The food and drinks at Starlite never disappoint. Â They have a great happy hour that includes some of the best nachos I have ever consumed (they're grande!!) and an extensive martini menu. Â The atmosphere has a great 60's vibe and quaint little seating areas for groups big and small.
There are a couple of things that I'm not a fan of and the first one you can guess as soon as you walk in- there is a very steep and long set of steps to reach the lounge. Â Not so much of a problem going in but I have witnessed a couple of people struggle on their way out, if ya know what I mean! Â Second, the service is about 75% bad. Â Often times, you find yourself waiting way too long for refills/ to pay/ for food, etc. Â Despite those two things, I have found myself at Starlite, both literally and figuratively, more times than I can count. Â For drinks and appetizers, there is no place in La Crosse like Starlite. Â Just be careful, those martinis really sneak up on you!
I can't tell if the decor is original or was designed like it is but the whole place has a great 60s lounge feel to it. Â They commonly have musicians playing some kind of jazz too. Â All they need is the Rat Pack in the corner to finish the vibe. Â
They have a great bar and the drinks are usually pretty stiff. Â It can get crowded after workers get out of the office though, I think this is the place they usually head to first. Â Some of the chairs are kind of uncomfortable and a majority of the tables wobble which can be dangerous especially after a few drinks. Â
It's above Buzzard Billy's if you are having trouble finding it.
Absolutely love the Starlite Lounge! They've got boozy drinks in an amazing atmosphere with some top-notch employees. Bartenders have spunk and personality and can banter with the best of 'em. The vibe in here is relaxing and entertaining with live music. Starlite would be on my must-go list! That chocotini has me wrapped around its' finger...
Review Source:Its as cool as it can get if you are:
-in need of a spot for serious conversation.
- trying to pass the night with a stiff  cocktail.
-looking for dimly lit interior with minimal crowd.
-have an electric taste and appreciate personalized cocktails.
-looking for a first round or nightcap.
In La Crosse and want a cocktail? Â In a cool, retro, hipster atmosphere? Â And some great appetizers to go with it? Â And attentive bartenders that know their stuff? Â And not pay an arm and a leg? Â Then the Starlite is for you.
Upstairs from Buzzard Billy's (and getting its appetizers from the same kitchen), the Starlite is a throwback to the Rat Pack era of the 50's and 60's. Â Very popular for its very reasonably priced martinis and cocktails during happy hour, its a fairly happening place later into the evening as well, especially in weekends and on Becca Tuesdays. Â The decor will remind you of Howard Johnson's (if you're old enough to remember HoJo) and is a blast from the past, especially the orange and turquoise chairs. Â Thursday happy hours are enlivened by the jazz combos that play. Â
As for the cocktails, they are excellent. Â The aforementioned Becca takes care to make the drinks on the menu but will go off menu as well if you prove yourself to be a worthy patron. Â Oh, and did I mention, she makes the best Old Fashioneds in Wisconsin or Minnesota (which means anywhere)? Â Well, she does. Â
As for the appetizers, I've tried a number of them, but always find myself returning to the seafood stuffed mushrooms - you can not go wrong with those. Â In fact, I find myself looking for reasons to be in La Crosse on Thursday nights - happy hour prices, stuffed mushrooms and live jazz, in a cool, retro environment? Â What's not to like!
This place is SOOO cool! Â First visit here was for the sister's college graduation and then again last August on a road trip with same sister. Â Located above Buzzard Billy's, this little martini lounge is pretty much a throw back type place with small cocktail tables with high-backed comfy chairs and a few couches thrown in to lounge about in. Â On the return visit, there was a pretty cool jazz band complete with horns & a stand up bass for everyone's listening pleasure.
You want a chocolate covered strawberry martini? Â key lime pie? Â Orange cream? Â how about a a good old classic martini shaken, not stirred? Â This would be the place for you. Â If you find yourself wandering the streets in downtown La Crosse, I highly recommend dragging yourself up the stairs to this unique bar.
Having studied in La Crosse and frequently visited the Starlite during my college days, I couldn't wait to return here! Â And of course, Starlite did not disappoint nor diverge from my warm, fuzzy, drunken memories of it.
Amazing martini list: everything from the original to Key Lime Pie. Â Be careful though, pace yourself when sampling these delicious libations! Â Also on the menu, wine and scotchs.
The Starlite is located above Buzzard Billy's and has a great retro vibe about it. Â Plenty of comfy couches, chairs, and tables. Â Most nights you'll be treated with smooth live jazz. Â I could, can, and did spend all evening here, chatting and sipping on martinis.
Wow, I wish the Starlite were closer! Â I have so much love for you!
It's a swanky second floor bar with comfy chairs, red and turquoise velvet decor, and views of Pearl St. below. At four o'clock happy hour begins, so you can take a nice afternoon walk in Riverside park and end up here just in time for a refreshing martini.
Martini's are half off. And normally they are only $5, so you do the math. I long for these prices now that I am no longer in La Crosse. Also, appetizers are also half off during this time. I would always get the nachos, but I think there is also some fried cheese that is very good. Either way, it's a good thing to pair with several martini's.
On Thursdays, they have live jazz, or at least they used to. This place has such a great vibe and is a great place to meet friends for happy hour. The most interesting part is when those happy hours turn into full nights in downtown La Crosse.
Oh, to be young again!
Distance to Bar : Long Walk/Cab/Bus
Love this place. The decor and everything about it is a throw back to the day of the cocktail!
I love my cocktails and this place serves them up, and at 1/2 price between 4 and 7 Monday - Friday I can try many of them on the menu.
Since I was driving last night, I could only taste one of their concoctions, the Pomitini which was delicious, strong and yummy.
I would like to return when someone else has the keys.
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