Gypsy Blues Bar — Restaurant in Medford

UPDATE BELOW: A good bar, but it lacks diversity---integrity and transparency. Newcomers with something to lose, BEWARE! Locals and those that wanna be apart of the culture, THIS IS THE SPOT! I have 2 sides to my experience.

The positive side is that this bar is marvelous to meet locals and sing Karaoke (my weakness). Although the locals have questionable lifestyles, it is a good bar in general to be "surface level" cordial, respectful and leave. The bartenders are friendly, and they are open-minded to constructive opinions to make it a better experience. They have a pool table, TVs for the game and a good outdoors scenery.

The Challenge: Objectively, "The Gyptian" is a Place that you can pretend to be a "have-not" or a "non-professional" and fit in well. But DO not have a standard coming here. Personally, it's a local spot with a sub-culture that will take your money if you do not have a co-signer (a person to verify who you are in the community). The locals, drink and get the food they desire for under $35 tabs. An Outsider is spending upward of $65, not including tips. Big emphasis on "Sub-culture" because one of the bartenders is related to the owner and they do a good job at playing coy with relationships in there. If you are an interpersonal person, that values genuine connections, this place may may not be the place to be. The blacks here (an in Medford in General) are scant, and if you go there you will stick out like a Sore Thumb. In urban culture you will be a "lick" only acknowledged for what you spend there. Tokenization is apparent here

Lastly, they lack vegan, pescatarian and keto friendly options. They try.... But it's lack luster. I recently ordered a Chicago Dog veggie style and they got it incorrectly, and pretended like It was my fault, like I wasn't meatless for 14 years. They apologized, but the attitude and energy was off to vocalize my gripes about the order. I don't go back and forth--- I just leave and never return.

The owners were cool, people were cool, parking was scant on weekends. In summation, I personally won't be coming back, but I strongly suggest the non-risk takers, the "knuckle draggers" and "ham and eggers" and those that are having their first bar experience to give this place a try.

UPDATE: I gave the Gypsy Another Chance and They Were more than willing to create a more Welcoming environment. The manager apologize for my experience and was more than will to make it different. Stars went up as...

I went to this bar thinking it was a gay bar.

I walked through the door and up to the counter. I noticed there seemed to be a lot of women and thought, "This does not look like a gay bar, but maybe a chick bar?" I was so confused. I presented my ID for scanning, took a walk, smoked, and returned to ask about pool and to price an AMF.

The presentation of the bar was inviting and relaxing with bottles backlit by flickering blue lights; there was a scene of a campfire on a beach next to a body of freshwater playing on a screen inset into the bar across from the counter. The establisment was also well-staffed.

The AMF was the Gypsy version, and I sipped it before heading to the pool table. I did not try the food, but it was tempting seeing other patrons enjoying it. I gave the bartender my ID to use a house cue after getting some quarters and moved to the pool table.

The only negative I have about the establishment is how close a few of the tables are to the pool table, though this added the challenge of not striking someone while taking a shot. I was mostly successful with avoiding this issue, while taking some subpar shots, with the exception of hitting the owner once as he was moving by very quickly.

There is a covered smoking area outside, with seating available. Some patrons seemed to ignite a fire on a gas fireplace under the umbrellas, which caused some excitement as well as hurried direction from staff and others to shut it off. It was kind of funny.

Other patrons were friendly, and some actually spoke to me. The karaoke jockey was probably the most affable KJ I have ever met, and he even came over to apologize to me because I had to wait a while for my second song. I reassured him that I was not offended.

I do not expect that I will be returning to the establishment, largely because despite the Pride flag, I don't really feel like I fit in. It also seems the bar is not available to be fully rented for special occasions.

There were lockers available for personal items in the ladies' room that can accommodate a small to medium-sized purse; and I did not ask any guys about whether there were also lockers in the men's room.

Even though I do not feel I would return for drinks, the pool table, or even karaoke (as I don't really like doing it anymore), I may come back to try the food.

I would also be interested in whether they host...

I love this bar in town and it's often my go to for a simple night out. Their drinks are really good with the bartenders knowing their stuff. I often like their drink and food specials, and their poutine and onion rings are always the way to go. Their staff are very friendly and kind, always making sure their bar is a open, friendly, safe, and inviting atmosphere. All outside they put up the water mists and fans in the summer with plenty of umbrella or awning covered tables to sit at, and the fire pits in the winter, with plenty of ashtrays for smokers and even chalk and corn hole for the nice days. And events like karaoke and bands on different days. They have a few slots, pinball machines, and a pool table inside, and the fact that there's a convenience store right next door is convenient if you need a lighter or smokes. 10/10 I started going here when I turned 21 and now I'm 23 and I still...