A hot new spot is opening soon in downtown Phoenix at the former FilmBar location.
The Roosevelt, located at 815 N. Second St., will wear many different hats, from a restaurant and cocktail lounge to a music room and late-night nightlife spot.
"I hope that people experience something that is different to what else is on offer downtown right now," said owner Michael Hooker. "We are definitely, really happy to be in the community that we're surrounded with. But everyone downtown is also offering something slightly different from each other, so we feel that we are like a missing piece of that jigsaw puzzle."
The marquee of the former independent cinema remains outside of what is now the Roosevelt. Hooker, who is also a DJ and record producer, said
the venue will also pay homage to the building's roots with a once-a-month movie night playing cult classics. There is a cinema-grade projector that will be used for the screenings, which will be hosted in partnership with the Phoenix film club Cinehaze. The free event will be on Tuesdays but will require an RSVP through their website.
Hooker is a co-owner of Roosevelt alongside Ocotillo owner and chef Walter Sterling, Arizona hospitality veteran Steve Kushnir and Relentless Beats founder Thomas Turner. Stephen Lieberman is also involved as the nightclub's lighting designer.
The Roosevelt has a state-of-the-art sound system installed by Function One, which Hooker describes as the "very best in audio that you can get in nightlife venues."
'The best audio experience'
Hooker revealed that providing the best audio experience for customers at Roosevelt was key for the owners when reimagining the venue.
"The level of detail that's gone into acoustic treatment, and designing the space around the sound system, is probably something that very rarely happens," Hooker said. "Most spaces are designed and then the sound system is installed. Here, we had the sound system and really designed the venue around that."
This will be the first Function One sound system installed in a downtown Phoenix venue.
Hooker said that Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights will have a wider range of eclectic music styles playing with a DJ using either digital format or on vinyl. This could include anything and everything from funk, soul, disco, jazz and broken beat. Going into the weekend, people can expect more house music and its subgenres.
They don't plan on having live music at the moment, but Hooker said that could change as Roosevelt can accommodate three- or four-piece bands.
The nightclub, bar and restaurant will also host Open House Sundays with different DJs playing starting at 4 p.m., along with happy hour.
In addition to the sound system, the lighting in the whole venue can be changed to whatever mood workers want to set. Hooker said that Lieberman is seen as one of the best lighting designers in the U.S.
The combination of the lighting and sound will create a unique audio and sensory experience for visitors.
The food and vibes
With a capacity of 297, the seating at the Roosevelt includes a combination of bar chairs, high-top tables, traditional dining tables, a lounge area with banquettes, lower tables for cocktails, various booths and ottomans.
There will be two different menus: the first, available 4-10 p.m., is typical dining fare with small plates and a range of cuisines, some with Spanish influence. Items include paellas, tiger shrimp ceviche, rigatoni bolognese, a Turkish wrap and braised pork shoulder. The plan was to keep the list compact; it will change seasonally, with dishes swapping in and out and the option for chefs to get creative.
After 10 p.m., the late-night menu will be served. It is even more condensed and is based around more finger foods and late-night cravings, from chicken fingers and cheesesteak to a Basque cheesecake.
Hooker said that except for the paellas, which are shareable, almost all of the food options are under $20.
"The menu is really thought through to kind of hit the downtown crowd as well, and also make it kind of like you're going to come out, you're going to get great-quality food," Hooker said. "But it's also going to be at an affordable price point as well."
There is a wide range of cocktails, averaging around $15 to $16. Drinks also include many zero-proof options, a selection of beers and wines.
Hooker said that he personally doesn't drink alcohol, but he does enjoy having a "sophisticated drink" alongside his friends who are also ordering cocktails. He said it's nice to have the option of drinking something that's well-presented in a glass. A lot of people have become sober-curious as well, which influenced the venue's decision to have a variety of mocktails.
There will be a daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m., which includes a two-for-one drink special.
When their website launches, their events will be posted there as well as on their social media channels.
Our 1st thoughts on The Roosevelt
Immediately as you walk in, the space feels open and finds a balance between futuristic and classy.
The lighting that Hooker described definitely sets the mood, with colors ranging from pink and blue to purple and red. The booths and chairs feel lush and drinks are served in dainty little glasses.
The small plates were perfect for sharing and delicious, especially the roasted heirloom carrots. They were tender on the inside and charred nicely on the outside. I never thought I could like carrots so much, but when paired with hummus, pesto and Turkish bread, they hit the spot.
You could also tell that the music the DJ was playing felt loud, clear and crisp.
There was a large dance floor with a disco ball hanging above it that is sure to be fun and spacious during those late weekend nights.
Details: Open 4 p.m. to midnight Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday; 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Roosevelt, 815 N. Second St., Phoenix. @therooseveltphx.
Do you have a tip or a question you need answered? Reach the reporter at dina.kaur@arizonarepublic.com. Follow @dina_kaur on X, formerly known as Twitter, and on Instagram @dina_kaur.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Old FilmBar finds surprising new life in downtown Phoenix. See inside
