A star has burned out in Little Five Points — at least for now.
For decades, The Star Community Bar has been an institution in the Atlanta neighborhood.
On New Year's Eve, the bar said on social media that it would close up shop after ringing in the New Year. However, it may not be for good.
"Last Thursday we got our walking papers. The landlord has decided to rent the space to someone else," the post reads. "Tonight is your last chance to party at the Star Bar. Let's do it up right. See you tonight!"
Eater Atlanta reports that the building's owner is in "active negotiations" with a new leasee. According to the outlet, the owner is committed to keeping the bar and music venue there, and even would prefer to retain the name.
The bar, which often hosted comedy nights, live music and tribute shows, opened at 437 Moreland Ave. NE in 1991.
The last-minute announcement, which was posted around 3 p.m. on Tuesday, took many Atlantans by surprise.
On social media, Star Bar lovers were quick to lament it as the end of an era.
The post to the bar's Facebook page was shared more than 1,500 times and attracted nearly 900 comments.
“The Star Bar is an icon and an anchor of L5P. While I hope the new people keep it as is I hate that this is happening this way. I love everyone there and wish we could be there with y'all tonight,” Vaughn Belak wrote in a comment.
Another commenter, Bill Mitchell, said he was there the day Star Bar opened.
“I remember going here on the first day it opened. You could still smell the new varnish on the bar,” Mitchell wrote. “I saw so many great shows here over the years. Hate to lose this neighbor.”
Little Five is known for its network of small businesses, many of which have been there for decades.
Jill Polster wrote in a comment on the post that she can’t imagine the neighborhood without Star Bar.
“I’m working on processing what Little 5 Points is without Star Bar ... so much amazing music over the years. So many memories. So many. Wow,” she wrote.
I’m sad to just now hear that The Star Bar in Atlanta will close after tonight. 5 days notice from the landlord. DBT literally got our start there. Wish I could go raise a toast there. (PH)
— Drive-By Truckers (@drivebytruckers) December 31, 2019
I only performed there twice but they were two of the best sets of my life. RIP a true southern institution @StarBarAtlanta pic.twitter.com/v7FPqYHEja
— Wayne Cousins (@cousinwayne) January 1, 2020
Star Bar in Atlanta is closing and I want to share for posterity its Elvis shrine pic.twitter.com/B9D9cGjDsm
— Durk (@Durkdrake) January 1, 2020
Star Bar was home to our third show ever back in 2015 (pictured) and we're absolutely heartbroken to hear tonight will be their last in business. A huge blow to the Atlanta music scene. @ Star Community Bar https://t.co/cyxWk3klTS
— The Muckers (@Culturepunk) December 31, 2019
Tonight is the end of a decade and an era! The legendary Starbar is closing it’s doors as of January 1. It hurts to lose an awesome Atlanta venue that supported local music. Come out to the party of the century and say goodbye!https://t.co/XoKZAVs8b5
— Marie Anne Lenormand (@crescentflight) January 1, 2020
The Star Bar is an anchor location for Little Five Points. It's been there for AGES.
— Ella Drake (@Lori_Ella) December 31, 2019
Terrible news for Atlanta
Can’t believe this. Thank you for all the great memories and the opportunity to grace your stage
— Dawgwater (@PushrodRules) January 1, 2020
@StarBarAtlanta was one of those places you could always find yourself having a great time no matter what. Just heard today that tonight is the final night it will be open. I haven't been there since I moved away six years ago. Best wishes to you all!
— Dranrel Johnson (Lernard Johnson) (@Archangel_DJ718) January 1, 2020
I’m not a “one moment changed my life” sort of person, but visiting Star Bar was one of the experiences that made me feel like Atlanta could be home.
— Andisheh Nouraee (@andishehnouraee) January 1, 2020
The @StarBarAtlanta was such a terrific and supportive venue for comedy and I’m sad to see it go
— Corey Ryan Forrester (@CoreyRForrester) January 2, 2020
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