone basically stayed in their own group. My burger was fantastic. Ill have to go back sometime when i hadnt had 4 beers so i can really enjoy it. The waitress checked on us often. This is not something im used to in the burb bars that are often less busy.It was time to go. As we walked out I passed my friend, the bouncer. He shouted in my direction, " Whats the score!?" I stopped. He said the same thing 2 more times. It wouldnt be wise to ignore him again , but what score? Phillies? Eagles? Me vs Him ( hes winning 1-0) I turned and said, "which score?" He looked at me like an idiot. Of course. the Bluetooth again, i HATE those things. He wasnt talking to me. Why does every outing end with me looking like an ass. Overall I gave it 4stars. I didnt really take any points off for either Bouncer incident, as it was mostly my fault and he was just doing his job. It was a cool place with good food and good service.
(4)Ken H.
I'm going to break my own rule and review a live music venue based on one night of music Pros (+4) * Great selection of beer & great prices * Cool 'pit' area in front of the stage * Cool bar where you can hear the music and not pay a cover * Cool upstairs where you can look down on the band Cons (-1) * When you think there are 2 bands and a 9:00 show time and you show up around 9:30 figuring the opening band will start a little late and the opening band actually comes on at 10:00 (so bad that the guy behind me asked if the music would get better... as he was ready to chew his own face off), followed by an unannounced band that plays a 45 minute set, followed by the headliners coming on at midnight to a crowd that dwindled signficantly due to the earlier bands. Will I go back - of course. Will I show up much later - hell yeah.
(3)Tim O.
My favorite bar to see a show. Good selection of beer on tap. Showroom is separate from the bar/dining area, which has a pool table. If I were putting together a list of Philadelphia dives, the place would get an 8 out of 10, not that it's dirty or anything, it just has the feel. A small stage, maybe 20 feet wide. A dance floor recessed a few steps below the regular floor of the room. A bar in the back for the 21+ shows and a balcony and bathrooms upstairs. Saw Yeah Yeah Yeahs here right around the time they put out Fever to Tell. Street Dogs, the Matches, Youth Brigade/Swingin' Utters were some other good ones.
(5)Tom C.
Ode to North Star Bar- A Haiku Good time drinking, bar tender cool J F A tat food OK stage super small Pros- I liked this place a lot. I liked that it was off the beaten path and I even like it's tiny stage. I think the PBR tallboys were cheap (I think, I really don't remember...it's ok I took a cab people) . Staff were cool and even friendly, enjoyed chatting with everyone. Cons- Parking, although I sneaked into a rock-star spot I could tell I lucked out. The menu looks great and after being underwhelmed by my chicken sandwich, I believe a bit ambitious.
(4)Andy S.
Great joint, only eclipsed by The Khyber as far as the best dive to see a band in the city (though the NSB has closed the gap a bit). The goods...better than average bar food, more than one bar (though both can be tough to navigate when it gets crowded), pool tables (same negative when crowded), and the upstairs view to see a band can be really cool (though if you aren't up front upstairs, you are SOL as far as seeing anything). Sound is like every other place...sometimes good, sometimes not. The bads...neighborhood used to be a dump, but it was getting better...parking can be tough, always felt more crowded than it really was. Still, I saw some fantastic shows here, and the negatives can't rightfully be applied to the venue itself. On my "win" list, for sure.
(4)Lisa G.
It's an okay venue, though it's pretty small, with odd dimensions (there's steps in the audience, which allows people to sit). The sound was average. The bathroom situation is what killed it for me. There's only one men's and one women's downstairs. Not sure about upstairs. They ran out of tp in the women's even before the show started. If you're gonna have live music, you need to be prepared for a large number of people.
(2)JEAN S.
Great place for happy hour. They have a decent draft list. My bf and I bundled up and trekked here during one of the many snow days this winter and drank ourselves warm and filled up on bbq wings and cheese fries for under $20. The bar area is your standard bar but the dining room has absolutely no atmosphere at all. There seemed to only be one server working and she seemed to be either new-ish or not very good at her job. Bathroom lacked both toilet paper and paper towels on our visit.
(3)Ryan P.
Went to see a band here last week...and a group of us went to Happy hour/dinner: We heard they got a new chef! So I noticed that the wings are so much better and bigger/meatier- Huge plus since I love wings Then about and hour later we got dinner: My friends got: Burgers, Mac and cheese, pulled pork, and I got Mahi Mahi (it is supposed to be a wrap, but I just got it on a bed of lettuce! Everything was great. I am excited since this neighborhood bar is in my brother's backyard...we will be back much more now!
(5)Kimberly H.
Unlike everyone else, I go to North Star just to hang out. I've never made my way into the part with the stage, honestly, simply because I prefer to be near the bar. BUT I do know that they have some pretty awesome acts all the time ranging from teeny weeny to pretty darn large. I eat here. I think this place has some of the best food in the area and, as Bill M. mentioned, an exceptional beer menu that's very reasonably priced. Burgers, chicken sandwiches, veggie versions of their food are what I eat and recommend. They have some pretty bangin' fries, too. Oh! And the bartenders are always really cool, too. I've never had a problem getting a drink or getting attitude or any bar BS. Just an FYI: If you have Philly Car Share and drive up there they have a PCS parking spot in their lot, too. (Lot is little, park on street.)
(4)itasha c.
I am a big fan of this place.I love the atmosphere and the bands. The food is good, and the drinks are better. Great crowd and the bartenders are awesome.
(5)Adam C.
I got the opportunity to support a local band by entering this Fairmount hot spot. If you want a change from spaces like Johnny Brenda's or Khyber or Trocadero or Vox Populi or Barbary or TLA or Electric Factory or Transit (OOOOOPPPSS! They be closed yo!) or Tritone or Bob & Barbara's or Avenue Q or the guy who peed himself at the corner of 8th & Bainbridge... Oh you've been paying attention. So anyway, this is the only venue that's way out on the north west end of the city and a hop skip and jump to the infamous Eastern State Penitentiary if you want to rock out with your wahjiggadeehuh?!?! out with a bunch of prison ghosts... Be my guest you FREAK!!! I wouldn't suggest it. But I do suggest you bringing your combat boots for some serious thrashing in this place... Or whatever ails you? There is always creative new faces playing, screaming, goofing, or Tim and Ericing (EW!!!??!!?!) here. Even the guy who wore that striped green shirt from Blue's Clues performed here under the name Steven Burns, which is his real name and his album unrelated to that kid's programming is actually quite good. Ok, I'll quit geeking here. But again geek away b/c for the most part there isn't much hate here to say the least. You're a star at the North Star... Only if you're in the band or know the band or paying a round of drinks or tipping your bartenders or you're not drinking and have to be the D/D to take the rest of the puke-machines home. You're not just a star... YOU'RE A SUPERSTAR!!! ...actually you just have a freakin' overload of patience and I commend you but at the same time pity you for not having a beer you creepy uptight "I found Jesus in my Fruit Loops" never kissed anyone but his mom weirdo!!! Sorry got to log off now. My mom needs to check her facebook. ;)
(4)Natalie M.
