With its funky atmosphere and musical entertainment, the Las Vetas Lounge has always positioned itself as more than the average coffee shop. Its latest venture sets it apart even more; patrons can now bring their own alcohol.
Las Vetas Lounge, located on Post Road is now considered a B.Y.O.B., meaning customers can bring their own bottle of wine and the lounge will provide wine glasses at a cost ranging from $8 – $12, according to owner, Andrew Servetas.
Servetas said that this option was added “so that it [Las Vetas Lounge] is a true coffee bar.”
This will be restricted to wine, said Servetas, adding that the lounge is “not the type of place” he could picture customers bringing a six-pack.
While there are no solid plans for a full liquor license in the works, this could be the first step in that direction, according to Servetas.
“Down the road it will hopefully get to a point where we offer wine and different things [liquors] to put in coffee,” he said.
This seems to be a local trend. The Firehouse Deli is also looking to expand its offerings to include alcohol.
Located in an old firehouse on Reef Road, Firehouse is currently applying for a full liquor license, according to owner Laz Perez.
Perez said that if such a license is granted, the eatery will sell beer and wine and a provide a café-like atmosphere at night.
Since the acquisition of a liquor license is a six-week process Perez said he is looking to apply such changes by March or April.
Students are known to frequent such local bars as Bravo, the Seagrape and Skybox to drink and socialize. However, the reactions to such new nightlife alternatives have been mixed.
“I can’t picture Las Vetas as a B.Y.O.B., but it will probably attract a lot of people,” said Lindsay Pykosz ’09. “However I personally would not go there to drink, I’d rather go to a place like Bravo. Firehouse Deli, on the other hand, will probably attract more of a college crowd.”
“I probably wouldn’t bother walking up Reef Road, past the Grape, to get there,” said Chrissy Young ’07.
Other students expressed more positive opinions on the changes.
“I think it’s a great alternative to bars,” said Dan Pesce ’07. “It’s especially good for daytime drinking.”
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