The Red Balloon

Well... what can I say. The drinks are cheap! Yeah, that's about the best I've got. It's a divey place, but not in a fun-divey way. And don't roll up in here with your credit card, it's a cash-only joint.

First time at the Red Balloon late on a Saturday night.  On the way over, my brother in law warned us that it was a total dive and we would be overdressed and out of place.  He was right about the dive bar status.

Another dive bar located in a precarious spot among some side of the road businesses on 75th street and Switzer.  The first thing I noticed was the amount of smokers outside the blacked out bar. The inside was just as dark with a handful of small tables, a couple long tables for groups, and some high tops amid the three pool tables and dart boards along the wall.

The crowd was pretty young and two groups were celebrating birthdays. Another group was with a bachelorette party. A few servers were circulating trying to peddle pre-made Jager Bombs, but were friendly and attentive. $3.50 PBR Pounders (24 ouncers) were a great deal (not so much this morning).  Not sure if they had food though some folks were eating from catered serving pans. A few others had walked to the Taco Bell two doors down and brought some chalupas back.

Karaoke is the draw at the Red Balloon and it's pretty good. They have a massive song library. Some of the "new" songs (listed in the front of the manual) weren't exactly new, but there is something for everyone in the book. The karaoke DJ was lively and kept the show rolling. As soon as someone was finished, there were some music interludes and another person or group moving to the main stage quickly.  No props or fancy accessories - just a stage, two microphones, and a television hanging from the ceiling with the scrolling lyrics.

It's definitely a dive but some serious high energy and fun here.

I'll definitely be back for a drink and some karaoke, but only with the group. I wouldn't come here by myself or with one other person.

So my friends and I were here tonight for a good time only to discover what nasty individual the owner is and completely ignorant regarding the ADA laws and individuals with service animals. She told my friend she couldn't sit at the bar because she would get dog hair in the ice when I later saw her all leaned over the ice chest with her hair literally hanging in it. It will be more likely you'll find her nasty bleached blond and black combo hair In your drinks then my friend's medically necessary service dog.