underbelly moving downtown

[Tacachale]

^There was a conspiracy theory that First Baptist was buying up liquor licenses to make them harder to get. That one's not true.

The city doesn't specifically work against bars of most kinds (full-nude strip clubs are one notable exception), but there are some conditions that make it more difficult downtown. Largely this has less to do with the city (or churches) than it does with the general state of downtown, but for its part the city isn't making it any easier. For instance there's no reason sidewalk seating shouldn't be available for all bars downtown, but they still restrict it despite the proven results it's had since 2006.

Yeah, I hadn't heard the one about liquor licenses, but that sounds far-fetched. I heard that the Baptists in the gov't didn't want a bunch of bars downtown - they wanted it to be more 'family friendly.' So they would do what they could to force the bars to close down. The accusations I heard dealt with the fire marshal. But it could all be a bunch of BS.

It's like the whole food truck thing. Clearly there is opposition for some reason (at least in the case of DVI). Some vested interest of sorts. But food trucks certainly can't make downtown any WORSE. They can only help or do nothing. It's worth a shot.

It's sad.

Yes, something like that involving code enforcement did happen many years ago. Some of the old timers will be able to recall it better than me.

[DDC]

I stand corrected. Overall I just want downtown nightlife to survive. I've visited 99% of the venues downtown and I just hope that each business is able to be successful and not be a flash in the pan.

+1.

Anyone visit Poppy Love regularly? Whenever I go to Chomp Chomp, it sounds like they're having a great time in there, and the music is good.

I haven't been to Poppy regularly but I have visited a few times over the last 3 months. My regular Friday after work routine for a while was a beer or two at Burro, then dinner at Chomp Chomp, and an after dinner cocktail or two at Poppy. They have a nice menu of cocktails, a tad pricey but larger than the average drink in other places. Atmosphere is uber chill usually some R&B playing and a cigar bar for those that are into that. I think they have hookah's also. I think I might head back down there Saturday.

[I-10east]

Hopefully the Underbelly will not breed an 'underbelly' of crime. JK

[comncense]

Funny after my statement yesterday, I get an email from an indie Hip Hop label and one of my favorite artists (Phonte and 9th Wonder) is doing a show at 1904 next month. Here's to good non-commercial Hip Hop not being left out in the cold in the downtown music scene

[Tacachale]

Nice article on Underbelly. They're shooting to open on Memorial Day weekend, the same time as the Jazz Festival.

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/downtowntoday.php?dt_date=2012-04-20

[Bridges]

Went last night for ArtWalk.  They've really changed the look and feel inside.  I liked it for the most part, but there is just something about the way that the location is set up that doesn't feel right.  It's so huge and spacious, that if there isn't anyone playing it feels empty, even if it isn't.  I felt the same way at the Ivy.

[Tacachale]

I went in last night and thought it was off the hook. Spoke to Emily and the interior's not done yet and won't be until the grand opening next week. And as far as music goes this is going to be one of the best spots in all of Jacksonville.

[comncense]

I stopped in last night also and WOW. Nothing against Ivy but... I LOVE what they've done with the interior. It actually looks like they put some thought into it instead of just shoving a bar and chairs in there like it seemed it was before. Anyone have any idea if they will be swapping the Ivy signed outside with their own sign? Hopefully lit up.

Bridges, I can understand what you're saying as far as it felt a bit empty, but even Art Walk was a little dead last night, other than at Dos Gatos. Not to mention, Bay Street really doesn't get that much foot traffic on Art Walk days anyway. I think it'll have a different vibe on the weekends and days they have shows.

[Bridges]

Bridges, I can understand what you're saying as far as it felt a bit empty, but even Art Walk was a little dead last night, other than at Dos Gatos. Not to mention, Bay Street really doesn't get that much foot traffic on Art Walk days anyway. I think it'll have a different vibe on the weekends and days they have shows.

I agree.  I loved what they did to the place, way more my style now.  I just think the design of the space gives it an open/empty feel. The long bar elongates the whole room, and it's pretty spacious to begin with, no matter how many people are in it. 

[fieldafm]

Draft beer selection was vintage Emily/Cameron.  They'll also be serving food (from a real cool smoker setup) and having everything from classes to yoga on non-concert nights.

Once they get the outside patio setup as well, this place is going to be really cool!  Great addition downtown.   

[Tacachale]

Anyone have any idea if they will be swapping the Ivy signed outside with their own sign? Hopefully lit up.

They will, but likely not before they finish the interior for next week's grand opening. They have even more big plans for further down the road.

[comncense]

^ Sounds great. Glad to have them as an addition to Bay Street.

[02roadking]

Grand Opening Week
http://www.facebook.com/events/428844313814135/?ref=nf

[TPC]

I went last night and saw Colin Adkins, Tobacco Pat, and Robin Rutenburg and Friends play a great show. They did a great job with the interior and the acoustics sounded good as well. It was a pretty small show but with the seating, and lighting it didn't feel empty. They had a good beer selection and everyone from the door guy to the bartenders were nice, it was a really positive vibe all around.

Also, Lost in the Rrees are playing tonight, if anyone is interested in going I highly recommend it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1wnZ-G2XSc