So living on the other side of the river by the zoo, I'm always excited when I don't have to go any further into Center City than the Fairmont area for fun. I've been meaning to try out the North Star Bar for years and last night was finally the night! A favorite band for NYC was coming down to play with some local Philly bands, so why not? Gotta say, I was really pleased. The location is great; it's far enough from the madness of the area that there is plentiful parking (and a small lot) but not so far that you fear for your life going to and from your car. The venue is broken into a bar area and the show area. The stage and sound system were all pretty reasonable and the staff was helpful! There were decent beers on tap and the food was decent too. I'd definitely come back!
(4)Sarah B.
Their food is good an fairly cheap, the bar is authentic and unpretentious, and the music is great. For such an oddly-shaped room (long and narrow, split by a balcony right in front of the stage) the sound quality is admirably good. This is a good place to see bands that, five years from now, you will have to pay thirty or forty bucks to see at a larger, crappier venue.
(4)Dane T.
Nice place to catch a show. The happy hour is good. 4 for $1 wings and half price drafts. I miss the pool table but overall the staff is good and the crowd is chill. Good place to have a drink in fairmount.
(4)Kristen S.
I really like this place. Good food (love the yummy vegetarian options!), fun atmosphere, great music, nice servers. Great to have in the neighborhood.
(4)y r.
the menu is a wasteland for vegans. only item my vegan boyfriend and i could eat on the menu was a tofu sandwich, so we ordered two. around an hour later, the waitress finally brings our dinner--one sandwich. oops! but it's not her fault, it's ours. she insists we ordered only one sandwich--even though we were two people there for dinner--and then proceeds to give us flack for giving her the wrong order! if only she had apologized, took responsibility for HER mistake, but no. flustered, hungry, and unsure what to do, we placed an order for another sandwich, knowing that we would likely be sitting there for another hour waiting for it. (seriously, how long can it take the chef to slap together a tofu sandwich? and especially for customers whose order the waitress screwed up?) i would hope she would have insisted our order be placed at the head of the list, but no. so then we dig into our paltry little single sandwich, now cold. man did it suck. the tofu was UNSEASONED. there was no mustard or other condiment. and maybe a piece of lettuce. disgusted--and still hungry!--we decided not to bother waiting for a second round of the same, and left (don't worry, we paid first). what an awful dining experience. oh, and the beer is also overpriced.
(1)L B.
Went here for the first time last night and loved it! I didn't have any food, so I wasn't able to give them five stars, but I certainly don't have any complaints. Any bar that has Dogfish Head's 60 minute IPA on tap (or even in bottles) is alright in my book. I wasn't expecting such a solid draught list. The other thing that impressed me was the size and sound in this place. I got a beer at the bar in the front and hung out for a few minutes, thinking that my buddy's band hadn't started playing yet. Then I wandered into the back and saw that they'd been playing all along. I couldn't believe I hadn't heard them playing right on the other side of the wall! I'd definitely go to more shows here.
(4)Thommy S.
Great spot indeed... like a few things about this place for different reasons and at different times... I've been to shows here and have had amazing times... also love to shoot pool here during their bangin happy hours! Last time I was in here was awhile ago I but none the less a memorable time at happy hour- unaware of the band that was packing in early for sound check I turn around to walk out and catch a smoke when Tom Morello was walking in playing with his solo project The Nightwatchmen!
(4)Zig Z.
In followup to Jan T below regarding band startup times: I just called to try to pin them down on a startup time, was extremely persistant yet kind to the employee I spoke to, and learned that they are absolutely forbidden, and resistant, to putting out that information. The message is" we don't know anything, we cannot tell you if there are any opening acts, we don't want to give you any helpful clue whether the act you want to see will be on stage before midnight on a worknight, because, frankly, we'd like all of you to show up at 8 pm when we list the starting time so you will spend money on drinks and food all night" This is a SHITTY ATTITUDE and UNJUSTIFIABLE in light of the fact that a fairly hefty cover charge exists. Why not just f--'in helping out your customer a little with information that you obviously possess? Why all the secretism? As if you didn't negotiate a start time with your band? I play in a band and know damned well that DOES NOT HAPPEN. They need to cut the Bullshit and just be honest.
(1)Barbara W.
if i could i would give the north star bar, one star for service and food and 4 or 5 stars for a live show venue. i'll start with the negative. a few weeks ago, my boyfriend and i went to see a show at the north star. beforehand i decided we should check out their food. (i've been trying to find the place with the best nachos.) i called twice in the week beforehand about parking, show start time, etc. on one call, the fella was very pleasant - didn't really have alot of the answers i was looking for, but very nice. the next call i made closer to the date, the gal who answered was abrupt and dismissive. i hate that! so the night of the show - the bar and back room were crowded. there was one waitress. and from what i hear there is an upstairs room also. i don't know if they had a separate waiter/waitress or if the one downstairs was also doing upstairs. it took forever to get drinks (we gave up on ordering beers from our waitress and went to the bar) and then took over 30 minutes to get our food. we were told there was only one person in the kitchen. it was a friday night - i don't understand why they were so short staffed or if this is how they always run their business. and the food was just ok - nothing to write home about. also, the place smelled bad. i'm sure it's years of mold that would have been covered up by cigarette smoke in the past. on the positive side - i liked the venue for seeing bands! the bartender was great in the show room (the ones at the front had been short). she did a better job of handling the crowd at her bar. since i hadn't seen this band live, i watched from the floor. in the future i want to watch a band from the balcony. i also liked the art work they had hung in the back room. the door guy was nice. he never yelled or got short with the smokers when he repeated had to ask folks to move around the corner, so we didn't disturb the neighbors. i would go the north star again to see a show, but i will definitely pick another location for a meal beforehand.
(3)Kathleen T.
just like forrest gump's dumb-assed box of chocolates, with the north star you never know what you're gonna get. did i actually use forrest fucking gump in a review? yes. i did. when the north star antes up and gets solid sound, folks, then maybe i'll de-forrest this review.
(2)anthony P.
I saw Fall out boy here last night. Been meaning to go for some time, my sister always raved about the place. Its got the old-school dive feel. But i like the 50's wallpaper and small stage. If you're a dude the bathrooms are ok (sorry ladies)...it just has a great vibe, like something cool definately has and will go down here. The beer selection is great. and the prices especially during happy hour are good. if you go try the jerk wings and have a Rouge or Yards...mostly make sure you see some music. places like this should be supported so they stay open
(4)Melissa M.
