Star Bar Closes Little Five Points Doors Dec. 31 After 35 Years

Star Community Bar will cease operations at 437 Moreland Ave. in Little Five Points on Dec. 31, 2026. The venue, commonly known as Star Bar, has operated in the neighborhood for 35 years. It is closing after co-owner Luke Lewis announced the decision in a statement to local media on Oct. 29.

The bar’s history in the area has included periods of instability and community intervention. Former owner Kahle Davis initially planned to close the venue at the end of 2019. The space reopened in 2021 under the ownership of Lewis and three other partners. In 2022, developer Third & Urban nearly demolished the building for a mixed-use project. The developer ended the contract after community members rallied to preserve the site.

Lewis cited economic pressures as the primary reason for the final closure. He noted that live music venues have historically faced financial challenges. The pandemic and the recent decline of film production in Atlanta made those difficulties more pronounced. Lewis described the move as passing the torch to the next group of operators.

Red Light Café, a listening room currently located at Amsterdam Walk on the border of Virginia-Highland and Morningside, will take over the Star Bar space. The deal between the two venues is set to close in January 2027. Red Light Café will shut down its Amsterdam Walk location on Dec. 31, 2026, the same day Star Bar closes its doors.

The relocation is tied to a redevelopment project by Portman Holdings at the current Amsterdam Walk site. Red Light Café confirmed the move in an Oct. 29 Instagram post. The venue plans to maintain the existing building structure without immediate changes. The post confirmed that the Elvis Shrine and the Little Vinyl Lounge will remain. Red Light Café will also bring its Wednesday Jazz Jam, Tease Tuesday, and Electro Lounge events to the new location.

Kelly Stocks, President of the Little 5 Points Cultural District, commented on the transition. She stated that the neighborhood is sad to see Star Bar go but welcomes the arrival of Red Light Café. Stocks emphasized that the district was created to preserve the area’s specific character and history. She said the cultural district is excited to see what the new venue brings to the neighborhood.

Star Bar is hosting a 35th anniversary party on Oct. 31, 2026. The event begins at 7 p.m. Attendees must pay a $20 cover charge to enter. The venue will operate on its regular schedule until the final day in December.