If your Tuesday nights have been looking a little dull lately, then pull up a chair and grab a book. Noir Lounge's monthly BYOB (Bring Your Own Book) Silent Reading Party is at it again.
The popular event—so popular, in fact, that tonight is already sold out—is now a monthly affair, according to Events Manager Molly Babich. The last Tuesday of every month is now dedicated to the Silent Reading Party, where 50 guests are invited to bring in their own book, sip on a cocktail, and relax in Noir Lounge's "mysterious, sultry, dim-lit restaurant," as Babich calls it.
Tickets available for purchase via Sosh are $12 and include your choice of a cocktail, glass of wine or beer, along with access to a sectioned-off area of Noir Lounge's bar. "We believe that people love the excuse to go out and be social with a nice glass of wine while still feeling cozy and secluded," said Babich. Noir Lounge's cozy environment includes a handful of armchairs, a couch and even spaces at the back bar.
The back room at Noir (via Noir Lounge/Facebook)
People bring in their own reading material for the occasion—a growing library is on Babich's list of possible to-do's—and sit in silence, tearing through a paperback, newspaper or Kindle. "Guests are invited to bring a book they've been dying to tear through, paired perfectly with a craft beer, wine or cocktail while serenaded by a live jazz pianist," said Babich.
Noir Lounge remains open to the public during BYOB—only the back half of the space is closed off to guests, partitioned off by velvet red curtains. The front of the house, including the center group table, remains open to walk-ins throughout the evening. "It's a unique spin on 'me time'," Babich said. "People need to unwind in the middle of the week but also an excuse to get out of the house and try new places and events around the city with friends."
According to Julie Balise at SFGate, who tried out last month's BYOB Silent Reading Party, Noir Lounge was approached by Sosh to recreate the silent reading party that had been successful in Seattle. Since the inception, Noir Lounge has hosted about half a dozen silent reading nights, all of which have sold-out and include a long waiting list, said Babich.
Hayes Valley officially welcomed the 1940s style lounge in April 2013. Since then, the restaurant and bar has gone through a few growth spurts including the addition of a full liquor license (and pizza!) to its menu in November and the launch of LunchPad Sandwich Shop Pop-up, which recently celebrated its first year anniversary. Noir Lounge also plans to add its own house brews to the menu as well.
Meanwhile, Noir Lounge's upcoming sister bar/lounge Scotland Yard, which is inspired by 19th century Victorian era, is expected to open in the Marina sometime in late spring or early summer with cross-promotional events, according to Babich. The bar and lounge took over from the Bin38 in February.
If you've missed your chance to check out this month's BYOB Silent Reading Party, the next few months are already scheduled on Sosh. The popular event is likely to sell out again, so grab your tickets for May 26th or June 30th ASAP.