I spent a rainy Sunday evening in the North Star Bar with my friend Leanimal, her roommate and a local drunk named Al playing cards. There was some live music going on in the other room, but from what we heard calling it 'music' is a bit generous, although the people preforming were most definitely alive. As far as dive bars go this one had no special characteristic (besides the live 'music,' I guess) to separate it out from all the other dives along Poplar street. I will say they were letting underage kids in to go to the show, which does give them some extra dive-bar points, but not enough to push it over the top. Since we were playing cards, Leanimal kept trying to turn the lights up, and the waitress kept dimming them. Which we did not understand, because we were the only people in the bar who were not at the 'concert.' After a few rounds of this game the waitress finally told us that the owner has cameras all over the place and watches the feed at his house, and he was calling in and saying that the lights in the back were too dim. WTF? The owner of the bar sits at home and watches live feed of the back room of the bar? I'm guessing some pretty shady stuff goes on here after closing hours. The PBR pounders were cheap and the french fries were greasy, but there is really nothing too spectacular about this place to warrant a return visit. Oh, also, their website claims that they are 4 blocks from the Philadelphia Art Museum. If by 4 they really mean 15 then they are correct.
(2)Dave J.
Happy hour is the cheapest in the neighborhood and it's two and a half hours long. The beer selection is continuously rotating and North Star is one of the few bars that always seems to carry a micro porter or stout on tap. The food is surprisingly good considering it's served in a paper basket. Overall my favorite bar in the Fairmount neighborhood and only loses points because they don't show sports on the tele, but that's not their shtick.
(4)Nija T.
Always heard great reviews about it so I decided to check it out. It was like super dark in there. There main lighting was these tiny candles on the tables. I couldn't even read the menu. So I left. Maybe in the day its better and less "too cool to have lights"
(2)Tom D.
I've lived in the Fairmount area for 3 years. I have been telling myself I needed to get this place; and now, finally, I've been, and I am impressed. Fun vibe, great prices, decent eats, nice folks, everything you'd want in a local bar. But wait, it's a venue? Oh yea, that's why I wanted to come here. I had lots of fun and I expect to be back.
(4)David T.
Dirty, loud, sticky floors, crappy, rundown venue. if that's your thing more power to you. I can't stand the place.
(2)Melanie M.
My fiance and I absolutely love to go to the North Star! The food is delicious, in particular the Beer Muscles! The bar always has a rotating tap of strong & tasty beers, no Miller or Bud here! The servers & bartenders are very friendly & helpful. Absolutely, positively check out the North Star!
(5)Russ C.
I'll be the first to admit that I was wrong. I had my doubts about the North Star, after all from what I had heard about it (indie music and hipsters), NS is not exactly my scene. However, after a long night there, I was pleasantly surprised. My friend (Kyle R. who also reviewed) wanted to see "We Are Scientists" and did not want to miss a minute of the action. So we got there around 8 and watched three bands play before "WAS." I'd say of the three; 1 was good, 1 was bad, and 1 was average. I was relatively unfamiliar with We Are Scientists, but the intimacy of the club made it fun and enjoyable. The North Star is a great place to chill or to see a band. I recommend standing on the balcony to watch a show, its a great perspective. **Also, a few months ago John Legend quietly showed up here and played some of his new songs** so you never know what you're gonna get.
(4)duocorn i.
Talk about an intimate setting for a show. North Star is my favorite place to see live music in Philly. I saw Pinback there in May and we were literally two feet from the stage. Even if we had decided to stand in back, we would have only been about ten feet away. There is also a balcony upstairs, where you can almost reach down and touch the top of a band member's head...if you want to. These are some of the acts they've had this year: Pinback, Dick Dale, Sound Team with Cold War Kids and Midlake and the French Kicks will be playing there in October. northstarbar.com It's also a bar, which means you have to be 21 and older.
(5)Catherine G.
We journeyed to Philly from New York for a show by our friend's band, Von Hayes, and I have to say it certainly gives the Mercury Lounge a run for its money. First of all, we rolled up and somehow the bouncer was so dumb that he let my boyfriend go past without paying the cover. That's an extra $8 with which to drink! Best. There's a front bar area, a middle room with tables and stuff, and then a large separate music room with a bar in the back, which also has tables -- so unusual. But great. And the stage is SO HIGH off the ground, it has to make for excellent sightlines when a band plays that draws more than 20 people. I wouldn't know. But it's a pretty good guess. And the drink prices were pretty good as I recall. I really have not even the tiniest beef with the North Star. Good job, Philly! Five stars.
(5)John P.
They have good shows here, was there last night actually. I'd give it 4 stars, but the bouncers here can be real jerks sometimes. My one friend couldn't get into a show once because his license just expired. He's like 30 years old too...seriously thats just lame.
(3)Cherie C.
Small, friendly bar with a back room where you can catch some great live music.
(4)Brian C.
North Star is a great little venue to see a band. I've been fortunate enough to catch some pretty awesome acts come through here - the kind of acts that end up making it huge a year later, and never play small intimate shows like you'll find here. The sound is pretty consistent, and you shouldn't have trouble hearing anything... they like to crank it up (that said, earplugs are recommended). The beer list is actually pretty decent for a music venue - somewhat similar to Johnny B's. I came here a couple weeks ago and tried the food for the first time. They have a happy hour w/ 25 cent wings, so I gave those a try... they were pretty dinky, but I was satisfied after 10 of them and a basket of fries. Keep in mind - There is a dining area upstairs if there's no seating available downstairs. There are 2 bars - one in the main entrance, and one in the back in the performance area. There is also a bathroom, where the balcony is. Overall, I really like North Star, and always have a good time.
(4)Christina C.
So I headed to this place last Thursday and was greeted with the typical 'ID?' It was going to be my first visit tagging along with some friends who frequent there. But no go as the sad loser at the door decides to stop me claiming my ID was not on his 'special list' of permitted IDs. It was an Australian driver's licence with the full photo sch-bang... And in my 13 months in Philly my 'authentic' ID has never been an issue in any bar... for goodness sake it allows me to get on planes and fly interstate..! This deuchbag at the door goes on to tell me that I need my passport instead..(what a ridiculous notion--- it's a dive bar!! as if I would wander around with my passport!!) and tell me about how he can end up in jail with a $5000 fine if he let's me in....(here's a nickel.. tell someone who cares...). Seriously, does this entail this loser's one moment of excitement for the day? Ok- so my bug bear is with this clown and not the bar itself as I never did get to have a 'non-alcoholic lemonade' there...
(1)Erica Jade L.
Probably the best venue to catch a band in Philly. They must have a great booking agent because a lot of the bands who play here end up getting huge within a year. Go weekly - you're bound to witness the next big thing.
