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- Nearest Transit:
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Massachusetts Ave @ Clinton St (1)
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- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sun 12 pm - 1 am
Thu-Sat 12 pm - 2 am
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
228 reviews for People's Republik
Review Highlights
"Always fun to play drunken darts."
(in 69 reviews)
"Cool atmosphere, good beer selection."
(in 11 reviews)
"Always tons of Magic Hat on draft, yum yum yum."
(in 10 reviews)
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228 reviews in English
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Review from Susan G.
1/26/2012
I'm on a boozy hiatus. :-( It's been tough. However, I couldn't let that stop me from visiting the People's Republik. I mean...a communist bar in Boston! I'm sooooo in!
I had a 'communist' diet soda and my friend had a Guinness. I dig this place, and when I'm next in Boston and drinking again, I fully intend on getting communist wasted here.
The place is adorned with much communist paraphernalia, a big old boot, a bomb, a really large picture of Bruce Willis? It's a dive, and I have a major crush on dives.
The bartender was probably one of the most friendly fellows I've met in Boston and I was glad to share a few jokes with him. My friend and I named him 'Communist Jesus', CJ for short and shared an interesting interaction involving chat about a jello wrestling match, stained showers and black hoses. :D
I can't wait to come back when I'm letting myself drink again! -
Review from Mike W.
Belmont, MA
12/26/2011
Went here one night (in my single days) with a couple buddies. They have pretty cheap drinks, which is always a plus. After a few rounds of darts we started chatting up a group of girls at the bar. We had a couple rounds of drinks, then a couple more... and so on.
So I guess you could say it's a good place to grab a few cheap brews, throw some darts, and even meet some new friends (if you're feeling lucky). -
Review from Vinny M.
Boston, MA
11/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
People's is one of my all-time favorite bars. There is always an eclectic mix of local regulars and Cambridge-area college students. The best times are usually before the college gets descend on the weekends and display their inexperience in drinking.
It can sometimes take a while to get a drink if the bar is packed, but the bar staff works as fast as they can.
The atmosphere is unique and excellent. The dart lanes are fun if you can get to one. The only drawback is there is often too many college kids bumping into you and each other, spilling beer, etc.
The food is surprisingly tasty and well-priced.
PROS:
- Good beer selection, but limited when it comes to the non-beers (Coors Light, Miller Lite, etc)
- Self-serve water from a Gatorade cooler in the back
- Excellent atmosphere
- Fair prices
CONS:
- CASH ONLY (not a major con, there is an ATM in the back)
- College crowd can get loud and really crams up the bar
- Hipsters -
Review from Cassie H.
1/30/2012
A friend and I stopped in for a late lunch after some shopping and girl time. Amazing cheeseburger and fries. It was pretty empty at 2pm on a Monday, but the bar-style food was amazing!
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Review from Molly O.
11/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
After a fancy dinner at Bondir, clearly this is the next logical stop... uh, right? Too full for brews means bourbon all night. This is A) good, because PR serves Basil Hayden's and B) bad, because I will soon be drunk and broke. But hey. I'm on vacation.
We got here at 7:30 on a Saturday night and had our choice of barstools...I realized later at 10pm that it was 3 people deep at the bar! Yikes. Come early. I thought the bartenders were swell, the beer list was pretty great (I mean, from the taps I could see), and they have multiple dart boards that have plexi glass sides so you don't hurt a bitch. Lots of cute dudes here (ladies take note) and also mostly douche-free!
If I lived in Cambridge I would probably come here a lot. -
Review from Jill F.
10/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's a pub.
Cheap Brews.
It's kinda cool with all the communist propaganda.
Although it does smell.
There's darts.
Cash only....
Okay? Okay. It's just okay.Listed in: Hipster Havens, Beer Queen
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Review from Shalin D.
10/27/2011
This place has a lot going for it: cool vibe, central location in Cambridge on Mass Ave., and a respectable beer selection. They even play The Pixies non-stop between 7:30-8:30 PM (at least, they did the two nights I was there this week).
