The
Scene
Since it opened in 1999, Circle Bar (one of the
businesses encircling a statue of Robert E. Lee)
has built on the popularity of the site's former
establishment, the fringe favorite Fleur de Lee.
Space is at a premium, whether you're edging
your way past the bar to the restrooms or angling
for a seat in the tiny performance area. The
intimate environs only heighten the surreal aspects
of the place.
The crowd consists of cooler-than-thou college
students, local musicians (some of whom you may
find working the bar), refugee hipsters from
The
Draw
It's become a necessary stop on most hip
night crawlers' itineraries, thanks to a
loose, friendly vibe and a roster of eclectic
acts leaning to the indie-rock side. Irreverent
acts including Alex McMurray, the Geraniums
and Rotary Downs play the homey performance
room regularly.
This tiny bar is among the most bohemian-hip
in town, courtesy of the slightly twisted
folks behind Snake & Jake's. Ambience
is the key; it's got the ever-popular "elegant
decay"
look, from peeling wallpaper to a neon glow
from an old K&B drugstore sign on the
ceiling. The jukebox keeps the quirky romantic
mood going, thanks to bewitching, mood-enhancing
selections from the Velvet Underground, Dusty
Springfield, and Curtis Mayfield. The clientele
is real and real laid-back. Live music includes
mostly local acts such as the sarcastically
depressed Glyn Styler. Bet you'll see us
there...
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