(5)Katie L.
again... this place really depends on what band you're going to see and what you enjoy seeing. the beer isn't that expensive, but I guess they can get away with it being a venue bar. strange crowd otherwise. hands down. strange.
(3)Nikki R.
Great food! I am a huge fan of the mac and cheese and their burgers. The food specials always look super yummy and they have good deals for happy hour (5-7pm). The wait staff is super friendly and on point--I didnt have to ask for napkins or refills. Their draft list is impressive and you can carry out 6 packs. Havent been here for a show yet, but am looking forward to doing so in the future. Oh, and they have a (smallish) parking lot! Sweet! My only gripe is that there were no paper towels/hand dryers in the bathroom, leaving me to use toilet paper....we all know how that goes.
(4)Colin C.
i'm not a local, and i do not claim any cred with this. i just went to a concert there. well, i went to see pwolf, and so i guess you could say that I fell in love at north star... not with north star, though. duh. sigh. p wolf! nervous about the bouncers because of some of the other reviews, i was super polite, and they seemed fine... i think they are just tapped into the citywide aggression-network and will respond to any sass with a smackdown. a friend and i had a few beers, which was affordable at $5 for one from the tap, and this was not happy hour, and they had some nice selections like yards and rogue ale. the concert was intimate in their stage area, with plenty of lurid eye-contact with the sexy musicians, and it is easy to stalk them as they enter and exit the stage. My big minus for this place is that as my friend and i tried to stalk the musicians at the end of the concert, the bouncers were adament about clearing us out of the stage area, thereby separating us from our stalkees... sigh. maybe next tour.
(4)Cindy F.
So I recently moved to Philadelphia from San Francisco and have yet to do my share of exploring around the city. I went to North Star to meet up with some friends, and I am happy to say it was the first bar in the Fairmount neighborhood I have tried out. The place seemed like a total locals bar. It was much bigger than it appeared from the outside and apparently had a music venue inside as well. I didn't get to stay for long and only had one drink. As most bars do, this one had a minimum $15 credit charge. Since I only had one drink, the very considerate bartender (Kate was her name I think) let me pay with my credit card w/0 making a big deal. Great service and good atmosphere, I will definitely return!
(5)Danny M.
I went here to see a band that I've been listening to a lot recently. I enjoyed the place and show. Had a good meal...Mac N Cheese was the star for me but the North Star burger held it's own as well. Doors to the venue were to open at 9 but didn't open until 9:15. I normally wouldn't care about a 15 min delay but our crew and 80% of all of the other people who attended the show were there around 8:30. So the bar/restaurant side where they make you wait in line to go into the venue side was shoulder to shoulder packed with 1 bartender. Waited about 10 mins per drink. The venue should open its doors once a crowd starts to form in the bar part just so that people are not packed in like that. Once the venue doors opened and the crowd was now split between the venue and the bar/restaurant side then it was enjoyable/comfortable. The next downside came when we walked into the venue side and attempted to get a drink at the venue bar which also had just one bartender...this time a 15 min wait. Ugh. I truly believe that all of this waiting around had to do with just being understaffed. I noticed that halfway through the show both bars had 2 bartenders and the flow of service for drinks was now normal. Both the front and back bars should of had 2 bartenders from the very start of the night. Especially for a show on a Saturday night. I pondered about whether to give 4 stars or 3 and I went with 3 just because of the long wait at the bars. That's one of the most annoying things ever when you go out. Here's my 5-9 dollars per drink....thanks for making me wait 15/20 mins to buy them. Other than this service issue I loved this place and it's vibe.
(3)Tim H.
I love this place. The atmosphere is always appropriate, service is good, and selection is good. Not fantastic selection, but good.
(4)Erik W.
Went back a second time last week and had an even better time than the first (perhaps because I knew what I was getting into). Spent way more time at the bar, and realized exactly how kick-ass their beer selection is. I ordered 20 of their wings at happy hour, and they were BANGIN', yo! The sound was a bit better this time, not quite as loud, and I could hear the instruments better. Perhaps it's hit-or-miss in that place, which I guess is par for any venue. Got another way-friendly waitress this time, and the bartenders were courteous and friendly. I'll be back!
(4)Daniel P.
The first time I came to the North Star Bar, I swore I would never come back. Two years later, my friends are performing there at a relatively high-profile show. So here I am. My experience has changed a lot since those two years have passed. Originally, my friends and I thought the people at the North Star Bar were rude and unpleasant. The show was excessively loud. They had issues with us promoting our group at the show, even though we brought a lot of people and drummed up a lot of hype for the band (Anamanaguchi, both shows). They were charging people double or triple for re-entry (People were taking smoke breaks, trying to get away from the heat and noise and then finding they weren't allowed back in). Overall, this time, the staff was wonderful, even gracious toward us. 8Static had table space and could promote freely, we also helped run parts of the event, so there is that. NSB still didn't allow re-entry, which is horrible for a sold out show, and it got sweaty and nasty for a while. But the ticketing situation would have made it impossible for them to keep track of re-entry this time as well so in their defense they did what they could. It would be nice for them to find a solution to that. I did not grab food there, either time. But a lot of us did grab drinks and everything was hunky dory. They put up with us a lot later than they had to after the show while we tried to figure out ride arrangements. It was great. Based on this experience, I would happily come back, and even recommend it.
(3)Peter K.
This place is terrible. Do NOT come here for the food or the service. Hummus was chunky with stale pita. The mac and cheese was cold. And the fries were clearly not seasoned and they came with a side of a flavorless aioli/sauce. We came tonight (12/15/13) and the waitress was extremely rude and never checked on us. We ordered our drinks from the bar. We had to walk up to her to ask for a menu. We had to walk up to her again to order our food. And then we waited for 30-40 min for the food I just described above. I have no intention of ever coming here again.
(1)Dan C.
I am a musician and play at North Star frequently. Always love playing shows there. Huge stage, good sound guys, quality acts. Sound quality in the audience really depends on where you stand, but watching from the balcony is a cool view. Always great beer on tap. Food when I've had it is pretty good. I really want to get to a happy hour at some point.
(5)Jane G.
This place has some serious attitude. Of course you expect a little bit of that ...we are in Philly after all, but I rather of not heard the head chef bitching cause I placed a food order. The bar tender had serious attitude and was happy to serve watered down drinks containing little to no actual alcohol. This is the oldest trick in the book if you have a rowdy bar crowd, but for a well behaved good paying customer ...no excuse is good enough. Oh yeah and don't go upstairs, dark, dirty, and depressing.
(1)Lindsay D.
