Envision this: every Friday and Saturday night begins somewhere special and ends somewhere OK. It’s closing time, the bars are slowly emptying and everyone is heading home; however, one bar remains with a line wrapped around the building: The J Bar.
The line outside the bar is outrageous; just let the people in. Oh, wait, bouncers only look for sorority, fraternity and athletic complexities and probably deny the majority of the line.
The J Bar, formerly known as The Junction, opened its doors under new management and a remodel in 2011. What used to be a comfortable place for Athens residents to drink in peace, turned into a Greek life madhouse. The bar’s remodel was intended for people over 40, but it has since installed a place for god complexes, with finance majors and marketing minors.
I refused to step into the sticky, body-odor air until my friends and I went to have a drink during Santa Fest. It was the only bar open, and the atmosphere was questionably good. Until a group of Greek life egos walked in, with their heads high and their targets aimed at us.
They constantly pushed their chairs into ours, made faces when we laughed and overall made our experience less enjoyable. Sure, this can happen anywhere, but I’ve never felt more out of place. To make matters worse, this was a group of women. I thought girls’ girls existed, but I guess not.
The prices are also ridiculous. I ordered a vodka redbull, thinking it would be under $10 like every other bar on Court Street. No, it was a whopping $14 without tip. Sorry to the bartender to whom I tipped very little. It’s not you, it’s your musty bar.
The worst part is that there is no way to confirm this. They don’t have the menu on Instagram, X, Facebook or a website. You’re an establishment, and you expect customers to come in blind to order expensive drinks? Yeah, no thanks.
The layout is the only positive aspect. The upstairs is unique, with a bar too, which could be the best area; however, it’s a hazard. It will either cause several people to fall over the lofted balcony or fly down the stairs that resemble a slip and slide. The lookout at the bar is fun because you get to see guys with hats that barely cover their hair jump up and down watching a random football game. This could be converted into a dance floor of some kind, with a staff member on hand to help maintain a low capacity upstairs.
Additionally, the music is louder than being in the front row seeing your favorite artist perform. It’s always a random R&B or 2000s hit hyperfixation song for the fraternity brothers present. It could be amazing or horrible. Honestly, it’a probably a good thing the music is loud because you don’t have to hear your situationship screaming “Mr. Brightside” to you. Still, turn down the notch a little.
A great example of a good bar in Athens is The Overhang. Founded in 2013, it’s located down the street from The J Bar and actually has a menu published online. The bar is perfect for a college student’s night out: great drinks, a perfect bar setup, enjoyable music and crowded for a good reason. The booths are always taken, but are big enough to hold groups of six to eight. Cards are out, vibes are up and when there is a line, it’s quick.
The J Bar, your potential is surfacing. It’s never too late to start that 2026 rebrand and cater to the masses of OU students and Athens residents.
The Pest is an anonymous column for writers to air their grievances about Ohio University, Athens and society at large. Want to share your thoughts? Email the Editor in Chief at editor@thepostathens.com
