Bar goers gather for a drink at 157 Lounge Tuesday night. The intimate lighting and upbeat music make for an ideal place to either dance or kick back with friends. Kyle Roerink | Daily Kent Stater

Credit: DKS Editors

A white wall stands out on South Water Street inviting patrons in to an urban bar decorated with dimmed lighting and characteristic charm.

Kent’s newest attraction may not be for all ages, but its clandestine appeal is grabbing the attention of many late-night customers.

Along with other downtown renovations, 157 Lounge offers a contemporary alternative for students and residents to enjoy the fresh feel of downtown Kent.

Kent State graduates Brian Perek and Matt Guska are the creators and owners of the new hangout.

“We took on the designation of (157) Lounge because that’s the kind of venue we are,” Guska said. “We’re promoting an upscale martini, wine kind of lounge, but based on Kent and to fit Kent.”

While the long-time friends have never owned anything before, Perek and Guska have both worked in renting and felt the next logical step was to open their own business.

“It has definitely a more sophisticated atmosphere than most of the bars,” said Alena Burroughs, library and information science major.

Kent has an atmosphere made for college students giving Perek and Guska the perfect reason to open a bar unlike any other in town. They said 157 Lounge gives both students and residents a taste of city life while keeping the prices and attitude of Kent alive.

“The architecture and atmosphere was very nice. Everyone didn’t seem as acclimated as a lot of the other bars downtown, but it was nice,” Kent resident Rachel Wilkens said.

157 Lounge opened in July and offers a full bar with no dress code. Although it does not serve food, the owners hope for that to be their next transition.

The lounge’s hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 4 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., with Happy Hour from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Contact features correspondent Courtney Kerrigan at [email protected].