Star Bar

I don’t understand how this bar stays in business. Since they do not have beer taps, I asked for an old fashioned. The bartender replied that they didn’t have any bitters. Then I asked for a mojito. The bartender then said that they didn’t have any mint. Then I asked for a martini. The bartender said they didn’t have any vermouth. He then proceeded to tell me that the bar was «a real meat and potatoes kind of place.» What the hell does that mean? I ordered three of the most standard drinks there are. I ended up spending $ 5 on a crappy bottled beer.
As bad as that is, since it’s cash only, they are going to sell fewer bottled beers because you can’t open a tab. Their business model just doesn’t make sense. The only reason I gave this place 2 stars is because of the location. It’s a really nice place above the Starbucks with a beautiful view of Thames Street. However, if you want a real bar (one that is actually stocked and has beer taps), I’d recommend going to Midtown down the street.

Really cool dive bar with everything a dive bar should have, it’s a nice break from the rest of touristy Thames St.

This was a fun and chill bar to start the night. I was exhausted from deep sea fishing during the day so a fun and competitive game in ping pong woke me up! I beat my boyfriend 3 times… he was so pissed he crushed the ball. Totally uncalled for but I’m also really good at smack talking. =)
This bar is tucked in the corner, upstairs from a Starbucks so if you don’t know about it, you probably won’t see it passing by. Probably also why it wasn’t very busy so the vibe was super chill.
They also have pool tables and darts. Great place to be if you want to go out but not get too crazy.

Nice hole in the wall Kind of place! I Would say it is a good spot to start the evening with. Couple pool table and table tennis will defi ately entertain you for a bit. Some couch on the corner if you want to relax in a kind of cozy atmosphere as long as the bar is not too crowded. Bring cash or be ready to spend some money on atm fees. No credit card accepted.

It was so cool, and it feels you are sitting at your living room.
It was only me and my gf there. We played pool, watched tv and left. The view is good too.
Go behind Starbucks and you will find the sign.

We were the only two people in there Friday night, it was great. David the bartender was very nice/​helpful.
All beers are bottled, no tap, no food. You can play ping-​pong or darts, and they have an ATM.
I really like the comfy chairs, juke box, and huge windows that overlook Thames street and Newport Harbor.
This is one of my favorite «pre-​gaming» bars before a dinner out in Newport

I imagine many people walking on Thames St. mosey right past Star Bar without even realizing its there… as its located on the second floor above a starbucks, and the door is off to the side of the building. For me, this place is just OK. I have had some good times here, but never anything out of the ordinary… it can depend on the crowd. The drinks and prices are average for Newport, but its pretty annoying that they accept cash only.
Once you reach the upstairs, you are greeted by two pool tables and a large, long bar. The rest of the space is filled with couches and oversized chairs — a pretty good space for groups. There is also a Ping Pong table situated in the back of Star Bar. It is a lot of fun, but really the ball just ends up bouncing away into the main part of the bar all the time so you don’t feel like playing for long. They also have a jukebox.
All in all, its a good place to grab a drink and check out the crowd… depending on the night it could be a hit or a miss.

Bizzare crowd, totally unpredictable. Friendly enough but very college-​town like. Collared shirts, dresses and tims… my mind is blown on the attire. Drinks are ehh but it’s a cool spot.

Star Bar has a special place in my heart. We used to come here quite a bit when I called the Ocean State my home. It’s great for many reasons and our recent visit this past weekend proved that it continues to be.
There has never been a cover charge when I’ve gone. I’ve always hated having to pay to get into a bar just to pay more for drinks. It’s stupid and I will not do it. Also, the vibe is completely unpretentious which is not something that can be said for a lot other bars Newport. It’s casual and comfortable, nice enough, and has an area for pool, a section of some tables and chairs, and a space with couches and cozy seats. I wouldn’t call it divey.
In addition, it’s kind of a secret, which I love. There’s no sign outside it, you just have to know to go up the stairs on the side of the building where Starbucks is (it’s directly above it). I felt kind of cool introducing my friends to this place on Saturday night (two of whom even lived in Newport and never knew it was here). Due to the reason that you have to be in-​the-​know to come here, it hardly ever gets crowded, which is fabulous.
CASH ONLY, so be prepared.
P. S. — On Saturday the crowd was on the younger side. As a group of 30-​somethings we were among the older people. Still a good time though.