My only problem is the bartender here. Loads of attitude with some to spare. I ordered a "G&T" for one of my friends. He looks at me like I'm a turd and turns around and says "I don't know what that means" I repeat myself. He pretends he doesn't understand until I say "Gin & Tonic." Then he starts mixing the drink. When he hands it over, he says "G&T... Gin & Tonic - you don't save much time by using acronyms." He says this without a hint of bemusement or irony. Just being a prick.
Needless to say: tip-o-meter downnnn. Wayyyy dddooowwwn. I know the place is pretty popular but does that give you license to be an ass to your customers, especially when you know what they mean? -
Review from Matt P.
Chicago, IL
1/2/2012
Service sucks here. Overpriced too. Historical Decor is cool but attracts pretentious hipster crowd. Will not return.
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Review from Jane E.
Cambridge, MA
11/12/2011
Great vibe going on here.
It's a bar, with decent beer, darts, and space. Nuff said. -
Review from Liz K.
Brookline, MA
10/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had a similar experience with the curt staff. Sorry I didn't know you don't take credit cards!
Other than that the decor is entertaining and they have a good beer selection. -
Review from Jess C.
Everett, MA
Updated - 10/19/2011
One of my favorite dive bars! Almost always a dart board available and I love the surly staff!
Great place to grab a beer with some friends and some decent grub. Not really the place to go if you're looking for foo foo drinks and super sweet service.
The place has a charm all it's own!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/11/2011
Love this place. Sweet potato fries are grubaliscious!
It's a weekly tradition now for my friends and… Read more »
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Review from Monique S.
Somerville, MA
8/19/2011
I came here before with a friend and had a good time, the drinks were reasonably priced, the crowd was lively, and the service was fine. I had to knock off one star due to a recent experience.
Based on my prior experience, I decided to take my friend from Texas to this place. There was one bartender, and the crowd was a decent size. We had to wait several minutes to be served, but didn't mind. Overall, the bartender seemed to be handling the crowd pretty well.
Then it was our turn. My friend had the audacity to order a Long Island Iced Tea. The bartender quickly responded "We don't make 'em." Albeit a curt response, that was perfectly fine and acceptable.
In response, my friend, in a very friendly manner, asked him if he had any recommendations for mixed drinks. He responded. "I don't know, but something I don't have to mop up at ten o'clock at night." He then turned to another patron to take her order.
And that was the extent of our visit. -
Review from Steph C.
6/21/2011
I guess until last month I had never been in an environment where I was surrounded by Communist kitsch. Well, check that off the list.
People's Republik is casual and fun, dark and comfortable but too self-conscious to be classified as a dive. I thoroughly enjoyed the place when I stopped in for a drink with a few friends. The collection of red regalia was impressive, with everything from posters of leaders to a giant boot. There were plenty of tables and not quite enough stools, but we were able to relax and have a beer standing up. There was a dart board as well that might have been fun if we weren't so lazy.
We did make it to the bar, though, where we were helped by an efficient bartender. There were several great beers on tap, and most glasses went for a reasonable $5. There was Dogfish Head, Lagunitas, and Long Trail wheat and ale. I had the Dogfish Head 60 Minute and it was delicious.
I may not be a Communist, but having beer with comrades is a welcome pastime under any regime.Listed in: Bingeing in Boston
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Review from H. G.
Boston, MA
6/20/2011
The cheeseburger isn't bad. I'm serious!
The veggie burger is bad. That you can believe.
Four dart boards. Or is it three? I can never seem to remember.
Surprisingly, not a bad place to watch a game.
Cash only.
I got nothing else.Listed in: Here's to feeling good... all…
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Review from Emily H.
Brookline, MA
8/1/2011
When I walked out of the Brattle Theater after a triple feature, I was thirsty, and I was worried. It was 9:30 on a Saturday night, and i was in the heart of Cambridge. The chance of finding a bar that I like and can afford were slim. The day before I had tried to get a drink at this place, but was out of cash. I decided that it was time to try again.
