For three years, the Liquid Lounge has been a hub and local hang out for Hudson County’s artistic community. The bar has adorned its walls with the work of local artists and freed its stage for resident musicians. But the club’s owner, Joe Borzotta, decided recently that it was time for him to leave the lounge.
“I had a three year lease with an option to renew for 10 years, and there’s a combination of reasons why I decided not to renew it,” said Borzotta. “One of them is for a health reason, which is not a problem now. My heart is not in really bad shape, but if I keep working at this pace for the next 10 years, it’s going to become a problem. I’m not dying or anywhere near that. I can do it now with no problem, but it’s more of a concern for down the road.”
The other reason why Borzotta is letting go of the bar is because the business is doing well.
“I thought about extending the lease for a few years, but a friend of mine who manages a restaurant in Vegas said ‘If business is doing really good, and the real estate market is good, then that’s the time to sell. So rather than taking a risk with economy turning, I decided to do it now and move on.”
Although his regulars are disappointed about the closing on Feb. 21, Borzotta said they understand his decision. “People have been very, very nice and have been saying a lot of things like they’re going to miss the place,” said Borzotta. “The most common thing the regulars are saying is ‘Where am I gonna go now?'”
Borzotta said the most popular nights at the Liquid Lounge were open mic night and the nights he hosted live music. Open mic night started at 9 p.m. and went until closing, with people performing music and spoken word, and there were occasionally comedians. Free-form DJs spun every Thursday, and Scott E. Moore’s Writer’s Hang brought in a quiet acoustic listening crowd once a month. There were also different exhibitions every six weeks, and over the past three years, Borzotta’s bar has shown the work of nearly 100 artists.
“Joe created a unique environment where creative ideas could flourish,” said Writer’s Hang leader Moore. “While all the Hoboken bars blur together, the Liquid Lounge really encouraged the artistic community.” The Writer’s Hang originated from the Liquid Lounge in March of 1998. Moore said that the owners of the new bar that will take over the 10th and Park space have contacted him and plan to continue the monthly event. “The bar is being bought by two musicians I know and several other partners,” said Moore. “Joe made sure the bar wouldn’t be taken over by anyone who would drastically change the place.”
One of the interesting parts of the bar’s atmosphere was its decor. The pop culture items that stood next to the bottle of liquor came directly from Borzotta’s collection. A few lunch boxes will be up for sale, but the rest will go back to Borzotta’s home.
“When I opened the bar, I knew I was going to be there all the time, I wanted it to be place where I wanted to hang out,” said Borzotta. “I collect a lot of pop culture memorabilia, and I thought adding that would create a fun and interesting atmosphere.”
Before closing, Hipnosis Magazine will be doing their final monthly live musical showcase on Friday and there will be a ’70s theme part on Saturday. The Liquid Lounge will have a farewell party for the bar’s favorite customers and regulars only on Wednesday, Feb 21.
“We’re sending out invitations, but if we miss anybody, the regulars know who they are,” said Borzotta. What will Borzotta miss the most?
“Besides all the friends I’ve made, I’m going to miss the challenge of booking all the events,” he said. “It’s been like a three and half year performance piece. But after I close, I’m going to sleep for about two months, and I’m going to work at my art studio full-time and do some travelling.”
Borzotta said there was an important lesson to be learned from the Liquid Lounge.
“A bar in Hoboken can support original live music, the arts and a broad open mic and still make money and be successful,” said Borzotta. “I’d like to thank everybody who supported the place, and I wish I could’ve stayed open for another 50 years.”