By Jennifer Farnsworth
The Soundbar at 8 Caroline St. in Saratoga Springs is a new venue for people to unwind on the weekends.
Marketing director for the new dance club Brian Miller said he and owner Joshua Loucks are striving to create a place that mirrors the atmosphere of a good party.
“When we thought about how we wanted Soundbar to be different from The Reserve (the space’s previous incarnation), this is the type of scene we pictured. A place with great music that reaches across a target crowd of about 35 to 55, providing something for everybody. Everyone has fun at weddings, so why not create that same feeling, that same type of fun,” said Miller.
The 4,000 square is below street level. After a lot of thought of how to transform the club, the pair closed The Reserve on New Year’s Eve and went to work on the Soundbar.
Miller said they installed some sound system updates during the January shutdown. He said aesthetically they didn’t need to make any major changes.
Friday and Saturday nights feature live bands like Skeeter Creek and Funk Evolution. Miller said the music will be a good representation of area favorites, that will incorporate themed nights such as an 80s night, country night and parents night out.
“We are really looking to tap into that 35-plus crowd with drink specials and live music, a fun night out that happens all before midnight,” said Miller.
Later in the evenings, the nightclub will host what Miller calls “Soundbar after dark,” featuring a “dancing through the decades” production with the club’s resident disk jockey. They will have a tiki-influenced bar menu, with drinks like mai tais and Moscow mules, as well as a small food menu from nearby Esperanto at 4 Caroline St.
Miller said they will continue to have a bottle service, something he said makes people feel like they are getting the VIP treatment. Private lounges and event space will be available at Soundbar by request.
Miller has been in the bar business for eight years, dating back to when the space was known as The Paddock. He said when the owner wanted to sell, he called Loucks and the rest is history.
Miller and Loucks, who also owns The Bourbon Room next door at 8 Caroline St., grew up together in nearby Johnstown.
For more information on Soundbar, visit sipsaratoga.com or @soundbarsaratoga.