My friend and I walked to Central Square and into the People's Republik, and we were pleasantly surprised: It wasn't packed! We quickly found a table, and except for the occasional airborne dart, it was a clear shot to the bathrooms. We drank a $5.00 Belgian white before switching to bottles of PBR for $3.50. The next morning, instead of regretfully remembering all the money I pissed away, I tried to figure out how it was possible to have spent so little. Thank you, People's Republik. I will eat today. -
Review from Sarah d.
5/12/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I used to hate this place because I hate bars that are super crowded. Then I realized that it's only really crowded at the times you would expect a bar to be crowded, and is in fact a surprisingly chill place to grab a beer a lot of the time.
I've never had a problem with the service here, it seems to be pretty smooth. They have a pretty slim beer selection but there are always a couple locals on tap so it's fine by me. I have never ordered a cocktail here, but after witnessing a recent exchange between a bartender and some fancy-type ladies, it seems they do not have drink list and probably can't make anything particularly complex. They sell food but I have never eaten any despite having been here maybe a dozen times; it's just not a place I go when I'm looking for food. Prices are average.
They have darts. I like darts. Not much in the way of TVs, so it's not ideal for watching a game but it will do in a pinch.
It's a good enough place to hang out with friends or by yourself for a quiet drink during off-hours. Not my favorite bar ever but not bad either. -
Review from Remen O.
Chicago, IL
6/8/2011
It was Friday night and I was in the middle of a Cambridge pub crawl. No one in the group had been to the People's Republik before so we should stop by for a drink or two.
MISTAKE NUMBER 1: Going to the People's Republik in a group larger than 2 people
As many other reviews have noted, this place gets crowded due to less than abundant table/bar space. This may also speak to the general popularity of the establishment, but considering that it's sandwiched between two major institutions of higher learning, finding people that want to consume alcohol isn't exactly rocket surgery in Cambridge.
Anyhow, my group of six managed to snag two bar stools on the far side of the bar. When we finally got around to drinking, I ordered a Black Russian and some of my friends ordered White Russians (very subtle, right?).
MISTAKE NUMBER 2: Ordering a Black Russian
This one was entirely my fault. I really love a good White Russian, as any follower of the Dude would. But I tried to do something different, and the result was...meh. Both drinks were prepared reasonably well, but I enjoyed sipping my friends' whites a lot more than my own black.
On the whole, the experience was perfectly fine. This is a perfectly good bar for meeting up with a friend or two. -
Review from Phil M.
Boston, MA
11/7/2011
Peoples Republik, has some great memorabilia on the wall. It is a good dive bar, cheap brew and it gets pretty crowded. But overall, a good bar. Nills, the bar keep, is a solid bartender and a great person to have there. His taste in music is good too, my buddies love Phish and jam music...which is why we went there when Nills was working. I could care less what music is played as long as there are darts, good people and beer around. Always a pleasure to be there.
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Review from Eric H.
Boston, MA
8/9/2011
I would love to love this place. The atmosphere is cool... communist theme, dive bar. It's typically pretty packed so standing room only.
Unfortunately time after time I've found the staff to be obnoxious. They clearly have better things to do than serve customers, and when they do finally get around to it, their attitudes indicate that they really do have better things to do than be working. I have found this to be the case almost universally, so I've ceased going to this otherwise cool bar. -
Review from Ali W.
Cambridge, MA
11/1/2011
I'm not going to lie, one of the reasons that I like People's Republik as much as I do may or may not have to do with the fact that it is a 5 minute walk from my apartment. Proximity aside, the People's Republik is a good "bar" bar. They have darts, they have beer, they have booze, and if you take a minute to look around there is some crazy shit on the walls. They use an iPod for the music so if you're looking for a "venue" this is not the place to go. There music choices can be hit or miss but that completely depends on your taste. It is more of a pregame place, to meet up and grab a few beers before heading elsewhere. I've seen some first dates going on there, and if you're not looking for much more than a one night stand, you might take your date there for shots. If you're looking for a girlfriend, I would wait to take her there until you're introducing her to your friends.