To begin, I've been to North Star for happy hour before and had a good experience. This review is predominantly for the bar as a concert venue. I went with a group of friends to see a pretty well-known band for a pretty reasonable price, so I was pumped about the show. The bad experience began right off the bat. None of our seven tickets scanned properly by the guy at the door. He proclaimed that it was "impossible" for the ticket scanner to malfunction, implying that we were trying to sneak into the show. We had to wait outside for about twenty minutes for manager to arrive, only to hear that we were fine to enter the show. No apology or anything for the accusations. After we got in, we realized we couldn't buy alcohol in the concert section - maybe because it was an all-ages show? Either way, that was a bummer following our twenty minutes of waiting outside. As for the actual show, the main room consists of a main floor and a balcony. The balcony is quite large, but you can't actually see anything at all unless you are hanging over the edge of the rail...meaning that most of the balcony was wasted space. From the bottom level, it was also really difficult to see because the wasted balcony space created a really low ceiling, really limiting the view if you were standing more than about 80 feet back from the stage. I love standing room only, small venues because of the intimacy that type of environment creates, but the layout at North Star was really just more frustrating since it was so difficult to actually see anything. Overall, the band was good and the price was reasonable. However, I wouldn't go back because of the layout and negative customer service experience.
(2)J W.
Great, intimate venue for rock shows. Their daily happy hour rules. Half off drafts and the $5 mussels from 5-7 are tough to beat. The service blows sometimes, but it hasn't kept me from coming back almost weekly. The one waitress cards us and introduces the specials as if she's never seen us before every single time we go. Maybe we're just forgettable like Ann from Arrested Development? Doubt it. I tried the North Star Burger here once and it was really quite mediocre. Overcooked and flavorless. The hummus leaves much to be desired as well. For me, it'll be happy hour beer, mussels, and hot wings exclusively from now on. Oh, and rock & roll, too. --------- Update: They changed their happy hour price to $3 drafts across the board instead of half off. Still a great deal considering the great crafts they have on tap. Also of note: they accept credit cards but have a $15 minimum.
(3)Bill G.
North Star is a neighborhood icon. I started going there 20 years ago when I first got married and we lived in the city a couple blocks away. The food is Ok, the drinks are reasonable and the live music is usually good. It is a younger feel and is kind of a dive but if your looking to hang out at a landmark then you could do worse.
(3)Marissa R.
I finally went to this place for the first time, and it was a much smaller and more intimate venue than I had imagined! The beer/liquor selection and prices were really good, and the food looked tasty! The staff were super helpful for all of my "needs" during the show that I attended... and I had a really awesome time overall. I'll be back. Thanks, North Star, for a really fun time!!
(5)M. M.
The most impressive thing about this "gourmet dive" bar and music room is the caliber of acts it manages to attract to its fairly small stage. Some pretty big or buzzy names play here (Wino, J. Mascis, Watt), albeit sometimes with a lineup or experimental project that's not the big concert draw for the particular act (but if you're a fan you don't care, of course). The ticket prices aren't bad, the sound is OK and the bar is decent enough that if you're a bit of a beer geek like me you can find something ok to drink, although the selection doesn't knock my socks off. They also serve food but to be honest, unless I needed a bite before the show or cheese fries during, I probably wouldn't drive all the way into this neighborhood just to eat. The block the North Star is on is OK (and appears to have gotten better over the last few years), but there are still plenty of shady looking blocks around, and given that the North Star parking lot is small and often gets full, finding parking on the very narrow parked-up surrounding streets can be difficult. There are lots of good places to chow down that are easier to access. And the food itself, while again, decent, isn't showstopping - it's just bar food, kind of gussied up. Probably meant to attract neighborhood habitues who like to eat. Sound for the gigs is OK and I like to watch from up in the balcony where there are also bathrooms, but one thing that's conspicuously lacking is any kind of seating up there, such as couches and chairs. At most little clubs, the balcony area, particularly the part that you can't see the stage from, is often turned into a cozy lounge, a la the TLA and the Note. North Star's balcony is dead empty, doesn't even have a table and chairs, and thus wastes space since no one is going to stand in an area where they can't see the band playing. There are tables and chairs - the hard, uncomfortable, sit and drink your beer variety - in the downstairs part of the club, but some loungey couches or armchairs upstairs would be pretty easy and make it a lot nicer to hang out.
(3)gordon e.
Went here for the Shiny Toy Guns concert. I go here pretty regularly. North Star can be dark, crowded and noisy. If that's what you are in the mood for, they have good drinks and good food. No complaints there. My only complaint is that their concert management staff made a weird situation really unpleasant. The week before the concert, I bought seven concert tickets from the bar, and paid cash. When our group tried to get inside the doorman told me that my tickets had already been scanned, and asked that we pay agan to get inside. I explained that something in their system must be wrong. He said it was "impossible" that our tickets were legitimate, and he told me to back off when I was trying to explain what happened. We waited 10 minutes in the cold before the manager showed up. He explained that their ticketing system was on the fritz, confirmed that our tickets were on a list, and let us inside. No apology from the doorman or the manager. Not the end of the world, but for the out of town guests, it wasn't a good way to start the evening. Entirely avoidable with some good old-fashioned customer service. Boo north star. Don't be dicks to music lovers who bring six friends.
(2)MC M.
Um, yeah. Here are some turn-offs for me: 1. An overpriced menu. 2. A room so dark you can't see the plate and so loud you can't hear across the table. 3. Getting my food about forty-five minutes later, nearly cold. The ~super artsy~ pornography in the next room over just really made it for me. OH MY GOD NAKED WOMEN HOW EDGY NORTH STAR SHIT. I HAVE NEVER SEEN GROTESQUE NAKED WOMEN BEFORE.
(2)John R.
Decent food, good selection of draughts, terrible event management, bearable acoustics, friendly people, and overall a decent place to settle in for a mediocre night. If you're thinking of playing here, I've had only terrible experiences. The last time I played here, we had to leave for a friend's surprise birthday party at midnight the night of our show. We asked the door man if there was any pay for the event, and he said that we would have to wait for the end of the show in order to sign a contract to be paid. Not trying to do that, we asked how much it would be, and the door man 'estimated' about 5-10 dollars for the entire band. Now, in my experience, the person working at the door has only one job: to know how much money is coming in. Later in the evening, we received a text from one of the other bands letting us know that we had actually earned $60. This would have been a nice addition to our recording fund and worth waiting another hour. We played for their venue, we brought them beer-loving customers, and we spent money at the bar for drinks; yet, they did not even have the courtesy to give us to money that we earned. I don't play for an extremely popular band, but we are very closely connected with the following that we have. They've lost both an act and a friendly customer base due to this underhandedness.
(3)Danielle P.
