The WXYZ Lounge is more than just a spot for weary travelers. Located next to the lobby inside Richardson’s Aloft Hotel, it’s fast becoming the social heart of the bustling CityLine neighborhood.
“This isn’t just a hotel bar,” WXYZ bar and event manager Marcus Stafford said. “We want people to see that they can come down to the WXYZ Lounge, have a good drink, listen to good music, watch a game or two and just enjoy a good vibe.”
An eclectic music mix fuels that vibe. From jazz and R&B to pop hits and even the occasional DJ, good tunes keep the atmosphere upbeat and friendly. The lounge currently hosts live music every Friday. (The scheduled lineup is regularly updated on the Aloft Richardson Instagram page.) Plans are also in the works to add a karaoke night sometime in the near future.
Come April, patrons can expect even more music as the CityLine Spring Singer-Songwriter Live Music Series returns to CityLine Plaza. Those sitting on WXYZ’s spacious outdoor patio will enjoy a prime view of the local acts entertaining crowds on Friday and Saturday nights.
WXYZ Lounge has become a popular spot for people in the nearby neighborhood, many of them within walking distance. Marcus says that the lounge hopes to attract even more locals by providing a unique experience that makes them want to come back. The key to making that happen will be continuing to hire only the best bartenders and providing superior customer service.
“A lot of people come to get something off their mind or just to relax. There’s nothing better than coming in, having a drink and meeting new people or networking,” Marcus said. “Maybe you meet your next long-lifetime friend — you never know.”
The lounge has partnered with Richardson’s own Four Bullets Brewery, and there are a wide variety of local craft beers on tap. WXYZ celebrates happy hour from 4-7 p.m. every weeknight. Specials during that time include $4 beer and $5 wines and mixed drinks. There are also several food options available, including flatbreads which have proven to be especially popular.
“They are amazing, if I do say so myself,” Aloft Richardson general manger Justin Newton said.
According to Justin, both the lounge and the hotel were created with a similar aesthetic in mind.
“We’re very casual but all the rooms are bright,” he said. “It’s scaled down but has everything you need to make you feel at home.”
Justin said that WXYZ’s atmosphere was created with mixing and mingling in mind. Large glass doors can be opened icehouse-style during warm days, providing a seamless gateway to the patio and adjacent green space. It’s not unusual to see a business professional in a suit sitting at a table with someone sporting tattoos and piercings and less traditional attire. Justin himself proudly wears casual clothes to work because he says it fits the atmosphere and his own personality.
“We are kind of a mix of everything, and we are good at it,” he said. “We want everyone to feel comfortable.”
It’s a sentiment that Marcus wholeheartedly agrees with. “I want to make sure that every time you come here, the experience is not like anywhere else.”
WXYZ Lounge > [codepeople-post-map]
