Descriptive phrase: just another loud college bar.
A few years back while I was at Madison we'd stop in to City Bar when we wanted to get away from (or more literally, under) the State Street craziness. I always found City Bar to be friendly and more laid-back, with slightly off-chart music choices and free popcorn.
When I went back recently I found it to be just another drunk college place, with giant crowds and blaring music and no more popcorn. In fact, when I asked the very young bartender about the popcorn she gave me an almost disgusted look.
Popcorn and music don't make or break a place, but the little things add up. I've found that City Bar no longer is the dive haven I remember it to be. Le sad.
Then again, going on a Saturday night was probably a poor choice anywhere around here.