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Status
Joining the ranks of the half dozen or so hot spots on Pontiac’s Saginaw Street, FUBAR (Friendly Upscale Bar) plans to pull in both hipsters and sports fans with LCD TVs surrounding the bar, bartenders with unique skills and flair, a full lunch and dinner menu, and DJs spinning the latest dance tunes.
“We want to reinvent Pontiac nightlife with a place various individuals feel comfortable coming to whether it is to dance to our well-known DJs mixing top 40 hits or to eat and drink or to watch sporting events on our multiple flat-screen televisions,” says FUBAR owner Marnie Scroggs. “No gimmicks, just fun.”
Though in a prime location -- across from JD’s Key Club and the Crofoot -- FUBAR may have to prove itself against some of the more established bars and clubs in the area like Tiki Bob’s, Tonic and Clutch Cargo's. But it’s the right place for the right price with no cover charge (as of yet).
Gear
Come as you are. While anything goes at this soon-to-be-happening hang out, the black granite bar top, chrome bars stools, cozy nooks with black leather couches and, of course, the name (Upscale Bar), would suggest avoiding dirty or hole-y clothes.
The male bartenders get by in jeans and various black t-shirts while the female servers strut their stuff in black shorts and black or white tanks and tees. Dress for comfort, not for show here.
Mood
Blue may describe FUBAR’s soothing lighting, but don’t use the word on the patrons. With flirtatious bartenders (yes ladies, eye-candy) and a friendly staff that’s ready and eager to serve, you’ll feel like you’re family. Not surprising considering a few members of the staff really are related. DJ Mike Scroggs is married to Marnie, whose sister Harley is a server. Their mother, Michelle, also makes the bar’s signature FU-bread. Keeping up?
“We have surrounded our atmosphere with fun and friendly staff that is focused on making everyone’s time at FUBAR enjoyable,” Marnie says.
If the bartenders sense a chill from a lackluster bar bunch, they’ll heat things up by breathing fire and juggling bottles and glasses. Look out Vegas, here comes FUBAR.
Pick-me-up
The full drink shipment hadn’t arrived by the big day and the kitchen wasn’t fully operational, but there was still plenty of liquid coverage to go around. Bottled beer sat in an ice-filled metal tub by the door and patrons ordered drinks like vodka and cranberry juice and a variety of libations containing Red Bull. A must-try is the bar’s signature Fu-Bomb -- flavored vodka and Red Bull with a secret twist.
Free pretzels and warm, oven-baked Fu-bread (sausage and cheese wrapped in thinly rolled dough) gave people a sample of what’s to come when the kitchen’s ready in a few weeks.
Entertainment
DJ Tommy Holiday held it down with modern dance beats, but if the multi-colored strobe lights bouncing off the wooden dance floor don’t tempt you to “Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow” (sorry Paula), no worries. Challenge a friend to a game of darts, pool or video games. If it’s the beats that have you down, choose your own tunes on the electronic jukebox.
Vain college nights begin this Wednesday with Mike Scroggs, DJ Godfather and Jevon Hollywood on the ones and twos. DJ Mark-E spins the latest mash-ups. 18+ welcome.
