OPENING SHOT

Inside Jolene Brooklyn, the Moxy Williamsburg’s State-of-the-Art Sound Room

The buzzy hotel’s retro-futuristic sound room hits all the right notes with disco-infused décor and a killer audio system.

Jolene Brooklyn. Photography by Michael Kleinberg

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JOLENE BROOKLYN

Designer: Bar Lab Hospitality, Space Invaders, Link Miami Rebels, and Danya Hachey of MaD Artistic

On offer: Since it opened in March, the Moxy Williamsburg has already established itself in north Brooklyn thanks to its packed indoor/outdoor rooftop bar, LilliStar, and its enviable views of Williamsburg and the Manhattan skyline. A pair of restaurants from chef Eli Buli—the automat-inspired cocktail bar and all-day cafe Bar Bedford and Mesiba, a Tel Aviv-inspired restaurant—have only buoyed its reputation. This summer, Moxy is offering nightlife fans its own version of the popular Sound Room concept with Jolene. 

Accessed through its own entrance on bustling Bedford Avenue, Jolene starts on a retro-futuristic note with an entry defined by a painted ceiling illuminated by fluorescent tubes. Inside, disco-style banquettes line the walls and the poufs are ready to be pushed to the corners as the dancefloor fills up. Warm walnut and cool leather keeps the temperature right, while the glowing bar keeps the crowd lubricated with Bar Lab libations. And the bold red, marquee lighting system is fully customizable, ensuring the mood is in sync with the music.

Photography by Michael Kleinberg
Photography by Liz Clayman

Standout Features: A sound room is only as good as its sound system, however. Luckily, Jolene has a killer one. Nicolas Matar and Scott Ciungan’s Phonic Technologies designed systems for some of New York City’s most legendary clubs, including Meatpacking District mecca Cielo and early Williamsburg landmark Output. At Jolene, they’ve tuned the room just right, with a custom installation of audiophile speakers that will have dancers—and not the sound—bouncing off the walls. Top-flight DJs including Seven Davis Jr., who played the opening party, Mike Servito, Analog Soul, and DJ Spinna have turned the small room (capacity is just 150) into big parties, offering a proof of concept ready to be mixed into Miami, where a second Jolene is now open in a downtown basement rumored to once have been part of Al Capone’s bootlegging operations. 

Keep scrolling for more images of the Moxy Williamsburg.

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