UPtown Ready to Party it UP

Are you "UP" for it?

The grand opening of Morristown's newest hotspot, "UPtown," on John Street, went off without a hitch on Thursday, as owner Nick Olivieri has re-imagined his former Palm Bar into an year-round destination. He hopes to ensure the success of not only the night life aspect of his establishment, but as a restaurant and bar as well.

While Palm Bar only operated during the summer, three nights a week, UPtown will be open all year, seven days a week, a change that was necessary, according to Olivieri. Popular with the young crowd, Olivieri knew he had to find a way to keep the fun going all year round, attracting a more "upscale" crowd as well.  

The facelift to the club was apparent as brand new furniture and bar set-ups were placed throughout the expansive club floor. Bar tops were custom designed by tattoo artist Everett McGee, adding a chic, urban accent to the space.

Olivieri also wants UPtown to be the "go-to" sports bar. He said they spent over $250,000 alone on a plethora of flat screen televisions, which now line the walls of the club. They will host various televised sports games throughout the week, including UFC matches. There will even be an actual UFC-style fighting cage on the premises just to show people that UPTown means business.

"Our promotional team has about 100 years of experience collectively," Olivieri said. "They have worked in some of the best places all over New Jersey. We've been working for the last four months traveling to the best places nationwide and implementing their highlights here in little sections. From creativity in drink selections, to intermingling with our guests, announcing sporting events, setting up meet and greets here and a bunch of other things we picked up as well."

Their tagline is, "UPscale and Casual all at once."

"When you think UPtown, you think destination, which is exactly who we are," according to UPtown's promotional material."UPtown is a convergence of all that stimulates us and brings us together in a socially aggressive environment. Whether enjoying a gourmet grilled cheese or sipping on an exotic concoction from our resident liquid chemist, you are sure to have finally found 'YOUR place."'

As partygoers made their way inside Thursday, Olivieri's ambition for a more "upscale" clientele was being realized, as many luxury cars were outside in the parking lot. Patrons ranged in age, but everyone appeared ready to spend.

Above all, the biggest highlight and crowd pleaser was the patio area of the club, the same patio area that made Palm Bar a popular destination. The VIP cabanas were filled and everyone enjoyed the perfect early summer weather as the majority of the crowd made its way outside to mingle.

As word continues to spread that UPTown is open and ready for business, Olivieri said he hopes to draw in even more people throughout the day.

"The space just screamed something more," Olivieri said. "We felt that by adding more sophistication to the place, that we would attract a different group of people, a wider range of clientele."

For more information, email njuptown@gmail.com. A website, which is coming soon, will be www.uptownnj.com. 

Were you there? Head over to the Morristown Patch Facebook page and "tag" yourself in our selection of photosfrom the big event!