October 07, 2008
Awesomer than The Fan.
October 29, 2007
I guess it’s a club? The Infuzion ice bar is opening sometime this winter (the website says December) in Scott’s Addition and will feature an “ice bar.”
Apparently there will be a freezing cold room with a bar made of ice. They even give you weird insulate hoodie/jedi robes to keep you warm.
I dunno people, I hate being cold.
Hmm. What’s better than being freezing cold indoors in winter?! Why not just let people out the backdoor into the alley and give em a bottle.
Either way their website with it’s tiny font has turned me against them.
libby @ October 29th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
Oh man I thought the same thing! You can hardly read it and can’t copy/paste it. Lame.
Although jedi robes entice me.
Ross @ October 29th, 2007 at 10:52 pm
Not all that impressed by the website or the concept. $15 just to enter the Icebar (granted, with one drink) sounds dumb.
John @ December 5th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
Of course, as soon as something new and interesting comes to Richmond, people start complaining. At least give it a shot – it’s a cool idea and something different to do. I think it’ll be awesome!
Also, if you maximize the window the entire web page gets bigger, including the font.
Melissa @ December 12th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
$15 to enter an ice bar is a bit steep - especially if you are paying to be cold (free drink or not). I have to say that I am not crazy about the whole idea. I am sure that the jazz lounge will be a hit with the odd-ball VCU artistic types - but for the rest of us, I feel like this will be a flop.
Mike @ January 11th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Infuzion is amazing, for those of you that haven’t seen it. They officially open tonight….and from what I’ve seen, the ownership seems committed to giving people a first rate, high class experience. They are 100% dedicated to superior customer service!
The ice bar has encountered some delays but the rest of the place is nothing short of spectacular!
Just curious…why are you putting iot down when you haven’t even step foot in the place?
Anthjo @ January 16th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Im with anthjo. just like people from richmond and why nothing happens here(Lame bars open all the time). no open minds and to cheap to get off a dollar. This guy is bringing something new to richmond for once and all people can do is bash it. The place is unbelievable (and yes i have been inside a number of times). Get off a couple dollars and do something interesting, besides goin to the same ish and standing in line for a beer when there is only 15 people there. And you attack a website what the ….
JGus @ January 18th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
It is so nice to know some folks like our first few bloggers have enough time or lack of social skills to sit at their computers and worry about font size. If they would get out of the house and come down to 1401 Roseneath Road I think they would find a very enjoyable club that offers great Tapas style entrees, the biggest and best dance floor in town and coming soon the Ice Bar. $15 dollars to get in is for the one drink you get while in the Ice Bar however included with that is the Parka jacket and gloves to wear while during your visit, your picture that gets framed and given to you when leaving and then your ice glass to try a truely cool way to drink Vodka. Now yes it is , for most, a one time thing…I can’t see going into the IceBar every night. It is designed to bring some of the forward thinking European night life and items to Richmond and the USA.
So maybe thats it the ones that have nothing better to do than look at a web site and worry about font size just aren’t forward thinking… or they just have no interest in anything different.
For the other bloggers that speak such kind words, thank you and come by to check things out…you will not be sorry! :-)
Stay Cool!
owner1 @ January 20th, 2008 at 11:22 am
I went to Infuzion TWICE this weekend and was extremely impressed!
To think, this was a SOFT opening? Infuzion was amazing! The lights, the sound, the service? All first rate and top notch. CERTAINLY better than the garbage that passes for “nightlife” and “entertainment” in Richmond…..I can’t even imagine how cool this place will be once the people start coming in droves…and they will, trust me.
The ice bar hasn’t even opened yet, so for all the naysayers, just shut your mouths, ante up the $5 cover, and come in and try to ENJOY yourself in this trendy, upscale new club that you can be PROUD to bring your friends and family.
Oh, leave the tennis shoes, tims and baseball caps at home, cause they’re not permitted at Infuzion. Dress to impress!
Anthjo @ January 20th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
While we’re on the subject, I just have to ask this….are some people just negative just for the sake of being negative? Instead of pissing and moaning, what’s YOUR solution to the horrendous nightlife in Richmond?
This guy (Paul) stepped up and is doing something about it. He brought to fruition something truly special. Something that will forever change the landscape of bars and clubs in this town…and I say..THANK YOU, Mr. Blacker, for stepping up and actually walking the walk instead of just talking.
I have no vested interest in this man’s new business, but I’ll do everything in my power to see that he can not only stay afloat, but thrive and succeed.
Anthjo @ January 20th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
I don’t know why it is bothering you that we are complaining. You don’t need literally every single person in Richmond to come to your ice bar. You just need the people who are willing to pay covers to get into ice bars, and who care about “lights” and “sound.” I don’t care about those things - I am a nerd who cares about font sizes and gets excited about new movie theaters, not new bars.
I’m sure the sorts of people who are right on the blade of bars will enjoy checking it out.
Justin @ January 21st, 2008 at 1:05 pm
goodness, I think we’re being astroturfed by Infusion employees. It still sounds ridiculous. Maybe they’ll add another floor that rotates. What’s next, beds instead of tables?
john m @ January 21st, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Again, the ice bar isn’t even open yet so it’s a moot point. That aspect of the bar shouldn’t make or break the place.
I guess what bothers me is that some people….not all, but some………are on here pissing and moaning without having even set foot in the place. To me, that’s so “Richmond”….people who bitch about things without actually DOING something about it. It actually takes an effort, not to mention money and a lot of hard work and huge amount of risk….to open up a bar/restaurant/nightclub.
