Music & Non-Alcoholic Spirits in Oak Park- A New Mindset on Hip Nightlife at Berkley Coffee

A surprising hidden gem in what is called the "Water Tower Social District" on the border of Berkley and Oak Park was found a few weekends ago in the Entity of Berkley Coffee. This new Business has been in operation for 6 months and is dedicated to the the fusion of a Music-filled, Non-Alcoholic Social Gathering Concept. Down a part of 11 mile road in a light-Industrial hodgepodge of Buildings is a strip Mall of Cool Businesses that include this Coffee Bar & Eatery. Originally here to see the Music Acts shining at this Establishment- I also stayed to hear the Story behind their unique Business Concept.

THE MUSIC

The Bands playing this evening were The Idiot Kids & Hail Alien. We talked to the Members of Hail Alien, a new Experimental Punk/Synth Band that had a fabulous set. Shawn & Spenser make up HAIL ALIEN. This Experimental Minimal Punk Rock Band actually plays made-up the Songs as they go along! They have "Layers" already in mind on the Songs. They may have played similar songs before and just build upon them. They enjoy creating these layers of music.

When picking the Bands or Performers, Kenny Showler, the Owner of Berkley Coffee,  goes for Variety. "We are trying to break boundaries, you know? "I like a Variety of Music". They are Focus-Testing the Bands they bring in to see how they are received by the Customers. Nightlife with Bands usually involves drinking and Kenny is trying to reshape the Music-Alcohol union. His Bar has no Alcohol in it.  This is a big challenge as alot of times after a break (in the Sets) it's straight to Brewery at other Bars. "It's almost like a sick status- to say you can't enjoy yourself without Alcohol" 

We talked to Berkley Mother, Pat, whose son is Andrew, the Drummer for The Idiot Kids. She was with Sally of Berkley. Pat says this Coffee Bar is a "Gem". She is a big fan of the all of the Owners in this Strip of Businesses as they are "working hard" to grow this Entertainment District.

THE COFFEE SHOP/SOCIAL AREAS

Between Band Sets we talked to the Owner, Kenny.

"There's alot more going on in here than Coffee" he said "I grew up with music and it's always so tightly associated with Alcohol" Kenny mentioned that the Far end of his tasteful Bar is where "a Bar just minus alcohol" The glasses used are classical Drink glasses- perhaps gives the illusion of one being at a Mainstream Bar helps Folks melt into the new type of Bar. 

We got a lesson in Drink-Making and the Chemistry of Drink Taste from this knowledgeable Owner. The complex drinks like Manhattans can be centered on the other flavors other than alcohol. There are so many flavors in most drinks one may not even know what they are drinking in a traditional Bar. The experience here is one of an upscale Bar but without Alcohol. Kenny is very well-versed in the making of Spirits and told this Blogger many facts about said making. This knowledge would seem to help him and his Staff to better the beverages he makes without the ethanol alcohol.

The nice decor of the Coffee Bar hast two rooms- The main room has a large stage to the right as One walks inside; A long curving Bar with Coffee Choices to the left and the Curving Bar on the other end set up like a traditional bar on the right. There are even the standard "Beers on Tap" dispensing area behind the Bar, all non-alcoholic. The second Room is an "Alternative Seating" Area- A Quiet Room which included comfortable chairs and a couch along with a kids area. There is also a drums & Piano set-up ready-to-go. This space can be rented for Private Events too.

The feel of this establishment is definitely putting One in a social mood is strong. It's beautiful and has the feel of what One knows already- a Bar. The whole Business definitely is a meeting place for friends to just hang out. It centers around the delicious concoctions made by the Staff. "It's an adventure to explore all of these products. The Beers are all fully produced Beers just without the Ethanol". says Kenny.

With 30 Non-Alcoholic Beers; Non-Alcoholic Wines & Cocktails plus a nice selection of Food (Soups and Sandwiches), this place has all One needs for a night out. Sodas and related items too are available- It really stands out as a beacon to the more relaxed Social Entertainment Buff. "I'm trying to change the thought-process behind why you are out and putting in your mouth"

This place is great- it is among a District that isn't as well known as places like downtown Royal Oak or Ferndale. But it has the potential to be a really groovy place to hang when it gets better known!

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