In the quiet residential section of uptown Hoboken there’s a humble bar where area residents go to relax and, depending on their mood, enjoy live tranquil acoustic folk music.
The Goldhawk, formerly the Liquid Lounge, is on the corner of 10th Street and Park Avenue. Co-owners Fran Azzarto (of Skanatra/Gefkens/New Hoboken Four), Alan Rudolph and Mike Ferentinos took over the bar in 2001 and remodeled the interior. They transformed it from a trendy Greenwich Village-looking lounge to a more relaxed SoHo-like venue where patrons can enjoy martinis and beers without the hassle.
The main room has a large bar area and space for more than 40 people. The lounge next to the bar consists of a half-dozen couches and chairs and a small bar.
"When we took over, we made sure that it would be more welcoming and less trendy," said Azzarto, who is also the venue’s manager. "We wanted more of that pub feel."
The lounge also serves as an intimate site for many local musicians and up-and-comers touring the region. Acts like Bill McGarvey, Mary Ann Farley, A.J. Azzarto, Surrey Lane, and comedy act Gibney and Gore perform regularly. The lounge is also home to Scott E. Moore’s fashionable show The Writer’s Hang. Moore hosts national singer/songwriters the first Thursday of every month.
Azzarto named his bar The Goldhawk after the ’60s social club in England where The Who would regularly perform. The bartenders are personable and patrons have the option to play darts or pick tunes from the jukebox, while enjoying daily drink specials.
"We try to keep everything fresh and the entertainment coming," Azzarto said. "It’s like throwing a party every night."
The Goldhawk is located at 936 Park Ave. in Hoboken. It is open Tuesdays through Sundays. They offer happy hour specials. For information call (201) 420-7989 or visit www.thegoldhawk.com. q