We have loved coming to Famous Bar and have been loyal customers for many years, which is why I feel it’s important to share an ongoing concern that has negatively affected our experiences.
Unfortunately, on several occasions we have had unpleasant interactions with one bartender, Ruther. Each time, he has come across as snobbish, rude, unwelcoming, and disengaged, making our visits uncomfortable. This has not been a one-time occurrence, but a repeated pattern across different nights, occasions, and company.
On our most recent visit, there were two bartenders working. Ruther very noticeably and repeatedly ignored us despite clear attempts to get service, which made the situation particularly uncomfortable. Jeff, on the other hand, was the sole reason we stayed. He was friendly, attentive, and professional, and truly represented the level of service we’ve come to expect from Famous Bar. The contrast between the two was striking.
We genuinely loved this establishment considering it’s been a neighborhood bar for us over the years and would like to continue coming back. However, we would appreciate it if management could address this ongoing issue, as it directly impacts the experience of long-time customers. Based on online reviews, it also appears that others have had similar experiences, seemingly with the same individual.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for your attention to maintaining the welcoming atmosphere that has kept us coming back for years.
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 2
J J
This place is a class act! Fantastic staff making great drinks with speed and efficiency.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Patrick Kilian
I love this place so much that I’ll give 5 stars for food and they don’t even serve food. Great cocktails and great service with a great ambiance. It’s the perfect combination of a dive bar with wonderful drinks
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brian Vega
Such a shame. Really cool bar besides the incredibly rude and standoffish wait staff. Every time I have been in I have had a problem with the bartenders. Whether it’s because I wore a tank top and got asked to leave (while other female patrons also were wearing tank tops or tube tops) or when coming in with friends and them seemingly not wanting our business (6pm on a Tuesday). Used to be a bar we would recommend, but the last handful of times it was just an awful experience. If you want a good drink and don’t mind a rude wait staff, come on in! Otherwise you’re in the wrong place
UPDATE: they continually came up to our tables and took full martinis and drinks from us. Just absolutely uncalled for, rude service.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
brooke fuhrmann
It’s very sad to see such poor service at such an amazing bar. If you don’t like your job, quit but don’t take your hatred on life out on nice customers. I suggest going somewhere else because the mood of the bartenders will kill you vibe and there’s better martinis elsewhere.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
PBL
Wild. We came in with a group of 18 on a slow Tuesday afternoon. Would have thought they would want the business. Very rude, as if they didn’t want us here. We were simply coming in for a drink and to play pool. Minded our own business but felt like they were watching us. Not a great experience.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Harrison Lage
Bartender was terrible
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Kevin Vega
Came in with my family for Christmas crawl… bartender was very unwelcoming even though bar wasn’t busy at all (6 pm on a Tuesday), unfortunate experience for a south city bar we hear highly of…. Might be a better experience if you don’t get same bartender, really seemed like he didn’t want to be here, and after that experience neither do I.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
Ryan Dailey
Love Famous Bar only knock is the seating situation. Not too many seats, but it has been there forever and has become very popular through the years. Great Drinks!
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 4
Jessie Growe
Good martinis and Bloody Mary’s. Service is not great but they only had one bartender and a big group came in together.
Excellent martinis and Bloody Marys! Bartenders are top notch
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Jayson Carey
Upscale dive bar with cocotails
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Joey Willig
Very cool little spot
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Katherine Bergmann
Jeff and James are the best bartenders! This bar is the best! If you want amazing strawberry martinises then come here!!! These two bar men provide excellent service! The owner should give them a raise! They are so nice and easy on the eyes!! Will be back! Many times!.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
J Rod
James makes the Best Martinis Ever!! 😘 And his play list is the Best!!! Juli and Dale. Mark did you read this? We love James Playlist!!!
We have loved coming to Famous Bar and have been loyal customers for many years, which is why I feel it’s important to share an ongoing concern that has negatively affected our experiences.
Unfortunately, on several occasions we have had unpleasant interactions with one bartender, Ruther. Each time, he has come across as snobbish, rude, unwelcoming, and disengaged, making our visits uncomfortable. This has not been a one-time occurrence, but a repeated pattern across different nights, occasions, and company.
On our most recent visit, there were two bartenders working. Ruther very noticeably and repeatedly ignored us despite clear attempts to get service, which made the situation particularly uncomfortable. Jeff, on the other hand, was the sole reason we stayed. He was friendly, attentive, and professional, and truly represented the level of service we’ve come to expect from Famous Bar. The contrast between the two was striking.
We genuinely loved this establishment considering it’s been a neighborhood bar for us over the years and would like to continue coming back. However, we would appreciate it if management could address this ongoing issue, as it directly impacts the experience of long-time customers. Based on online reviews, it also appears that others have had similar experiences, seemingly with the same individual.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for your attention to maintaining the welcoming atmosphere that has kept us coming back for years.
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 2
This place is a class act! Fantastic staff making great drinks with speed and efficiency.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
I love this place so much that I’ll give 5 stars for food and they don’t even serve food. Great cocktails and great service with a great ambiance. It’s the perfect combination of a dive bar with wonderful drinks
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Such a shame. Really cool bar besides the incredibly rude and standoffish wait staff. Every time I have been in I have had a problem with the bartenders. Whether it’s because I wore a tank top and got asked to leave (while other female patrons also were wearing tank tops or tube tops) or when coming in with friends and them seemingly not wanting our business (6pm on a Tuesday). Used to be a bar we would recommend, but the last handful of times it was just an awful experience. If you want a good drink and don’t mind a rude wait staff, come on in! Otherwise you’re in the wrong place
UPDATE: they continually came up to our tables and took full martinis and drinks from us. Just absolutely uncalled for, rude service.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
It’s very sad to see such poor service at such an amazing bar. If you don’t like your job, quit but don’t take your hatred on life out on nice customers. I suggest going somewhere else because the mood of the bartenders will kill you vibe and there’s better martinis elsewhere.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Wild. We came in with a group of 18 on a slow Tuesday afternoon. Would have thought they would want the business. Very rude, as if they didn’t want us here. We were simply coming in for a drink and to play pool. Minded our own business but felt like they were watching us. Not a great experience.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Bartender was terrible
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Came in with my family for Christmas crawl… bartender was very unwelcoming even though bar wasn’t busy at all (6 pm on a Tuesday), unfortunate experience for a south city bar we hear highly of…. Might be a better experience if you don’t get same bartender, really seemed like he didn’t want to be here, and after that experience neither do I.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
Love Famous Bar only knock is the seating situation. Not too many seats, but it has been there forever and has become very popular through the years. Great Drinks!
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 4
Good martinis and Bloody Mary’s. Service is not great but they only had one bartender and a big group came in together.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 3
Restaurantji Recommends
Excellent martinis and Bloody Marys! Bartenders are top notch
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Upscale dive bar with cocotails
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Very cool little spot
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Jeff and James are the best bartenders! This bar is the best! If you want amazing strawberry martinises then come here!!! These two bar men provide excellent service! The owner should give them a raise! They are so nice and easy on the eyes!! Will be back! Many times!.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
James makes the Best Martinis Ever!! 😘 And his play list is the Best!!! Juli and Dale. Mark did you read this? We love James Playlist!!!
Ps… bring back the apple rings 😜
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
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