SALVATION: Hoboken’s Northern Soul Coming Back to Life in New Location

After closing down in May over a dispute with the landlord, Northern Soul announced that it will RE-OPEN in a new location, just blocks from the former venue.

A steadfast hotspot for Hoboken’s music scene, Northern Soul was way more than just a bar. Host of People’s Open Mic, The Last Waltz, and hundreds of other amazing live music shows, Northern Soul was a vital space for the sustenance of local live music.

The idea is to continue that scene in their new spot in the ground floor of The Sky Club (700 First Street, Hoboken). Furthermore, they will boast a full kitchen, as current occupants, Brasserie de Paris, will close up shop on October 2. Northern Soul management hopes to be open by Halloween.

Scene outside the former Northern Soul location at 557 1st Street in May, following the bar’s abrupt closure.

“I’ve been a bartender in Hoboken since I was 22 years old (or the last 15 years), for better or worse, through thick and thin—even hurricanes—we survived and thrived,” says Marc Russell, owner of Northern Soul. “If I’m going out, I’m going out on my own terms, not by the hand of a greedy landlord in Florida.”

Back in May, the Hudson County Sheriff posted the notice of eviction following a dispute over the painting of the facade. The simple act of painting over graffiti was construed as a violation of the lease, and the landlord moved for eviction. After initially losing in court, the landlord eventually managed to secure a warrant of removal—and the locks at Northern Soul were changed without any further notice.

In the months that followed, speculation mounted as to where the bar would relocate. The bar owners maintained control of the valued Hoboken liquor license, which is typically transferable. But the decision was made to stay in Hoboken.

“The outpouring from our customers was the deciding factor in the end,” says Russell. Rallies, online protests, and a substantial community outcry followed the bar’s abrupt closure.

“Obviously there was a void when we closed, especially in that part of town,” says Russell. “As corny as it sounds, I almost feel it was our community service to open back up as soon as possible!”

Fulfilling their end of the promise to “keep the faith,” Northern Soul has a new home in Hoboken. “We literally cannot wait to be back in the hood bigger and better than ever!”