Francesca Hoffman, owner of the Unicorn Bar in Kingston, N.Y. plays with her 11 month-old dog Goose in the bar area Thursday, June 6, 2024. Restoration is complete and doors are open with events already underway.(Tania Barricklo/Daily Freeman)
KINGSTON, N.Y. — Unicorn Bar brings a new space for drinks, live music and more centered on the LGBTQ+ community to Midtown.
“It’s the only queer-focused space in the region right now,” the bar’s owner Francesca Hoffman said. “We’re trying to cultivate a space where everyone can relax enjoy and be in community without having to feel so heavy all the time.”
She said the response from the community has been tremendous since the bar at 224 Foxhall Ave. opened on May 1. She added the bar has not only attracted plenty of locals but also people from Poughkeepsie, Beacon and even parts of Connecticut.
“People are commenting on how needed it’s been,” she said.
Hoffman said she wanted to create a space where people could feel fancy and not have it be cheesy. “We want to lean into Art Deco elements of this historic space from the 1930s,” she added.
Hoffman explained the choice of the name. “Unicorns are mythical creatures that are unique, glittery and majestic,” she said. This mythical creature seems to symbolize what queerness is about at least to me. It seems an appropriate symbol for a space like this.”
Turning to Unicorn’s menu, Hoffman said the bar’s cocktails and mocktails have been the most popular items. “People appreciate the non-alcoholic options,” she added.
Unicorn’s cheese plates and sandwiches have also proved popular, she added.
As for her favorite moments so far, Hoffman said it has to be the spontaneous late-night dance parties in the bar room before closing. “People are having a joyful time,” she added.
Hoffman said while she feels this area feels like a relatively safe place for the LGBTQ+ community this space is still important.
“To have a visible watering hole makes a big difference in how you feel today,” she added. “You’re seen, heard and respected. “It’s hetero-friendly, but the queer community is the primary focus.”
A key part of creating that atmosphere is having a queer-run and queer-staffed establishment, she said.
Popular programming includes Queerioke, Hoffman said. “It’s a platform for people to get up and sing,” she added. “We had a really big turnout for that event.”
Hoffman said she’s working on getting The Unicorn to a full booking of three to four events a week after working to get things ramped up in May. “June is a lot busier,” she added.
She said the programming will be key to the bar’s long-term success. “Existing solely as a bar is not sustainable, she said. “We have the back room to host these events and that’s the goal and focus.”
Restoration is complete and doors open for Unicorn Bar in Kingston, N.Y. Photos taken June 6, 2024. (Tania Barricklo/Daily Freeman)
This week’s events include Creekbed Carter/Jude Brothers presenting queer folk from TX and Ar on Wednesday, June 12. Hoffman said musical styles span from cumbia to brass band music.
Other events include the Rainbow Lounge: Happy Hour for the over 50 LGBTQ+ community on Thursday, June 13 at 5 p.m..
Sapphic Night is Friday, June 14, at 7:30 p.m. Unicorn’s website describes the event as a “monthly queer dance party and love sesh for the Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-Binary, Trans, and Agender. Community.”
Hoffman said other events include DJ dance parties, additional Queerioke nights and a glam rock cabaret night.
As for why she chose this space, Hoffman said she knew the owner of the Old Beverly Lounge and even considered reopening with him after the bar closed
“I gave him my business plan and he agreed to lease me the space last fall,” she said. “We signed the lease last January.”
She noted that The Beverly used to host a queer night and the owner is supportive of the LGBTQ+ community.
“He was excited and wanted to offer this space as the only queer space with a bigger room for shows with the loss of the Beverly and BSP (on Wall Street in Uptown),” she said. “Having this space back in circulation means a lot to people.”
The public can expect to see more “awesome stuff” going ahead, Hoffman said. “We’re excited to grow and get more people into this space,” she added.