Like other reviews say, this isn’t a typical dive bar, but I guess can be considered one? One of the few places in Newport that do not have a cover charge in the summer (at least I’ve never run into one there). Definitely have cheaper prices than other bars in Newport, too.
Very laid back atmosphere where people aren’t trying to impress one another. Really attentive bartenders too, which is a good thing sometimes in Newport. I’d say with the crowd here, I’ve always experienced a good cross-​section of people. It’s also more of a «first drink» before you go to another bar, or where you will go for Last Call.

Really fun bar to come to start or end the night. No live music, but the juke box is fun if people with good taste are picking the songs! Comfy chairs and the drinks are all served in pint glasses. Definitely recommend especially on Sundays and Mondays. It is cash only though so hit the ATM before.

Star Bar is a cash bar only!
Very relaxed atmosphere with comfortable couch seating. Definitely a casual place to get a drink on a Saturday night with some friends.

Defiantly not the typical dive bar or even any other kind of bar with a cool atmosphere strange chairs and overall a good feel.
I have to say seeing the place for the first time threw me off until i stayed around for a couple beers with what looked like college students with past graduates ages ranged very wide.
Overall very friendly and would recommend as either a meeting spot or a starting spot, just wouldn’t make it an all night event.

This place is strange. It’s definitely not a dive bar. Ever go to the late, great MARS BAR in NYC??? THAT is a dive bar.
This is like your friend’s parent’s rec room. Pool tables, comfy chairs. Strange crowd of youngs and olds (but not old-​old — old like, me-​ish age and then some). It’s above Starbucks. The lighting is odd, but nice — its not that dark.
My vodka red bull was basically all red bull. That’s ok, though. It’s fine.
Overall, not really my scene — but it is a kind of nice and cozy alternative to the more hoochie dressy bla bla showy heels kinda places around Newport. Def laaaaid back.

Only been here twice, but had a good time both times. The second time was on St. Patrick’s Day this year, and it was… an event. Reasonably priced beers, good selection of people, and a good atmosphere. –1 star for their pathetic attempts at an Irish car bomb (you can’t do it with plastic shot cups in plastic cups, people!). The side bartender was very cool, and they even had $ 5 reubens (I’m still upset I didn’t get one). Definitely worth a visit if you’re in town, St. Patty’s Day or not.

Star Bar is always, since college, where we have our first or last drink of the night when going out in Newport. Music is from a juke box, which you can make selections to – I personally love this.
The nearly-​floor to ceiling windows offer beautiful views of America’s Cup Ave, the harbor and the Bridge in the distance. Has nothing to do with whether its a good bar — but it is a nice touch.
I am not a mixed drink girl, so I can’t tell you about how well/​not well the bartenders make a drink. But, even on busy nights, you don’t have to wait that long for service.
It now has a ping pong table, which I think is awesome. (Also pool and darts). Bathrooms are out the door and down the stairs — you pass them on the way into the bar.
Solid place. Not a place to spend the whole night — but a go-​to nonetheless.

I’ve always wondered what was above the starbucks when I’m on vacation here, thought it was someone’s studio with a bar. Well, it’s a bar at least.
No draft beer, but prices on beer were cheap as all. Havent paid less than $ 5 for a heineken in a while. Usual bar items, jukebox, pool table, ping pong, darts. Doesn’t get packed til later, but it seems like a good place to start or end the night.

Ping pong? Pool? Darts?
Sold!
Enter just around the corner from Starbucks– a non-​corporate-​controlled chain, but rather an authentic, low key and eclectic watering hole. Really, only the location (both above the Starbucks and looking over Thames) take away from its local charm (although both those things add to its convenience).
Not for every night– but definitely a cool place.

Star Bar always represents. Probably my fav bar in newport. Totally unique atmosphere with plush couches and BUBBLE HOCKEY!!!
Pool Tables, ping pong, and a great jukebox round out this gem. Well hidden and always a good vibe

This unmarked bar above starbucks on Thames is the perfect place to get away from the tourists for some pool or darts. It’s cool to chill out above the main drag. Great jukebox too. The only downside is nothing on tap.