Lamp Post

Sometimes it might not seem like Fresno needs more music venues. We have the classics downtown, the grungy ones in Tower and Belmont, the gigantic arenas in the east. Last thing we need is a place so small, the bar and stage are joined at the hip.

Turns out that forced intimacy makes a real difference, being inches from a band as they blast out the beats or a poet laying down the smack. The beer on tap is a great price and a decent selection (though they tend to run out of the Firestone quick), and they have a few wines that are never as bad as the trash most bars stock, without charging any more. The bartenders are quick, the crowd ranges from artsy to hard metal, and a lot of cool guys from the Fresno scene come through here.

Even if you only remember the dive that used to be here, check it out, there are some great things happening here.

a great place to grab a cold quality beer on tap and listen to some of Fresno's best local bands.  I've always found the host to be friendly and welcoming.  I'm impressed with all the improvements the owner has made to make the environment even better.  The gallery features great local art and the performance area is awesome.  It's a nice place to hang out with friends.

I'm all about first impressions and Lamp Post's first impression was not a pleasant one.  The first time I walked in there were two people sitting at the bar and the bartender was facing away from the bar.(For like what seemed an eternity) My friend and I just sat at the bar and he never turned around.  So we left and he was none the wiser, or privy to what had happened.  That left a bad taste in my mouth for terrible service or lack of attention.

Second time, I stepped into Lamp Post,(Yes I went again because I give everyone a fair shake) I ordered a Full Circle beer and the shit was warm! SECOND FAIL!

Third time, I walk in, (Yes I know, what you're thinking by now.  Is he a gluten for pain and terrible service?) the bartender says hello and she mentions that she remembers faces.  So I order a beer and it's cold.  I mention the previous attempts and she apologizes and I'm sold.

 Good beers and people who care to apologize for their mistakes are legitimate in my book.

 I give this place my stamp of approval!