Mercury Lounge

Husband researched this place for local music. The papers said the show would start at 8pm, but they were only just setting up the stage at 8:30. This place really is a dive bar, but not as dingy as you would think. It does the dark ambiance really well with the tatted bartenders, but they were pretty friendly. I'm sure we looked a bit out if place, but there was a pretty diverse clientele; mix of tattooed regulars to frat guys, now that's an interesting mix. We liked one of the performers, but ended up heading out when the main band got on. The headliner actually played three songs took a long break then came on after the opening act some time after 11, which we thought was very confusing. Coming from Chicago we did have to get used to bars that allow smoke, but that did add to the dive bar character.

On our first night at the Merc, my girlfriend and I were a little intimidated by the place. We seated ourselves on the last two stools at the far end of the horseshoe shaped bar and tried to be inconspicuous. The jukebox was amazing, the drinks were cheap and we had a decent night while feeling a little out of place. Subsequent visits became much more fun as we were made to feel at home by the owner, Reggie and the best bartender in town, Miss Betholicious. Once you become a regular - and they welcome any and everyone - you'll begin to love this smoky little dive bar as a home away from home. The patrons are friendly, there's a lot of laughter and fantastic music from the juke and the wide array of bands who perform throughout the week.
I mentioned cheap drinks... the $5.00 "shot and a beer" combo lets you choose almost any beer from their wide selection and the shots don't come from any "well drinks" gun but from a variety of premium brands. You'll also find the legendary frozen "Vegas Bombs".
It's definitely grungy, but spotless and since it allows for smokers, it definitely qualifies as a dive... but a really GREAT dive. There are two patios, one covered and one under the sun (and stars) and, most importantly plenty of parking!
Again, it looks rather intimidating but don't be put off. It's definitely friendly and a great place to hang out on most any afternoon or evening.

I really don't go out much any more, but when I do I go to the Merc. As a girl, it is one of the FEW places in town I would go by myself.

the Bartenders are great, 5 dollar shot and beer special.

they seriously have the best juke box in town, and feature some killer bands

if you havent been, go now. Like right now...

and yes, it is punk/rockabilly type crowd but there are plenty of other "types" there as well.