Wow, what a find in Fairmount! I went to a concert here (Shiny Toy Guns -- awesome band, check them out) and got there early for happy hour and some food. It's a tiny and very cozy bar area but has ample seating in the back for food, which I highly recommend getting! It was the weekend before Hurricane Sandy and they had a fitting drink special for $4... a Dark & Stormy. My fiance and I shared hot wings which were some of the best wings I've ever had. They were plump, juicy, not overly greasy, and the sauce was a perfect balance of spice and buttery goodness. My fiance ordered the mac and cheese which he said was DELICIOUS. It had some white cheddar and American cheese action going on, with bread crumbs on top. The bartenders were super friendly and went out of their way to create my favorite drink: a Sloe Comfortable Screw. It's a screwdriver with Southern Comfort and Sloe Gin in it. Amazing. I will definitely be coming back here for the service, food, and ambience!
(4)Eisha C.
I am a big fan of this place.I love the atmosphere and the bands. The food is good, and the drinks are better. Great crowd and the bartenders are awesome
(4)Jake S.
Great place to watch some live music in Fairmount. Stage on one end, bar on the other. Plenty of room to get around, and the bartender was attentive. I lived here for a year and only went once, I was missing out.
(5)Dustyn C.
A dark, inviting live music bar in a mildly sketchy neighborhood. The tap list always has something I want to drink, the few times I've eaten the food it was surprisingly good. The best part of this bar is the customers. I've had a lot of nice interactions with friendly people inside this bar. If you're the type of guy who goes to a bar with a stage out of sheer curiosity and desire for adventure, the seemingly schizophrenic booking that happens here could be right up your alley. Many times, I've seen three or four bands take turns on this stage during an evening who had only one thing in common musically, which was that they were all performing artists. You never really know what your're going to get if you don't already know what you're getting into. Sometimes that is exactly what you want, and North Star is your bar.
(4)Monica S.
Last time I was here was to see The Bird and The Bee (best duo ever). In the past, I've never been able to enjoy a show here because I've been towards the back of the room or someone's spilled an entire beer on me or I lost a shoe. So there I was, woe-is-me-style when I saw TBATB was playing at North Star. "I'm never going to enjoy it," thought I to myself. Either succumb to defeat or devise a plan. I felt like a champion on that particular day, so I went with the latter. I got to the show early. Well, early enough. My friends and I squeezed our way towards the front and had an awesome time. Inara George (lead singer of TBATB) is mesmerizing. If you have a chance to see her, please go. So, what have we learned? If you really care about the performer, get to shows early so you have a good view. Sure, this goes for any venue, but North Star is a stand out in the awkward room category. If you can work out the early arrival, you're in for a treat.
(3)Randi S.
Ok sooo I'm torn. I had a banging time at Northstar last night at the Mimosa show as I whipped unsuspecting glow stick wielding 22 yr olds in the face with my sweat drenched hair (que Willow Smith). But I can't say my good time was due to Northstar's menu (though I do thank them for booking an awesome show). BUUTTTTT... the food. Dude. Come. On. I had the Chorizo flatbread, well I mean I took a few bites. Putting 7 slices of spicy Jimmy Dean sausage on a piece of dough with a few red onions and no sauce ain't a Chorizo flatbread nah mean? So then I had a mad case of food envy and starting picking at a friend's mac and cheese. Hey so uh last time I checked there are two main ingredients in mac and cheese; macaroni noodles and cheese. Well, one ingredient was missing, cheese. None. It tasted like oily butter noodles that you serve a 4 yr old picky eater. I need to start keeping the Kraft orange cheese powder packets in my purse for such occasions. Not impressed. At that point I felt like a mooching ass Goldilocks.... I had to try baby bear's hot wings. "Juuuuusssstttt right". Kudos. So all in all, I did have a great time at Northstar despite a few subpar entrees. I'll be back I'm sure but will definitely order something else.
(3)Ron C.
I can't believe that I have only been to the North Star twice but what a cool venue. Went last Saturday night to see Fishbone (one of the greatest live acts ever!) and had a blast. The venue is small and intimate but the sound can be crappy if you are up front (we were). Both times I have been here (the first for Ruder Than You, The Pietasters and the Toasters last Halloween) the place is so small that you can talk to the artists as they always seem to be hanging around out front or in the bar area. Ticket prices are reasonable and they always host the up and coming or the niche bands that might not draw in a larger venue. Great selection of beers on tap at reasonable prices for a concert hall. Haven't had any food here but might try it in the future. Looking forward to my next show here.
(3)Kristan P.
mac and cheese was tastey. Can't beat the happy hour deals. The show we saw (shiny toy guns) was awesome. However, I've been to plenty pubish places in philly that manage to have a bit better service and more seating.
(3)Jen K.
Awesome dive. This bar has been here FOR-EV-ER, and used to be just the one building, with music in the rear (back before most of ya'll even moved to Philly, or were in diapers for that matter). They expanded into the building next door, which is now the music venue. The sound isn't so great, and the balcony view is a joke, but you don't really care about that part. You care about seeing your band with only about 50 other people max in this small venue. And you can care about it and be underage, which is good for the kiddies. This is one of my favorite places to see a show. And you can chat with the musicians before and after while they're smoking out front. Good beer selection, not overpriced. Awesome happy hour. The food is surprsingly good here, although I've caught the cook on off-nights too. Stir fried shrimp- 2 thumbs up. The regular adorable bar tender, who gave me an umbrella on my rainy birthday, is always a sweetheart.
(5)Elizabeth D.
North Star is a pretty rough and tumble concert/event space and bar in our neighborhood. They have a great beer list that's reasonably priced. The bartenders are really friendly and it's a lot of fun seeing a show here.
(4)Georgia K.
Went there last night to see Sea Wolf. I was really excited about the show, but after waiting through two opening acts and no Sea Wolf in sight, we left early to catch the train home. Website first listed the show at 8 (then 9), but by 11:30 they weren't on! I don't understand the main act not coming on until midnight, especially in a city where mass transit essentially shuts down at midnight. Beer selection was good, staff was non-existent. Maybe an ok place if you live around the corner, but not worth a trek from the northwest on public transit. I won't be going back.
(2)Erin F.
The first time I visited the North Star was about a month before I moved to town, sometime over the course of the weekend that I decided I was going to move to town. On a brisk October night, my special friend took me to North Star. Halloween was playing on IFC on the TV above the bar. It was then that I knew one thing: I need to get cable asap so I can watch IFC. I had food at North Star for the first time over the weekend after being curious about their menu for a long time. I had a veggie burger - simple, your standard .5" thick patty (I'm guessing not freshly prepared), but with pleasantries like guacomole, cheddar and a ciabatta roll. I wasn't expecting much but it was pretty delicious and no-frills. Would a side of fries been too much to ask? Probably not, but, as veggie burgers go, it was decent. The service leaves a little something to be desired but no major issues there, the music venue is bigger than you'd expect, and the new upstairs looks great and surprisingly fancy, but is probably only put to use when the downstairs is overflowing and busy. The North Star is the closest bar to my apartment (unless you count the weird pub at the corner of 24th & Brown), which earns bonus points, the food is good, and the crowd and atmosphere are agreeable. I reccomend.
