CLUB SCENE:
FORMERLY KNOWN AS NASBAR (August 2005)

by Maryann McKinley

Fulton's night life is looking up. A new owner and a new focus, along with really great late night food, are combining to make NASBAR the place to be. I dropped in for a chat with the manager and bartender, Hillary. NASBAR has been a Fulton staple for several years, catering to the many fans of NASCAR racing that like to watch and socialize in the city. With new owner, Warner Shue, a bit of change is coming.

Fans of NASBAR shouldn't worry, though. Even with a new name, the same friendly atmosphere will greet old and new customers alike. Soon to be renamed, this is a large space with plenty of room to hang around with friends, or meet new ones. You'll find everyone from college to professionals stopping in to relax and have a little fun. There's lots of table seating, and a conversation area away from the main crowd. Every night is special at NASBAR. Monday through Friday, there's a happy hour from 4 - 7 pm. Tuesday night is buy one, get one draft pints, Wednesday is Karaoke night, where the brave can get up and show off their inner rock star. It's also Progressive night, where bottle beer starts at $1 at 8 pm, then raise in price 25 cents every half hour 'til 11 pm. So, if a beer leaves the bartender’s hand at 9:45, how much does it cost? I'll leave the math up to you!

Thursday is Ladies Night, with the added attraction of DJ Sid spinning tunes from the elevated stage. On the night of my visit, the music was mostly hard rock with some alternative thrown in, but DJ Sid can mix it up, from dance and hip-hop to the most hard-core rock. Whatever the crowd, DJ Sid can make them happy.

Friday nights, DJ Sid returns to the stage, and there's an early evening buffet to make sure everyone is well-fed. Saturday is band night. NASBAR rates as a great venue for live bands with the elevated stage above the crowd, so everyone has a great view. You can catch a variety of local and touring bands, with everything from classic rock, country rock and alternative represented. There's more than enough room for dancing, and enough space so that you can always bring the temperature down with a cool cocktail. Sundays, stop by to check in on your favorite NASCAR driver, and enjoy $1 pints during the races.

What does the future hold for NASBAR? The name change is in the works, and there will be a little more comfort for customers. NASBAR will continue to offer the best place to watch every sporting event, with the big-screen and several strategically placed smaller screens so you never miss a bit of the action. The great local music scene will continue, and there may be an expanded drink selection, with a little more metropolitan cocktail menu. Considering Fulton's heritage, can a chocolate martini be far behind? What a perfect fit!

Dart leagues are forming soon, and NASBAR is a great place to compete. You don't have to worry about people walking in front of you, jostling your arm, or becoming the unintended target of a perfect throw. The dart boards are up and away from the main crowd, so there=B9s plenty of room to get your team and fellow darters together for a round or two. Get your lineup together and sign up!
The most popular addition to NASBAR is right next door at the Sideline Diner, offering great food to late night patrons every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 10 pm to 4 am. Missy, diner manager extraordinaire, has created a menu is full of great late-night fare, from full breakfast to a variety of sandwiches and pub favorites. French toast, pancakes, eggs of every description, frettas, omelets, breakfast burritos, sausage, biscuits and gravy, and Sideline Diner's famous Potatoes O'Brien fill out the breakfast menu.

For patrons with later-day meals on their minds, there's a full selection of sandwiches and wraps, and munchies like wings, clams, chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, zucchini sticks, fried mushrooms, jalapeno poppers, and potato sticks. Can't decide? Create a combo platter with all your favorites!

No matter what the name turns out to be, NASBAR will continue to be located at 320 West First Street South in Fulton. The property is open every day, while the Sideline Diner is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 10 pm to 4 am. Call 598-7177 for more info, and enjoy!