XL Gallery and Bar

It’s small, it’s comfortable, they have a large bathroom and Josh is pretty to look at. Need I say more?
I know you’ve all been to Stardust Lounge, but have you visited it’s sister/​brother bar/​gallery upstairs (main level)? Well if not, do it. Next time you find yourself wandering around Central Ave, stop in. There’s lots of revolving art on the walls, so you’ve always got something new to look at and you can go back and forth between Stardust and XL if ya like.

I frequent the downtown area a few times a month to visit friends and have a drink during the afternoon or evenings. When we heard about the Thornton Park Wine Walk (Oct 11^th) we decided to give it a try. There were 14 «stops» where you could learn about the business whilst getting a refill of a Dixie Cup glass of wine. More to be social and see what ‘s in the area; not to get wasted.
XL Gallery and Bar was stop number 14, and we had difficulty finding it due to its location and placement (Stardust Lounge kind of takes up the viewing real estate when you walk by, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the business). When we entered at 8:57 P.M., it was going to be the last stop as the Wine Walk ended at 9:00 P.M. The bartender kept himself «busy» messing with the T.V.‘s and ignored a few people at the bar until a few minutes past 9, which he said to our wine walk greeting, «I’ve been here since 4 P.M. and I haven’t seen you guys here.» Lots of attitude. Granted, I understand from a business standpoint giving out free wine for three hours isn’t exactly a money-​maker, but at least the other shops/​businesses were interested in YOUR interest of their facility.
The Falcon is pretty chill, There’s a new tapas restaurant opening on Washington Ave. There are brokers who are polite to you and want your business IF you decide to move to Thornton park. All these places — plenty of local art to be viewed. Why visit a gallery/​bar that has no interest in their patrons if you visit for a drink or view the art that is showcased?

Really cool little spot. I attended for a show for Enemy Ink. It’s a small space, with a huge sound system and lots of wall space for art. Had a really cool vibe and I felt really comfortable there. I would definitely return.
Beer selection was acceptable, which of course I’m concerned with. While there weren’t really any craft beers available that I saw on their list, I was able to guzzle down a few Abita Turbodogs which is a nice standby.
Overall a really cool spot for an art show. I hope I have an excuse to go back soon.

One rainy Friday night I was in the hopes of escaping the redundant shower clouds, the let’s get drunk it’s pay day crowd, along with the typical top 40 music that you can hear on the radio everyday. In despair I walked over to Stardust but I immediately noticed something different, there was a lounge right next to it. XL Gallery has bright colorful graffiti by professional artist, brick walls, creative driven diverse artwork by local talents, along with a DJ full of funk and energy who was spinning old school to new era hip hop. This is not your typical Downtown lounge/​gallery, it was a soul infused chill zone.
It was like a breathe of fresh air to of found a dope lounge like this and the artwork was a sight for the eyes! The theme for the gallery here is called Graff, it consisted of many vibrant pieces, there was a luminated spray cans, funky pop culture art infused with comic characters, a lady with a gasmask and heels, even this 3-​D cluster was dangling from the wall, and more! They had a laid back crowd just bumping to music and vibing to the atmosphere. This is quite the lovely edition to Downtown and definitely sheds plenty of light on street art appreciation.
Coming back for plenty and many more visits, for hot artwork viewing and plenty of eargasms!

If you appreciate graffiti art then this is the place. Go in and see Pepe, he will hook up the best glass of absinthe. Look out for Banksy on the door.