(4)Rhonda E.
Went there for a show but I had never been there before. I expected a kind of Divey joint with a limited menu and beer list. Not so. We got there early and I was able to get a nice IPA without any hassle. The food was good as well. I"m always a sucker for french fries done well. The staff was friendly and very amenable considering how loud the show venue was. I'd come back for a happy hour or a meal here in the future.
(4)Ian G.
I saw Pete Yorn play here once, very intimate. It' gets a favorable rating because you can get close to the artist. It's a decent place to see up and coming bands or maybe they should be called bands that will never make it. Good Prices to see Live Music. Your not going to catch major acts here but it's good to go to a show blind once in a while.
(3)Jenna S.
(I swear this is a completely un-biased opinion of North Star Bar.) I've been going to this place for quite awhile. Even since before I became a lush in my hey day. They still offer all ages shows and it's a great place to see your friends' bands play. On occasion, you'll catch a fairly big-named band that you least expect to play a venue like the North Star. Great beer selection and I hear their happy hour is pretty effing sweet. Oh, and their one barback is pretty damn cute if you ask me. Maybe next time I'll get him to swoon over me and eventually get him to marry me. Oh wait... that already happened. So stay away, ladies. I'll fight ya. (I told you this opinion was completely un-biased.) (I also lied.) PS - Tip your bartenders!
(5)Stephen C.
All bars look the same right? Thats the feeling I get. This place looks quite small on the outside but you go in it actually big. Went to see show here and it was an intimate setting if you want to call it that lol. The drinks were reasonable. Though my favorite liquior Chamboard was not available lol. The bottle was on bottom shelf and quite dirty. The bartender advised me not go order that lol, which i complied. It was a good time here. I didnt order any food but it looked mouth watering. This is a place I would visit again for another show. Cheers!!
(3)Kristine D.
I really like the spaces for live music at the North Star Bar. The Victorian room and the main stage are both really great spaces with a lot of space for a lot of people to come. However, they have got to do something about their bar. The drafts are putrid. I ordered a Yards Brawler and it was almost black in color. But I decided to be nice and deal since the surly bartender already gave my husband the stink eye for sending back his Kenzinger for the exact same reason. He swapped his out for a canned beer, choosing not to gamble on any more of the drafts. I accidentally spilled my beer (really, it was an accident- but also a blessing in disguise since i asked for a canned beer to replace it). The canned beer was $2 less than my draft, and even though the bartender saw me spill it, and we were the only ones at the bar, she still had me pay for the new beer. When I was a bartender, in that situation, I would have just given the patron a beer, and not charged. Accidents happen. I even tipped her an extra dollar for having to clean up my mess. That was the last beer for me that night. I will be back to support the bands they bring in, but I will only buy the canned beers.
(2)Walter K.
Major disappointment here. Happy hour moved up a half hour and the tiny wings are now three for a dollar. To top it off, they have TVs but can't show phillies game b/c they don't have comcast. Still a goos place for shows but they can't advertise the fact that they have the best happy hour in town, and neither can I.
(3)Miguel S.
A corner bar that's doing their best to bring in decent bands. It's not perfect (sound is better on some nights than others). They don't book as many acts up my alley as they had in year's past either. But, this joint is classic in a town (and country) that sorely lacks surviving venues of this type, size, charm & with their hearts in the right place.
(4)Rob R.
The craft beer selection is a perfect fit for this hipster dive bar meets underground music venue. I've had the opportunity to see some of the best performances from some of my favorite bands here. It's small enough to provide some of the most intimate performances yet large enough to carry the sound. I honestly can't think of a better venue I would want to see a band. My hat is off to you North Star. Keep on rockin!
(5)Josh S.
Came here awhile ago to see a pearl jam cover band. the band kicked ass but it was damn near impossible to get a drink at any of the bars... Lines and lines of thirsty patrons waited and waited but the drinks never came. my wife and i ended up watching the show completely sober !(gasp) Turns out a couple bar tenders called out that night or something like that. overall is was an ok experience...guessing by now they got the Booze flowing again.
(3)Jessica E.
There is no other venue in Philly quite like the North Star. Between the lamp and the rugs on the stage and the fact that a lot of the musicians enter through the bar, you feel a certain connection to the performance that you miss at a more formal venue. Also, I have never been to a show that has been crowded, which makes me wonder how they stay in business (or if I just pick the unpopular shows), but I certainly like it! Also, you have the option of standing near the stage, sitting at a table, or chilling on the balcony. There is a vibe here that you just do not get at any of the other music venues in Philly. It is comforting and welcoming. For beer, they have a pretty standard selection of micro-brews for a very reasonably price. I have never eaten here, but the menu looked unique and intriguing. I usually go here for shows, but if I were in the neighborhood or just looking for a quiet place to go on a weekend, I would definitely hang out at the bar or perhaps in their new upstairs seating area, which is beautiful. Despite the fact that their are no paper towels in the bathrooms (which, I will admit, is annoying), this is definitely one of my favorite spots in the city and I always look forward to seeing shows here.
(4)Gandhus M.
I love me some live rock & roll. Especially at intimate venues. I love joints like NSB. It's awesome to see it attract the kinds of bands it does. I've had some kick ass times here and seen some memorable shows here including the Supersuckers &The Black Keys. Haven't been in a while, I was drinking Guinness and Heinekens when I was here last. I gotta get back and see what they are serving these days. I hear they've come a long way. It's in what would be considered Brewerytown, a neighborhood that a decade or two ago didn't attract many visitors. New businesses and youth have helped to turn it around. Even though I don't get down that end very often, that's always good to see. Enter: the Hipster. Hipsters don't bug me like they do a lot of people. I've always found them to be innocuous and harmless. Let's face it, some of the best places to eat and drink are within hipster enclaves. If they're going to help revitalize blighted areas of this city and turn them into something worthwhile, I say have at it. I need to get back to the North Star Bar soon.
(4)Paul S.
WTF happened to this place? Disorganized box office, overpriced concert tickets, disgruntled staff and overpriced, terrible food. Sante Fe hummus was a chipotle flavored dip that looked about as appetizing as poop on a plate, accompanied by jar olives and a raised kaiser roll for $8. Our poblano Caesar salad was nothing more than a $10 plate of shredded lettuce drowning in lemony dressing that is on par with McDonalds As the song says, "Never going back again"
(1)Amy S.