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Review from Andrzrej K.
Brooklyn, NY
2/19/2011 2 Check-ins Here
If Brooklyn could have somehow flourished in 1980s communist Poland- it would have lots of places that look like this.
And they would probably have some menu item called the Solidarity Burger (1/5 kg beef pattie, communist coleslaw, and 100% fair trade vegetables!!) thats a great idea- but a better idea is to go to this bar and get some beer and food.
Keeping with Marxist/Leninist tradition- the patrons are pacified while imbibing- the price of the tab also deemed a very EFFICIENT start to the night and was a NICE and ROUND number- $29 even.
The burger was really good and they served late, really late, past 1989. -
Review from Theodore D.
Cambridge, MA
4/7/2011
Dive bar with snobby hispters. I'm an aspiring Hipster but I still can't stand this place. The bartenders are rude and when I asked for water they didn't really give me one for about 15 minutes of me standing there like an ass.
On the plus side they have darts. Darts are fun. I like Darts. But I don't like this bar. -
Review from Marissa P.
Boston, MA
5/10/2011
I came here for the first time a few nights ago and I had a blast! They have Dogfish Head 60 minute (my favorite IPA) on draft and $3 PBR's for those who really wanna drink cheap...
The crowd was very friendly - a rare sight around Boston - and the bartenders were on top of their game. The music was good: a mix of indie rock and 90's mostly. Met some fun people at the bar.
Ambiance is nothing to write home about - think dimly lit, dive with a slightly moldy smell.
I will definitely be back! -
Review from Shendi X.
Boston, MA
9/25/2011
Though a too-brief visit, the following is certainly true: the chipotle aioli fries were to die for, and the resemblance of this place to the NYC's KGB Bar (minus some pretension, plus screen to accommodate Boston sports fanaticism) had my heart a-flutter. Will return.
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Review from Hubert H.
Cambridge, MA
3/28/2011
More like a 3.5.
I can only comment on ambience and food. The fish and chips were rather solid, but the fish batter was too thick and the fish a bit mealy. But a good price and perhaps the venue is more about the drink and less about the food. Neat posters all around, and much hipper than the more corporate bar options nearer the Central T station. Around 7p-9p ish, can be a quiet place for civilized conversation. -
Review from Vanessa V.
Cambridge, MA
5/9/2011
I lived nearby to Peoples for years before I finally went in, but ever since I did I've returned there fairly regularly. It looks forbiddingly hipsterish from the outside, but really it's just a chill dive bar with bright colors and funny pictures- and darts! Yay darts!
Prices are Cambridge style good, which means expensive for anywhere else but not bad once you're used to being wallet-raped. Food is perfectly fine and there's a range of beers- not a wide range, but they have some decent options.
They're best on a weekday night when you can get a drink without too much hassle and find a seat more easily. While I wouldn't tell anyone to drive hours out of their way, if you're in the Central Square area on a weekday evening there's no where I'd recommend more highly. -
Review from Chelsea P.
Beverly, MA
9/9/2011
Oh, the Republik. It's so unimpressive and doesn't take cards and is constantly full of mindless college brats who think going to a bar with a pinko commie undertone makes them quasi-hip. The bartenders hardly notice you. But you know, my first date with my husband was at this place. It'll always have some dark, dingy, dive-y place in my heart.
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Review from Kate S.
Bolton, MA
2/2/2011
I'm pretty indifferent to this place. The bartenders are attentive, and the drinks are fine.
I just don't like the fact that I can never find a seat. And it's dark. And full of men with facial hair. -
Review from Mary T.
