Alex Todd, who served as the GM of Proto Buildbar and Chris Wire, owner of Real Art were sitting around having a beer one day and got to talking about what might be next for that space. Chris shared they’d had a lot of fun with Proto, but were thinking after 5 years it might be time for something new.
Chris said they “were brainstorming and felt like craft beers were covered, the Cbar does bourbon better than anyone in the country and then they thought VODKA. We’d both been watching Chernobyl and from there the ideas just spiraled out of control. I’d been to a Vodka bar in NYC that was gorgeous and underground and pretty upscale. But we wanted something much kitschier and fun.” He went on to describe it as a being lots of leather and velvet, and dark. Hence Red Star, a themed, Soviet-Era Russian Vodka Bar was born.
According to Chris, Red Star, a “Proletarian Pub,” blends the opulence of the Cold War-era Kremlin with the vibe of a straight-forward working-man’s dive bar “in a look only your Ukrainian grandmother could love.” The Grand Opening will be Friday, February 28th, from 4:00 pm–2:00 am. Unlike Proto Buildbar, this bar will be for those 21 and up.
Wire describes Red Star’s Soviet-era themed-decor as an eclectic mix of vintage Victorian and Mid-Century Modern furnishings dripping in red velvet accompanied by historical Russian photography and Cold War, propaganda-inspired graphics. With 2 bar areas and a mix of low tables, it will have a comfortable feel. Alex Todd will be the general manager and a few familiar favorites and some newbies will make up the staff.
Red Star features a full cocktail bar along and with eight select draft beers, an extensive selection of vodkas, and a rotating selection of more than a dozen house-infused vodkas. Flavored vodkas will include strawberry mint, tomato basil jalapeño, mixed berry, vanilla, espresso, apple pie, cinnamon, and a not-to-be missed pickle-infused vodka cocktail. Flights of the infused vodka will be available. Come springtime they may event host some food trucks in the parking lot.
Those who may revel in Soviet-era, along with those who enjoy a darned-good dive bar (Pabst will be on draft for just $2.50), and not to exclude the odd Dayton-based Bolshevik—all will enjoy, real (non-electronic) dart boards, a premium sound system, and broad selection of music on vinyl that guests are free to pick and play.
“We’re really pleased to be able to add to the variety and quality of entertainment options that are part of the resurgence of downtown Dayton,” said Wire. “And, in our own way, we are adding to the fabric in this flourishing area of downtown with something that is cool, fun and funny, and a little off-center.”
RED STAR VODKA BAR 
AND COCKTAIL LOUNGE
534 East First Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402.
937-474-9418
Instagram: @redstardayton
Twitter: @redstardayton
Facebook: @redstardayton
HOURS:
Tuesday–Thursday 4pm–midnight
Friday–Saturday 4pm–2am
Sunday 4pm–midnight
