The building at 400 E. Campbell has lived many lives. It first started as a bank back when Campbell Avenue was still a dirt road in a small farm town. Later it turned into a theater where people enjoyed vaudeville acts and silent films, and eventually became an all-ages music venue for local rock and punk shows where I spent quite a few of my formative years.
After that, it sat quiet for a while, with a lot of “coming soons” that never quite came, and for a brief stretch, a cheeky barcade. But then, something finally stuck.
7 Stars had already built something special in its original Burbank neighborhood before it had to close its doors. Now it’s brought the bar’s basic concepts—a Star Wars–themed bar with games, karaoke, trivia and a steady lineup of events—a new home, tucked into the bones of a building that’s always been about gathering people together.
Since reopening, it’s carved out a rhythm. During the day, it leans family-friendly. At night, it shifts into more of a grown-up hangout. The real draw, though, is the sense of community that’s grown around its weekly events. Trivia on Mondays, karaoke on the weekends, Wednesday craft nights, the occasional Rock Band tournament or comedy showcase; it’s less about themed gimmicks and more about giving people a place to be themselves. It’s loose, welcoming, and regulars aren’t hard to spot.
The menu is shaped not only by the Star Wars theme, but also by the space itself. Being in a historical building means there’s no full kitchen, which limits serving options, so the team has figured out how to make it work within those constraints. The result is a mix of bar staples and a few curveballs.
Their presentation is straightforward. The food comes in baskets lined with checkered paper, which might catch some people off guard if they’re expecting more polish. But once you settle into the vibe of the place, it just makes sense. It’s casual, unpretentious and built for people who aren’t here to be wowed; they’re just here to be, and to have a good time with some nice people.
I picked a few options across the menu just to get a sense of what they’re working with, and overall, I was happy with the results. The Galaxy Wraps are solid. I opted for the pastrami wrap with cheddar, which was a lighter, more guilt-free option than most bar fare. The nachos come stacked with intention, layered properly so that every chip gets some love. They’re topped with beer cheese, lettuce, jalapeños, pickled onions and finished with a drizzle of house-made roasted garlic aioli. It’s a solid shareable, and the kind of thing that works best when you’re a drink or two in.
Grogu’s Favorite Eggs—deviled eggs with roe, aioli and pickled red onions—caught me off guard at first. It’s not a combo you see often, especially on a bar menu, but it works. The Family Recipe Meatballs came recommended by a staff member, and they’re exactly what they claim to be: hearty, generously portioned and comforting.
But the standout for me was the Power Pods. My personal favorite was the Gourmet AB&J; a pressed, toasted take on an Uncrustable, made with salted caramel almond butter and locally sourced artisan jam from the nearby farmers market. It hits all the nostalgic notes, but with enough of a twist to feel like something new. They also offer savory versions under the Toasted Deli Pods lineup, and the hot ham and cheese I tried held up just as well.
The cocktail menu leans into the theme with playful names and colorful presentation. The Mace Windu (named for Samuel L. Jackson’s character) came out light and frothy in a coupe glass, topped with egg white foam. The BB8 was served over a massive spherical ice cube shaped like the Death Star. And the Blue Milk (yes, that Blue Milk) looked and tasted like a boozy sci-fi milkshake, bright blue and sweet. They’re fun, photogenic and clearly made with the fandom in mind.
7 Stars isn’t trying to be everything, it’s just trying to be itself. The business started as a passion project by two people who just wanted to run a bar where people could feel welcome. Not just tolerated, but welcome. Now it’s just a few miles west, but still very much itself. Same universe, different coordinates.
7 Stars Bar and Grill is located at 400 E. Campbell Ave, Campbell. Open Sat-Sun 11am–midnight, Mon-Thu 4pm-midnight, Fri 2pm–midnight. Call 408.412.0792 or visit 7starsbarandgrill.com.