7/27/2010
I met some Boston Yelpers here for their Thirsty Thursday UYE 1-year anniversary (wow, what a mouthful!). Funnily, this is the one place my roommate also told me I had to check out. She couldn't recall the name, but could there really be two Russian/Communist themed bars in Cambridge? I thinking not.
The staff didn't seem to bat an eye when 30+ lively Yelpers in their best ugly t-shirts rolled in. (this was the one time I've regretted not keeping my "Hot for Peter [Brady]" t-shirt and more of the hideous, busy and bedazzled shirts my mom seems to give me) The non-Yelp crowd seemed to be pretty laid back and eclectic.
The beer menu is solid, a good selection of craft beers on tap and of course one of my favorites, Magners, and the the prices are reasonable. The food menu is small, if you're looking for some Russian-influenced dishes you'll be disappointed; unless I'm mistaken and the Russians invented panini and burritos.
The bar is rather simple, a large square bar in the middle with a few tables lining the walls and 3 dart boards. Decor and tsotchkes, adorning the wood-paneled walls, is all communist-influenced; the menus have Elvis on the cover dressed as a commie.
I really liked this place, but I may be a little biased. I didn't notice the skunkiness of any of my Magner's someone else mentioned, I guess I was too busy chatting the night away with a really cool guy.
Nostrovia!
P.S. This place is cash only, but there's an ATM inside.Listed in: Bostonia, Paper not Plastic
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Review from Mike M.
Cambridge, MA
3/23/2011
Friendly crowd, interesting music, soviet themed, pretty diverse beer selection, inexpensive food and 3 nice dart boards (with uniform house darts if you don't bring your own).
Overall, I'm a fan. -
Review from Jason B.
7/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
Gotta give these guys credit, they don't bat an eye when a gang of horrifying-t-shirt-wearing thugs rolls up 30 deep and starts slappin down orders for drinks. A cool, laid-back, hip bar in a part of town that really benefits from a no-nonsense drinkin' hole, People's Republik has that 80s - Commie theme that is nostalgic for those of us who actually grew up with the threat of nuclear war with Russia, and probably a hip nod to the old days for the other 90% of the clientele there.
I LOVE the shielded dart alleyways - three dartboards in a smallish bar is no mean feat, and having the safety walls up around the lanes is a dem fine idea. DEM fine, I say.
My only complaint - $3.25 for a PBR bottle? Come on, dudes. Where's your sense of "Zdravstvuite tovarishch"? Also, there's something wrong with your tap lines. At least the one that was running Long Trail. Maybe a bad mix of CO2, or maybe you just need some BTF.
These are but minor hiccups, though, in an otherwise fun place of drinkingness. Nostrovia! -
Review from Ellen C.
6/15/2010
I'd ALWAYS wanted to go here, so when my roommate and I decided we were finally going on a Cambridge bar hopping night, it was on the destination list.
I was really disappointed. The patrons didn't seem interesting, it was crowded despite not being particularly full of people, the drinks weren't that great (my beer was fine, but her Tom Collins left something to be desired), and really we just wanted to get out and get to the next bar.
Unfortunate. -
Review from avin n.
Cambridge, MA
1/29/2011
I was always intrigued by this place every time I passed by on Mass Ave, and yet for a long time never quite interested enough to actually go inside and check it out. Finally did so several months back, and actually discovered it's a fairly decent neighborhood spot.
Generally you can expect to find a crew of regulars (read: somewhat borderline alcoholic older gentlemen who are just a bit too comfy sitting on a bar stool all day), and the lingering smell of old beer wafts your way when you walk in the door. But that's the kind of place it is, and it's not really trying to be something different. And I can respect that.
One point to note- on game days, this is actually a pretty good option to check out and avoid some of the unruly boston sports fan crowds. Most seem to converge on Tavern, Field, and Phoenix Landing down the street, and Republik is slightly less crowded (meaning you can actually get a drink in a reasonable amount of time, and it's less likely some drunken Pats fan is going to hurl a beer at you). -
Review from Chris B.
