Clique Bar & Lounge offers an upscale, yet relaxing night life alternative

Joe Silvia October 13, 2016 Food, Latest Leave a comment

There’s a new bar and lounge on the block and though it’s only been open for a few, short weeks it is making some significant “noise.” Opening its doors 2 weeks ago, the 3,000 square foot upscale Clique Bar & Lounge at 1082 Davol Street, Fall River, has caught the attention of those on the South Coast looking for something different, something classier, something ritzier.

Though the bar and lounge fits these criteria it was important to co-owners Aaron Couto and Scott Bazinet, that it still retained a relaxing, comfortable atmosphere. No one likes snooty and stuffy and Clique distances itself from those traits with friendly, warm staff, inviting decor and light music.

Now, there are some of you cynics out there that would balk at such an establishment in New Bedford or Fall River. You’d be wasting your time – even if it wasn’t true that there are plenty of upscale establishments in these two cities, what Couto and Bazinet have created is a quintessential, classy lounge of the likes that you would find in the bigger metropolitan areas of Providence or Boston. Believe me, you. It’s true.

Previously the Red Cedar restaurant located inside the historic, brick Commonwealth Landing, Couto and Bazinet spared no expense to make their specific vision of an upscale, yet comfortable bar and lounge a reality by having the building completely renovated.

The upscale part comes from the gorgeous courtyard facing the water, the modern, sleek furniture, and the expensive European lighting which seems a lot of thought went into setting up. Strategically placed lighting not only has a practical function, but is largely responsible for setting the ambience.

In addition, the strict dress code – no hats, tank tops, flip flops, hooded sweatshirts, gang/motorcycle colors, basketball shorts, jogging or ripped pants and presentable dress shoes only – lets you know that there are higher standards here. For those of you who go to places that enforce a dress code, you know what it does for the type of people that will frequent an establishment and how powerfully it positively affects the atmosphere.

Ensuring that Clique doesn’t attract the obnoxious, snobby and snooty, facets of the industrial mill have been retained and in some cases upgraded or modernized. You’ll notice the sheets of stainless steel around the elegant bar, flanges and threaded pipes dividing the room, and the red brick backdrop. It all creates an atmosphere that is ritzy but approachable. A balanced, middle ground is the play that Clique is gunning for.

If the names of the developers and the site sound familiar, it should. The mill is currently occupied with Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar & Grill, Bristol Community College, Community Connections and a number of other businesses. In addition, Aaron Couto is also one of the owners of Jerry Remy’s – though this is a completely separate venture. That means that though Clique Bar & Lounge may be new, the owners and staff are experienced, qualified, seasoned veterans of the industry.

So, what other reasons are there to give Clique a look? Well, how about an expansive drink menu of all your favorites and some original creations? A coming food menu comprised of light fare for when you get a little hungry, but are focused on being social, not feasting? A 1,500 square foot outdoor patio so you can gaze out upon the water on those warm Summer nights? Or offer bottle service and V.I.P. couches for those that are interested?

There is live entertainment every day, Thursday through Saturday (blues trios or acoustic performers on Thursdays and Fridays) from 7:30-10:30pm, at which point a DJ will play all modern hits until closing at 2:00am. In addition, if you love spending your social hours at Clique and think to yourself “Geez, I’d love to have my birthday here!”, you can. Clique rents out the facility for your cocktail party, fundraiser, birthday, anniversary, or any other special event or occasion.

Speaking of special events, Clique hosts some seasonal celebrations: on Saturday, October 29th there is going to be a Halloween Bash where they will give a cash prize of $250 for the sexiest costume and another $250 for the best overall costume. A live DJ will keep everyone moving through the night. Costumes are required for entry. Cover is only $5.

There are some rumblings of a Thanksgiving Eve bash, but you’ll have to monitor their Facebook page to keep abreast of the details. Since Clique is new, Couto and Bazinet are looking to form an identity with the bar and lounge, that fits the community. What makes this an exciting time to check out Clique, is that in the coming days, weeks and months you will have a say in its direction with your presence.

If you like the idea of dressing up nice for a night on the town, but feel there aren’t a heck of a lot of choices nearby, that’s over. With Clique you have a lounge created for the express purpose of offering something upscale in a generally blue collar area. Where you can doll yourself up and not feel like the only one. Where the patrons are actually filtered with a dress code. Where the atmosphere is crafted to attract clientele that are a bit more sophisticated than your corner bar – not that that is a bad things, sometimes it’s nice to head down to the corner bar in casual clothes.

However, sometimes it’s nice to have the option to put on some fancier duds and paint the town red. With Clique you’ll find a place between two worlds: upscale, but relaxed. See you there!

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Clique Bar & Lounge
1082 Davol Street
Fall River, Massachusetts
Thursday-Friday: 4:00pm-2:00am
Saturday: 6:00pm-2:00am