Earlier this month, Paul’s Club–tree and all–moved a few yards up State Street to the former Jack’s Shoes. The new space is much bigger; it’s still narrow but has more depth and couch space.
Besides the fact that the layout is the mirror opposite of its previous incarnation, with the bar on the left side as you walk in, I couldn’t help but notice how bright it was inside (bring your sunglasses to the bathroom). To me, this disappointing feature gave Paul’s Club less of a bar feel. I can only hope that management comes to its senses and returns the darkness version 1.0 had.
Also lost during the change was the coziness the couch areas previously had. It’s almost as if the seating areas were an afterthought. I think moving the seating areas closer together and adding some decor would be a helpful start.
Still, it’s the people who make the bar, and on a recent weekend night, even with school out for the summer, Paul’s Club was packed. With its prime location across from the Overture Center, it makes for a nice pre- and/or post-show watering hole.
Paul’s Club is open daily. The nearest parking ramp is on the same block; enter on Dayton Street.
Tags: downtown