7/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Relatively small. Cool people. Darts. And tasty late night food. Great NON-90s rock soundtrack, and televisions to watch the game or not.
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Review from Alec C.
Allston-Brighton, MA
11/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
I liked People's Republik.
They have a decent beer selection, prices are reasonable, bartenders are friendly, and the crowd is lively without being crazy. All good fun.
Bonus points for all of the communist based, "Oh my god I'm drunk. Now would be a great time for us to talk about politics" conversation starting art on the walls.
This place would have been a 4 star spot, but as always, minus one full star for being cash only. I really hate that a lot. -
Review from Denis A.
Boston, MA
1/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't get it.
Sure, it's got the Soviet thing going on, but then what?
Darts? Ok, if you're into that.
Beer selection is fairly typical of bars/pubs in the area. No Russian beers to be seen, nothing even a little interesting? The most exotic beer they had was Stella.
My friend and I ordered some fries to munch on. They were good, but nothing special.
Not too expensive, not too cheap. I guess I just don't get the appeal. -
Review from Yalgin O.
Boston, MA
7/28/2011
Awesome spot to grab a pint and throw some darts! Their drafts are in good shape and they carry essential whiskey and scotch bottles..
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Review from Corona W.
Somerville, MA
5/31/2011
Came here on a late Saturday night with a couple people. It took forever for my friends to order drinks. The bartenders would see them and then go help their friends/regulars first. This happened several times throughout the night. Seriously, if you're working off tips, don't be a dingus.
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Review from EricaLynn J.
Oaklyn, NJ
5/3/2010
It's not a Communist bar, though I think they want you to think that! Not that there's anything wrong with you being a Communist. You can totally be a Communist if you want to. I don't judge, really. Really.
What it is, though, is a funky little bar, with some really funny bartenders and a no-frills atmosphere. It's cash only, though it's especially amusing to watch people try to pay with credit cards over and over again, as if the rules would change mid-way or something for them. Haha, drunks.
It's very centrally located, so if you live in town you're mere steps from where you need to end up at the end of the night. You're also just a few blocks away from the Hong Kong. Those who know, know.Listed in: Central Square!
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Review from Shannon S.
Somerville, MA
9/22/2006 ROTD 12/5/2006
Oh the Ugly Republik, you truly are amazing.
Located between Harvard and Central squares, this place is classic when you wanna close out the night without spending way too much.
It's SO funny about the Republik but it really is the best place to close out your Cambridge bar crawl. My friends call this place the "Ugly Republik" because the clientel ain't too hot or by the time you get there--you probably aren't looking that good either.
Also, what's up with that poster inside with that man/girl who looks EXACTLY like Ashton Kutcher--I know it's supposed to be communist but I swear that painting Punked' me.
Regardless, I love this place. The bartenders are amazing, quick and total sweethearts--they play crazy loud rock & roll, hair metal and grunge and you can play darts to your hearts content. The drinks aren't retarded expensive and if you tip great the first time they'll always load you up. FYI, the bathroom is tiny and if you're a chick the girls are always super friendly and funny in the bathroom. These people will talk to anyone.
The ratio is like 5 doods to every girl so if you need a pick me up--this is the place to go--the men aren't always quality but they're always really hilarious and entertaining.
The Republik is exactly what it is. I recommend going on a Friday or Saturday night unless you're a local --then it's every man for yourself, but this is the place to be when you close out at 2am all sloshed and sloppy. What I love about this place and the reason i'm giving it 5 stars is that it's totally approachable, it's exactly what it is, and you'll can chat up anyone in there without getting guff.
I suggest getting the mixed drinks rather than the beers here, but that's just me--this is more of a Captain and Diet place to me. Also, the bar section is huge and the customer section is sort of a tight squeeze, however, it's pretty sweet that you can check out the people on the other side of the bar. But--if you don't like standing or people touching you to get past you. This bar is not for you.
