Few new businesses inspire excitement like Dive Bar has. Even though some Sacramentans have not been there yet, mention of the name is usually met with some variation of “Yeah! The mermaid place!”

There is no doubt it is peculiar: a 7,500-gallon fish tank above the bar, and mermaids sporadically swimming from end to end, winking and waving at the well-dressed drinkers.

And no expense was spared on the tank. Manager David Brattmiller, who also runs sister projects Pizza Rock and District 30, said the saltwater tank was designed by an engineer from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is also where the fish swimming within the tank are from.

Although most college students frequent bars on weekends, Brattmiller said during the week, there is something interesting going on almost every night. On Thursdays there is a spectacle called “dueling pianos,” where two baby grand pianos are wheeled out and various musical antics ensue. One night, a pianist took $2 to play a Miley Cyrus song, and then quickly accepted $3 not to play one.

Aside from the tank, the interior is filled with nautical touches. Eye-level portholes in the urinals are an interesting example, but do not worry &- you cannot see through them. Giant crystal chandeliers and fine leather furniture also give it an old-money feel.

The combination of these elements gives the bar a sophisticated steampunk sense when it’s empty. But when the masses descend on Dive Bar, you will be less focused on decor than keeping the guy next to you from elbowing you in the face.

Dive Bar is very small, and the crowds are overwhelming. As such, Brattmiller said the line is down the block most nights, and this was certainly the case on this particular Saturday night. And with a capacity of just 278, customers will be waiting a while.

Once someone gets to the door, there is no cover charge, because as Brattmiller said, “It seems wrong to charge a cover at a dive bar.”

Inside, customers will often find themselves shoulder-to-shoulder for extended periods of time. This is not necessarily a bad thing as the point of the bar is to stand around and talk. Just do not count on moving anywhere fast or flagging someone down from across the room.

That said, everyone seemed excited to be there, which made for a friendly crowd. The dress code, which Brattmiller described as “relaxed,” also improves the environment. Basically, no sweats or “overly-baggy” clothing are allowed. This reporter was also asked to take his Giants hat off.

However, with a club crowd comes club drink prices. A standard Jack & Coke cost $7, and it was not very strong. A friend’s scotch and soda was a little stiffer, but still not worth the price.

The novel appeal of Dive Bar is clear. Brattmiller said he gets “at least 10 requests per night” to be hired as a mermaid, even though all positions were filled months before the bar opened.

Customer Susie Holsworth said this is her new favorite bar because she “like, really liked the Little Mermaid as a kid” and thinks it is cool.

Dive Bar has certainly become a place where every person over 21 might want to see at least once. But will it last once people have gotten used to it?

Only time will tell. While it will still draw some college students, it won’t replace the cheaper neighborhood hang out. Most just cannot afford it, regardless of whether they charge a cover.

But as the shock and awe of seeing scantily-clad babes floating high above you wears off and another gimmick somewhere else becomes the flavor of the month, those killer lines and crowds packed like sardines will thin out a little. Then, people will be able to really experience Dive Bar.

Alex Grotewohl can be reached at [email protected]