We wanted to make something that's universal to more people," Spot On Group owner Jim Pohl says of his new upscale bar, SHAY. "Less exclusive and more accessible." He stresses that this project is not a departure from the nightlife business, but it isn't a dark nightclub either, like his other spot Cuvee or the space's previous incarnation, Crescendo, was.
It still has some nightclub facets, however: though opening earlier than Cuvee, it still doesn't open until 9 p.m. It's closed Sundays through Tuesdays. There's bottle service.
But the space is much more open and lighter. Pohl's team gutted the former dark nightclub and installed full front windows. A front bar and lounge section with a fireplace sits behind those windows, where passerbys can see in and patrons can see out. Behind that section is a large circular bar that's surrounded by tables. There's also a DJ booth, but no dancefloor.