Carl Radke's Soft Bar Opens - Key Takeaways From Our Visit

Carl Radke's New Venture: Soft Bar

Carl Radke, known for his role on Summer House, has taken a bold step into the world of non-alcoholic beverages with the opening of his new establishment, Soft Bar. This unique space is not just a bar but a mindful consumption bar and cafe that caters to a wide range of customers. From the moment it opened on Thursday, September 18, Radke has been eager to share his vision with others.

Radke, who has been open about his sobriety journey, described Soft Bar as a place for everyone. He emphasized that the venue is designed to welcome people who are sober, those who are curious about sobriety, and even individuals who may not have a clear relationship with alcohol. The goal is to offer an experience where guests can enjoy drinks without the presence of alcohol.

Soft Bar offers a variety of options, including soft cocktails, functional drinks, and traditional cafe beverages like coffee and matcha. Radke highlighted that the bar is not about serving "mocktails" but rather creating intentional soft cocktails that are crafted with care. One of the signature drinks, the Mint Condition, was described as tasting like a basil tea with hints of grapefruit and vanilla. Another drink, the Bitter Beginning, is another example of the thoughtfulness behind the menu.

A Mindful Approach to Drinking

Radke shared that he wanted to create something inclusive, which he felt was missing in the current bar scene. He mentioned that while there are some bars that cater to sober communities, they often feel exclusive. His goal with Soft Bar was to be more welcoming and accessible. "I wanted to be inclusive here," he said.

The process of bringing Soft Bar to life was not without its challenges. Radke admitted that there were moments when he doubted whether the project would succeed. He cited factors such as construction delays, city regulations, and tariffs as obstacles. However, he remained focused on taking things one day at a time.

Despite the doubts from some people, Radke sees this as a positive sign. He believes that if people are talking about the concept, whether positively or negatively, it means the idea is gaining attention. "I'm very lucky that yes or no, it's been people talking about it," he said.

Functional Ingredients and Health Benefits

One of the standout features of Soft Bar is the use of functional ingredients in the drinks. Radke explained that the bar incorporates elements typically found in supplement sections at places like Whole Foods. For example, the Mint Condition includes NAD, a coenzyme that supports metabolism. Other drinks may include mushroom supplements, although he clarified that no psychedelic mushrooms are used.

The approach to crafting these drinks involves advanced techniques such as milk-punching, fat-washing, and clarifying. These methods ensure that each drink is not only flavorful but also provides health benefits. Radke emphasized that the goal is to create a space where guests can enjoy a great experience without the need for alcohol.

A Unique Space for All

In addition to its beverage offerings, Soft Bar is designed to be a versatile space. It opens early in the morning, making it a perfect spot for coffee before work or even a place to work throughout the day. Radke noted that the original idea for the bar was a sober sports bar, but after refining the concept, he decided to focus on creating a foundation that aligns with his values.

The bar is located at 200 Banker Street in Brooklyn, New York. It operates from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays through Wednesdays and extends its hours to 10 p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays. Whether you're looking for a non-alcoholic drink, a functional beverage, or simply a place to relax, Soft Bar offers a unique experience that caters to a wide audience.