There is truly something remarkable about restoring turn-of-the-century buildings into twenty first century pristine locations. By pristine, I mean leaving just the right amount of age to the foundation while updating seating and architectural elements. Think exposed brick walls combined with leather lounge chairs or perhaps shiny subway tiles in conjunction with dramatically high hardwood ceilings. Sounds worthy of a visit, right? Indeed it is, as Hoboken’s newest events loft Kolo Klub is ready for your next party or just a night out. Advertised as, “A Culinary & Celebratory Destination,” this aged building turned opened loft is quite the place to be!
The Kolo Klub recently held its Grand Opening Party where my husband and I were able to experience all that Kolo has to offer. Proprietors Andrej Ivanov and Ladislav Sebestyan, founders of the Pilsener Haus & Biergarten, were excited to see what they have always envisioned come into fruition. The space is a partnership between the Pilsener Haus & Biergarten and AD Catering & Events. On hand was Anthony Pino, owner and Executive Chef of both The Dining Room at Anthony David’s and Bin 14, and also of the previously mentioned AD Catering & Events. In addition, we were lucky enough to speak with some of the partners involved in making this artisan-built loft space. Mixologists, the team behind Ward III & The Rum House, were present to explain their innovative and unique cocktails. Butler style appetizers were generously passed among the party while the Hosts also provided us with an elaborate cheese, meat, and olive table to grab a bite from.
As one of the most important parts of hosting events is having great food, I think it’s appropriate to start there. Chef Pino did a remarkable job delivering the guests with some impressive small bites. The snack-size crab cakes were encased in a crunchy shell yet had a seasoned and light seafood filling. The lobster toast option was our favorite of the night, as the lobster meat was definitive while the bacon bits atop provided the perfect amount of crispiness. Another hit of the night was the crab with mint puree, a novel twist for the more adventuresome eater. Finally, what also caught our attention was the lamb meatball with a cool tzatziki sauce. It was decently hearty but still small enough to help us enjoy more while lingering around. Where do you think we lingered to I must ask? The cheese table, of course! After three hours of revisiting that attraction, I continued to find more to admire. The breads and crackers were full of not only variety but freshness and the cheeses: top-notch. From sharp and pungent to creamy and crumbly, they satisfied all in attendance.
So while we passed the time eating little treats here and there, we also got a chance to take-in the space and décor. To put in simply, we were in awe of the place from floor to ceiling. The floors were hardwood and somehow sported a rustic and renovated feel. The wood columns spaced throughout were pronounced and provided distinction to certain areas of the huge room. The walls were a cool mix of brick and subway tiles which appealed to the eye both texturally and visually. What we most were mesmerized by though was the ceiling. It was made of glistening hardwood and shaped like the inside of a wine barrel so in essence, you felt like you were inside one. It is something you truly have to see to really understand. Last but not least was the one of a kind décor. The blinds were all drawn giving the space an “after hours” feel while circa 1910-1920 photos lined the wall. Shadows of various European words lit up the walls and gave you the feeling you were in Eastern Europe almost a century ago. Again, translating this to words is almost impossible, as seeing it in person is the only way to do it justice. Open and old-fashioned film reels occupied a few areas and without a doubt made us feel like we were in a different era.
We were lucky enough to be given a tour and listen to a few ideas about how to use this location. There was a smaller room, known was as the screening room, for smaller parties or as one couple did, used as a Chapel. The bar area was large enough to cater to large parties but also quaint enough not to be displaced among a more intimate gathering. Chef Pino’s attention to detail and pride in his work is quite evident so we weren’t surprised to find out he is both flexible and understanding with his customers. And even though the room is quite spacious, it can be separated and refigured to certain requests. While we were there, the arrangement of lounge “corners”, high top tables and small seating trios were just right for what was somewhat of an “extended cocktail hour” party. Fittingly, this type of party seems to be quite popular these days as we learned about current Kolo customers requesting this. Picture passed hor d’oeuvres and small plates all night, but miraculously moving from lighter to heavier options as the hours pass. Not a bad idea at all, as I think we all agree the best part of a wedding is the cocktail hour (well, aside from the dancing!)!
Downstairs was the Pilsener Haus & Biergarten and this was quite a sight to see. While everything upstairs seemed dramatic and exclusive, this was open, rowdy, and oh-so casual. The adjacent outdoor Biergarten seating area was filled to the brim with guests enjoying their company and the well-kept surroundings. It would make for an awesome after-party option for any guest looking to stretch out their event.
Currently, Kolo Klub is open for the public to come and enjoy this new hotspot during the weekends. If you plan on visiting, it would be best to call/check ahead as certain days may be booked in advance. For those wanting to host an event, feel free to contact them, visit their website, or take a walk-through. They are available to cater numerous events including, but not limited to, weddings, private parties/gatherings, fundraisers, and corporate events. Whichever way you get to experience this place though, whether hosting, attending or simply chilling out, I definitely think you’ll be amazed.
The Kolo Klub is located at 1422 Grand Street, Hoboken, NJ. For more information visit www.koloklub.com or email events@koloklub.com . Additionally, www.facebook.com/koloklub and www.twitter.com/koloklubevents are available.
Gina Glazier is a born and raised Jersey Girl. She recently earned her Master’s degree in Reading & Literacy and is currently a teacher. Gina lives with her husband, Matt, who is her number one fan and shares in her passion for the culinary arts, minus the cooking part! Her “culinary life” became a reality a few years back when she was chosen to be a guest of The Star Ledger’s Munchmobile. This ignited Gina’s desire to be around food and all its counterparts all the time, meaning restaurants, cookbooks, TV shows, cooking, etc. Gina says her “biggest and most monumental experience” was being a part of The Star Ledger’s Pizza Patrol two years ago where she traveled the entire state, eating at 3, 4, sometimes 5 pizzerias a night for just about 6 months! You can check out her Hungry Teacher adventures, on her blogwww.ahungryteacher.blogspot.com.
