Was reluctant to come because I heard it was racist but wanted to have a good time. bartender was nice as hell but customers were constantly saying the N-word. Luckily I didn’t give them the energy they wanted. Bouncer was cool too
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 4
Chuck Latham Johnson
Places That Felt Like Home
Some places in this world hold you not because of their walls, their menus, or their decor, but because of the way they welcome you. For me, two of those places were Just Brew It in Union Grove, Wisconsin, and the North Star Bar in Rochester, Minnesota.
At Just Brew It, after only a couple of visits, the staff began greeting me by name every time I walked through the door. It reminded me of Norm from Cheers—that easy ritual of belonging where the world pauses to say, you matter here. The drinks were good, the people were kind, but it was that simple recognition, that moment of being known, that made the coffee shop feel like family.
The North Star Bar carried the same magic in its own way. Whenever I walked in, they’d call out, “Georgia,” not just as a nickname but as a nod to where I came from. It was playful, affectionate, and grounding. No matter how far I was from home, I carried a piece of it in the way they saw me.
Both places remind me that what makes a space sacred isn’t the bricks or beams—it’s the people who look at you, smile, and say, you belong.
Kim Distad
Used to go there when I drank and was young lol
Milton Fields
This place sucks. No service, people hanging outside drunk. It's just a dive bar.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Millie W
We just had a couple beers and shot some pool (not billiards). It was wonderful to find a local place that is reasonably clean and welcoming. The pools tables were all available when we got there (it was the middle of the day, to early evening, on a Saturday), and I just hung with a couple of my best friends: playing pool and having a beer. The restrooms were adequate and clean, the drinks were decent (and not overpriced) with more than just one American beer on tap, and the temperature and air quality was great (it was a smoky day outside because of wildfires hundreds of miles away). We haven't been back in the evening to night yet, but we will. At that point, if I get something to eat, I'll edit.
Cody Valnes
Went on a Saturday night and the band was very good, although I don't know the name of the band. Pool tables, dance floor and surprisingly enough seating even eith having a band. No idea if they have food but im still giving it 5 stars.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Samuel Gershman
It's fun and the drinks are cheap, staff are great at their jobs, a nice place to get silly on the weekends without breaking the bank.
Patrons seem friendly, it reminds me of small town watering holes in a way that's comforting and fun
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
Chris Svarstad, J.D. (NorthShoreGuy07)
100% in every aspect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cadyn Welch
North Star is my go-to place to end a night out. They consistently feature the best bands that are incredibly interactive. The bar tenders here are incredibly kind and efficient. And let’s not forget the bouncers—they’re the best in the business. They ensure that only the most fun-loving individuals enter the establishment. Whether you’re a young adult or an older person, North Star is a fantastic place to have a great night out.
Great Music
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Was reluctant to come because I heard it was racist but wanted to have a good time. bartender was nice as hell but customers were constantly saying the N-word. Luckily I didn’t give them the energy they wanted. Bouncer was cool too
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 4
Places That Felt Like Home Some places in this world hold you not because of their walls, their menus, or their decor, but because of the way they welcome you. For me, two of those places were Just Brew It in Union Grove, Wisconsin, and the North Star Bar in Rochester, Minnesota. At Just Brew It, after only a couple of visits, the staff began greeting me by name every time I walked through the door. It reminded me of Norm from Cheers—that easy ritual of belonging where the world pauses to say, you matter here. The drinks were good, the people were kind, but it was that simple recognition, that moment of being known, that made the coffee shop feel like family. The North Star Bar carried the same magic in its own way. Whenever I walked in, they’d call out, “Georgia,” not just as a nickname but as a nod to where I came from. It was playful, affectionate, and grounding. No matter how far I was from home, I carried a piece of it in the way they saw me. Both places remind me that what makes a space sacred isn’t the bricks or beams—it’s the people who look at you, smile, and say, you belong.
Used to go there when I drank and was young lol
This place sucks. No service, people hanging outside drunk. It's just a dive bar.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
We just had a couple beers and shot some pool (not billiards). It was wonderful to find a local place that is reasonably clean and welcoming. The pools tables were all available when we got there (it was the middle of the day, to early evening, on a Saturday), and I just hung with a couple of my best friends: playing pool and having a beer. The restrooms were adequate and clean, the drinks were decent (and not overpriced) with more than just one American beer on tap, and the temperature and air quality was great (it was a smoky day outside because of wildfires hundreds of miles away). We haven't been back in the evening to night yet, but we will. At that point, if I get something to eat, I'll edit.
Went on a Saturday night and the band was very good, although I don't know the name of the band. Pool tables, dance floor and surprisingly enough seating even eith having a band. No idea if they have food but im still giving it 5 stars.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It's fun and the drinks are cheap, staff are great at their jobs, a nice place to get silly on the weekends without breaking the bank.
Patrons seem friendly, it reminds me of small town watering holes in a way that's comforting and fun
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
100% in every aspect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
North Star is my go-to place to end a night out. They consistently feature the best bands that are incredibly interactive. The bar tenders here are incredibly kind and efficient. And let’s not forget the bouncers—they’re the best in the business. They ensure that only the most fun-loving individuals enter the establishment. Whether you’re a young adult or an older person, North Star is a fantastic place to have a great night out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
We didn't eat and the service was okay, all our drinks were burned. The love band was lots of fun!.
Atmosphere: 5
Good service, affordable fun, good music.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 4
Didn't even go. Called to ask about wheelchair accessibility and the rudeness I was met with over the phone was enough for me.
Service: 1
Love the live music every weekend! A great mix of bands. Great dive bar, and the bartenders/barbacks, servers, and bouncers do a great job!
Wheelchair accessibility: Ramp entrance in the back and street level entrance in the front make it easily wheelchair accessible
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Nugget of a place for live music.
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