LITTLE RIVER, SC — The Star Tavern, a longtime neighborhood bar tucked inland in Little River, is facing financial pressure that the owner says has made it difficult to keep the business going. The tavern, located off Highway 17 at 4310 McCorsley, has operated for more than a decade and is known for its live music, familiar crowd, and no‑frills atmosphere.
Owner Ron Johnson said the bar is “fighting to stay open” as rising costs continue to stack up. Johnson pointed to higher food prices, inflation across basic supplies, and a liquor‑liability insurance bill that hit the business harder than expected. While the tavern is not closing, he acknowledged that the financial strain has become significant.
The Star Tavern sits away from the waterfront restaurant district, in a quieter part of Little River that relies more on regulars than tourist traffic.
Despite the challenges, the tavern continues to operate much as it always has. Live music remains a staple on many nights, and regulars still fill the small indoor space. Parking is available on‑site, and the bar’s social media presence helps non‑locals confirm directions and updates.
Johnson said he hopes the business can stabilize, noting that many small bars across the region are dealing with similar pressures. For Little River residents, the Star Tavern has long been one of the area’s steady gathering spots—a place where the crowd is familiar and the atmosphere hasn’t changed much over the years.
If the tavern were ever to close, it would mark more than the loss of a business. For many in the community, it would mean losing a piece of the town’s everyday life and live bands nightly.
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