The Sinclair - new bar/nightclub downtown

[TREE4309]

Anyone have details on this project?  I just heard the name through the grapevine...it's where the old Voodoo Lounge used to be on Adams Street near the Greyhound station.  Just wondering what it's going to be like inside, when it's opening and what kind of crowd they're planning to entertain.  I've seen "renovation" activity inside, but it looks like a slow process.

[blizz01]

Yeah - there was a previous thread on this -  Topic: The Old Voodoo Lounge

http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php/topic,4302.msg64931/topicseen.html#msg64931

[TREE4309]

Ah...thanks, although not much info in that thread either.  =)

[ohhkristin]

I was just thinking the other day that I miss the Voodoo Lounge...can't wait to see what's there now.

[David]

Ah...thanks, although not much info in that thread either.  =)

Are there any updates on this place?

I thought it was supposed to open months ago...

[TREE4309]

The Sinclair is now open...I saw their sidewalk sign as I drove by on Friday night and decided to check it out yesterday.  It's set up similarly to how the Voodoo Lounge was, with a large dark wood bar along the right side of the space flanked by huge paintings of Upton Sinclair and John Updike, exposed brick walls and beamed ceilings with a few large ceiling fans keeping it nice and cool inside.  There's a large elevated stage in the back of the space and a hallway leading to renovated bathrooms.  No more loft or back room as was in the Voodoo.  Beer selection was not vast, but they had a good mix with 6 on draft (Miller Lite, Blue Moon, Yeungling, Sam Adams Summer, Southern Pecan and Magners cider) and probably 25 different bottles with everything from Bud Lite to Chimay.  The DJ played a mixed bag of chill, instrumental jams last night, which really helped to set the vibe for the space.  It's cool, relaxed, laid-back and understated...I dig it.  According to the bartender, the official grand opening isn't until August while they finalize beer pricing and what not (good idea...a pint of Sam Adams for $5...I don't think so) but I suggest going to check it out.  With a few tweaks, I can see it being a regular watering hole for me.

[BridgeTroll]

a pint of Sam Adams for $5

Yeah... gotta fix that!

[Omarvelous09]

Brennan Hamill is the new owner, and a friend of mine. He's a good guy....fresh blood for the growing downtown bar scene. Everybody should check it out! 

[jason_contentdg]

and they need to get some bold city in there...

[TheSinclairJax]

Yes, The Sinclair is open!  We are located at 521 W. Forsyth St., the site of the old Voodoo Lounge.  The owners are Maya Adkins & Brennan Hamill.  The Sinclair currently features paintings by local artist, Ryan Strasser.  We have an eclectic beer & wine selection and we are still tinkering with inventory and pricing.  Tonight is July Art Walk and we would love it if you'd pop on in for a sneak peek of the place!  We'll be giving away delicious Sangria while supplies last!  So, do come in and tell us what you think.

[Southbanker]

Is this the same space Jo-Ann's Chili Bordello was in years ago or was Jo-Ann's in the space next door to it?

[heights unknown]

Great addition I hope for Jacksonville's burgeoning downtown bar and club scene.  Hope it is successful and hope its addition helps to expand the nightlife downtown on the river.

Heights Unknown

[riverside77]

I went to The Sinclair this evening and had a terrible experience. I want more than anything for some more bars to open in this town, especially downtown, and everything about The Sinclair could work if the staff were not impossibly rude. Simply stated, these people are in the wrong business. The space was inviting, the music great, and selection of beer and wine was adequate. At my suggestion several of my friends met there this evening. We ordered six bottles of wine and tipped well but the staff were simply rude from the moment we arrived and it only progressed with time to the point it was almost comical. Regretfully, I will never go back to this place and it had such promise. I even liked the monogrammed matchbooks. So if you go make sure to wear your skinny jeans because these people would rather not have your money unless you fit their target demographic.

[stephElf]

Wow riverside that sucks. I've been there 3 or 4 times and have not really had a problem.  2 times I had 1 bartender and the other 2 times another guy.  One of them could be perceived as semi-smug but the other bartender I would actually describe as really nice.  And I definitely was not wearing skinny jeans.   

[buckethead]

Would you people get some skinny jeans already?!?!?