Bar None Marks 30 Glorious Years in Columbia’s Five Points
Columbia, SC – If you’re strolling through the vibrant neighborhood of Five Points, you might want to pause and step into Bar None, a cherished staple that just celebrated three decades of serving up cold beers, tasty bites, and a whole lot of community spirit. December 12, 2024, marked a special occasion as this beloved bar toasted to 30 years of making friends and memories.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
Picture this: the year is 1994. Bill Clinton is in the White House, gas prices are sitting around $1.11 per gallon, and you could enjoy a refreshing beer for about $2.50. Fast forward 30 years, and while many things have changed, one constant remains — Bar None. It’s still the go-to spot for locals looking to kick back and relax.
As patrons spilled into the bar on that memorable Thursday evening, an air of nostalgia was palpable. Ryan Bessinger, a long-time regular, quipped, “It’s a place where everybody knows each other, or they will in a couple of days.” Bar None has built a reputation as a neighborhood bar where familiarity reigns supreme.
Building Community, One Pint at a Time
Marty Dreesen, the owner, and his business partner, Dan Bliek, wanted to create a place where friends could gather without the frills. “Dan and I were determined to open a no-nonsense bar with quality drinks and a fun atmosphere,” Dreesen said, chuckling about the importance of clean restrooms! Little did he know that this dream would evolve into a local institution.
Growing up with a family history in the bar business certainly set the stage for Dreesen. “My parents owned a bar in Nebraska called The Lazy B Saloon for 32 years,” he fondly recalled. That former neighborhood hotspot served as his inspiration, and Dreesen aimed to replicate that sense of community in Columbia. “That’s what I want Bar None to be,” he added.
The Dreesen Family Touch
The family theme resonates strong at Bar None, and Dreesen’s wife, Barbara, affectionately known as “Babs,” is a significant part of this success. On the night of the celebration, she was busy decorating and ensuring everything felt just right. “It’s always been a place where people can chat about anything from sports to politics,” Babs explained. “You might not always agree, but here, everyone is welcome.”
Employees like Josh Brannon, who’s been an integral part of the team for over 24 years, echoed the familial atmosphere. “Yeah, things change, but the feeling that we’re all a family here? That’s timeless,” he said, emphasizing the bonds formed between coworkers and customers alike.
Resilience Through Challenges
Over the years, Bar None has seen its fair share of ups and downs. Dreesen candidly shared some of the hurdles they faced, from new insurance laws to adjusting to the challenges brought by the COVID pandemic. “We haven’t changed much in 30 years, but we’ve definitely navigated a few storms,” he admitted. Yet, through it all, his goal remains clear. “I hope Bar None stays exactly the same, even when we’re not running it.”
Your Home Away from Home
Looking to grab a drink? Bar None opens its doors every day at 3 PM and keeps the spirits flowing into the night at 620 Harden St. in Columbia. Whether you’re there to chat with an old friend, enjoy a game of shuffleboard, or savor a plate of their renowned pub grub, you’re sure to feel right at home.
Here’s to 30 years, Bar None, and to many more memories made alongside cold beers and warm welcomes!