Not usually one to write reviews, but I've been coming here for quite some time for Quizzo and keep coming back for a reason. First off, they just revamped the menu and it was awesome. The servers let us know about stuff that we might like based on what we used to order off the old menu, which is great. The servers really get to know the regulars, and guess what? If you're a nice person (and not complaining about the two drink minimum that was enacted because your sorry ass wasn't ordering stuff during Quizzo and taking up a table for 2+ hours that could have been used for someone else), they'll treat you well. Now, in the past, the food was not known for being particularly fast (hence the 4 rather than 5 star rating). But that is in no way the servers' fault, and they have always been very nice and apologetic (even comping us items that took a while). Food itself has been coming out faster and better than ever. Bottom line, treat your servers right and they'll treat you right. Also, great small Quizzo atmosphere with a bunch of regulars that are fun to compete against. If I lived closer to Fairmount, this would hands down be my go-to local bar. Screw Flanders.
(4)Dan D.
Decent Happy Hour. Their wings here are pretty damn good. The mussels looked awesome, I will be getting them next. Nice little atmosphere.
(4)Sarah W.
Full disclosure I'm friends with the Amy S. who recently posted a review here. We're on a quizzo team that has been playing at North Star Bar fairly regularly since last fall. I'll keep this review short and sweet, but I just wanted to reiterate Amy's comments about the waitstaff on Monday (quizzo) nights. Erin and Stephen (Steven?) are typically the only two waiters on Monday nights, and the place gets packed for quizzo, but they are always super friendly and on point. When the menu got completely redone (a big improvement btw) a couple of weeks ago, both of them came up to me individually, expressed concern that what I usually order was no longer on the menu, and made suggestions based on what I used to order from the old menu. So not only did the remember what I usually get, but without me even having to ask they were making recommendations for what I might like on the new menu. The food is decent, and the new menu especially is an improvement, but my 5 star rating is 100% due to the service we get every week from Erin and Stephen (sp?).
(5)Tess G.
Word on the street was that North Star bar got a new menu. Finally tried it out last night, and OMG. I have two words. Nacho. Fries. The food is a great improvement from before. Burgers, sandwiches, and plates to share with an updated, slightly quirky vibe. I had Nacho Fries which were fries covered in cheese, black beans and guac. It tasted SO good and definitely fresh. Looking forward to seeing where the menu goes from here and hoping the Nacho Fries never leave the menu.
(5)Jason F.
Went here over the weekend - good beers on tap & the burgers were pretty solid. Not hard to get a seat and the bar service was good. Friend and I did not try the small plates, we went straight for the burgers. I had a the habenero chili burger (I know), and it was awesome - my friend had something that was layered with pork belly and a burger. For a Friday night, not crazy packed and I think they have live music, though I have never been there for it. The waitress was pretty busy, but we never wanted for beer or food, so props to her.
(4)Kimberly B.
Some friends dragged us here for quizzo last night, and it was a great time! The service was wonderful, despite how packed the place was. Our server was attentive and really fast. I never expect much at a place that does stuff like quizzo because I know how hard it is to wait on people during those kinds of events. Everyone's food looked and smelled awesome, though I didn't try anything. I hear that the new menu is so good, and I definitely want to try some food next time I go. The quizzo itself was a blast. I saw that this place is also a music venue, and that seems pretty awesome. The clientele all had a good vibe. I will definitely be back for some more quizzo and maybe a show!
(5)Chelsea R.
This is not a review of food, beer, or atmosphere. It's a comment on how this Philadelphia music venue treated its local music scene this evening. I do not know what woman was in charge, but she made an absolutely terrible decision when she cancelled four (that's right, four) bands earlier tonight. It is disrespectful to both patrons and musicians to cancel the day of the show. It is just plain rude to do it with just a few hours to spare. Oh, and all this occurred without so much as a call to the bandleaders. Thank you, North Star Bar, for being yet another reason why it is incredibly difficult to play music and make a living in this city. As a Philadelphia musician, as a resident of Fairmount, and as a former supporter of your establishment, I just thought you should know how much you've hurt your own community tonight.
(1)Emilie R.
Love this place! Great beer selection and their wings are delicious. Awesome happy hour deals too. Whenever Erin is working she makes our experience that much better - she's so sweet and attentive and personable. Stephen is great too! UPDATE JUNE 2015: food menu changed and it's just terrible, they got rid of all of the great HH deals (since when is $1/wing a deal?!), and they never have the AC on during the summer so it's a sweat box.
(1)Harry E.
QUIZZO QUIZZO QUIZZO! We have a great time here playing quizzo with friends. The happy hour prices are really good for beer and $.50 wings are sadly now the norm... but still a good price. The teriyaki flavor is our favorite very sweet and savory. The beer selection is very crafty, just check the big chalk board and get your selection at a decent price.
(4)Keith K.
This is more out of frustration then anything else. The last few times I've gone, I am treated rudely by the bartenders. Rolling of eyes and telling me that they won't give me what I want (it was nothing crazy, a new drink cause the old tasted like soap). I used to be a regular and preferred it over era or Sarah's. The menu had changed and instead of coming an explaining to me he rudely said, "it's up on the chaulk board." What's going on?! I used to love this bar. The burger was great, the muscles solid. And the only two servers who made you feel at home where Steven and Erin. Were the greatest. Don't think I'll go again.
(1)Michael N.
It's a shame, this used to be the go-to spot for indie music in the late 90s and early 2000s. Unfortunately it doesn't seem like they maintained ties with those bookers and a lot of the good shows for a venue of this size are heading over to Johnny Brenda's or Underground Arts. The room also hasn't changed in 10 years, and I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I'll speak for the venue as I've only had a few of the food items and they weren't anything special. The sound in here is ok. The louder the band, the worse it gets. I guess that's somewhat the rooms fault and sometimes the sound guys fault. If you are an out of town band looking to play Philly, I think this is a reasonable spot to shoot for. Unfortunately this area does not get a lot of foot traffic so I wouldn't expect a lot of walk ups. It's also not close to public transportation (other than a spotty bus route) which hurts them even more. I really hope they can turn it around somehow.
(2)Maria S.
This venue is very big and I had seen a couple of shows here!! Fun and exciting as a place like this goes and a good place for photographs.
(4)Kelley O.
I've tried so hard to like this place, as it is a staple in the neighborhood, but every time I go there is an issue. Most of the wait staff are less than thrilled to be there and certainly take their time in serving customers. Their wings, if they actually have them, change prices and quality every time. $1 per wing for happy hour? That's not even a deal. They used to have great mussels but now they're not even offered. The menu has been downsized to about 10 overpriced items. The draft deal for happy hour is pretty good, but I can get a Golden Monkey for about the same price at Rybrew. I really wish this place would get their act together because I want to see them do well. They have the potential to be a great bar. That said, the music venue part is great. I enjoy seeing shows there and a lot of great bands have history with NS. Best of luck guys. I'll try back in a few months to see if anything changes.
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