Ridgewood’s newest bar is bringing a little rock ‘n’ roll to the neighborhood.
Sweet Jane’s, located at 64-02 68th Ave., officially opened on April 13 and held a rocking grand opening party the following night.
The walls of the bar are lined with old vinyl records and photos of rock ‘n’ roll stars, and there is a vintage jukebox filled with music from country music legends and classic rock bands.
“We loved the feel of the place, and the proximity to the Fresh Pond M [train] stop,” said Nikki Koch, co-owner of Sweet Jane’s. “We wanted to open a bar that was homey with a southern country feeling, with nods to the music that inspires us: Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn and Sun Records artists, as well as the classic rock that followed and drew influence from them — Lou Reed, David Bowie and T Rex.”
Sweet Jane’s is owned and operated by Koch and Julia Kingrea, the same people who run the fun and diverse bar/event space/yoga studio/coffee shop, The Cobra Club in Bushwick, as well as Keith Satnik who is the managing partner of Sweet Jane’s. This caused some concern within Community Board 5 (CB 5), who were worried that they would bring that same atmosphere into a residential area of Ridgewood.
“Of course Ridgewood has a very different vibe from Bushwick, which attracts a very different crowd, and the location of Sweet Jane’s would never be suitable to become a venue like The Cobra Club, so that was never part of the plan,” Koch said. “There was also some concern about noise, hours and the number of proposed outdoor seats — all of which concerns were simply and quickly cleared up once we met with CB 5 and explained our vision for Sweet Jane’s.”
Sweet Jane’s offers 10 beers on tap, including draft rosé, seasonal and local beers, and an assortment of canned and bottled beers and ciders. Their signature drinks include frozen margaritas, whiskey milkshakes, Guinness floats, alcoholic root beer floats, and a refreshing boozy sweet tea.
Happy Hour is available every day from 4 to 9 p.m., with $4 drafts and well drinks, $3 High Life pints and an all-day beer & shot special.
“We have patio seating out front that is great for people-watching and enjoying a quiet drink in the neighborhood,” Koch said. “Our friendly staff and cozy decor will make everyone feel welcome.”
The bar also serves up some tasty snacks including corn dogs (meat or veggie), meat pies from Brooklyn’s Dub pies, chips and onion dip, fresh pretzels from Sigmund’s, hot pockets, Frito pie and Zapps chips.