Why WOULDN’T you support someone…a Richmond native no less….who is doing his best to bring this city something fresh and original? The ice bar is but a small part of the space at Infuzion….it’s not for everyone, but for those people who want to do it…it’s their time and money…let them spend it as they see fit.
I suspect that a lot of the people on here go to places like New York Deli, Bank or (gasp) The Tobacco Company. Worse yet, you may even go to those freaking dive bars in the Bottom…Mars/Fallout….or the worst of the worst, Tiki Bob’s……I’ve been to all of them……and besides the awful, terrible service and heavy-handed, rude security……the music is atrocious, and the clientele leaves a lot to be desired. Emo “kids” (in their 20’s and 30’s) and wanna be “hipsters”….and of course, the wiggers and rednecks…who make up the scene here in Richmond.
Count me (again, as someone in no way connected with Infuzion) as someone who is damn proud to welcome them to the neighborhood!
Anthjo @ January 21st, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Checked out Infusion around 11pm on Saturday night and left after about 30 min. Parking wasn’t a problem as there is a ton of it. Not really sure why they are charging $5 at the door though the first weekend they were open - I know it’s supposed to be a “club” but usually you want to get business before you start charging people $5 to get in - especially when there are only 25 people inside.
Music was as good if you’re into techo/dance music although no one was really dancing because there weren’t many people there.
Decorations and overall ambiance were very disappointing. For as much hype as this place has gotten, as well as the money they poured into the place, the interior was very plain. There is no interior artwork of any kind. The walls are white with black lines on them. There are two huge disco balls over the dance floor with purple and blue lights shining on them. My girlfriend remarked that the light shining off them onto the floor and walls reminded her of a roller skating rink and not a club. And what’s with the giant fake icicles hanging from the ceiling? Very tacky and almost seemed like an afterthought. I know they are trying to go with the “Ice Bar” theme, but I think they can do better than that.
Service was just OK. The people working the door weren’t overly nice but they don’t have to be. The security guards were very abundant. My girlfriend and I got yelled at by one when we accidentally went into the VIP section (there was no sign designating it as such and no one was sitting there). Bartenders were decent and you could tell they were still trying to iron out all the kinks behind the bar, but overall they were fine. Drink prices were above average but expected ($5/beer, ~$7 for stoli and tonic).
I would love to see Infuzion do well. You can tell they have poured a ton of money and work into this place and are trying hard. It needs to develop some character to distinguish itself from the competition. Right now it is just a decent-sized club in an out of the way location with a 10×10 ft walk-in freezer that will be an ice-bar sometime in the future.
Hopefully these problems will be solved soon.
Cheers!
Matt @ January 21st, 2008 at 4:59 pm
What do they have on tap for 5$? I like to judge places by their beer selection.
Ross @ January 21st, 2008 at 5:30 pm
I don’t think they they have beers on tap, only bottles. Many clubs don’t. We got a corona and a miller light and the total was $10. They have all of their beer bottles on a shelf above the bar and it looked to be pretty expansive. Maybe 20 different types at least?
Matt @ January 21st, 2008 at 5:32 pm
To Matt and Anthjo,
Thank you both for your comments, this is Paul …Mr.Blacker, that makes me sound so old. ;-)
I want to adress first some of Matt’s comments:
While yes at 11 when you and your girlfriend got there the lights where not doing much ( and I talked to our lighting guy about that) and all you really saw where the two miror balls we do have a very expansive light show that I am sure if you make it back once all our Dj’s and light shows are running full swing you will be more than impressed. As to the icicles we did put much thought into our decor and seasonal decorations…that’s right seasonal these will come down end of Feb first of March. The VIP section will have ropes blocking off the stairs leading up into them, however they where not in on the night you came by. We should have them by this weekend. The decor with the white walls and black stripes is to be clean and modern. Once the light show is doing it’s thing it is very nice and the walls make the perfect canvas for the colored lights and effects. I do hope that you and your girlfriend take time to come back by in the next few weeks to give us another chance. We are also looking at the types of music very hard to make sure that it is what fits with the guest we are trying to attrack. Fri night was a last minute DJ who was open and we are very greatful to DJ Franco and Oliver for coming out on a few hours notice. I did grow up here and have had the chance to travel some around the world and that is what I am trying to bring home to Richmond.
As to Anthjo, thank you also for your words of welcome and incuragement.y father and I have spent a lot of time and money working on a venue that we hope many Richmonders as well as travelers can feel at home and welcomed. I think for word of mouth soft opening Fri and Sat nights overall went very well. Not to say that we are not working on things but that is to be expected with a new place. Our staff is (I think) some of the best in the city. Yes (to go back to one of Matt’s points) we do have a lot of security in place. This is because once we start advertising and we have busy club nights we want everyone to feel safe and taking care of. I tried to hire very polite and well groomed staff as a whole as to keep up the upscale and friendly image that I am trying to bring to the area.
For everyone I gladly accept comments and want this to be a place that all of us can be proud of to have in our area.
Take care and feel free to keep talking about us …stay cool!
owner1 @ January 21st, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Just noticed this site surfing the other day….so I’ll chime in…
Congratulations to Paul for bringing to fruition his vision and making it a reality! I am extremely proud of you and wish you and the staff nothing but continued success and prosperity for Infuzion now and in the future.
Although I had previous commitments which limited my time at the club this weekend, I was very impressed with what I witnessed. The strong (but not overbearing) security presence….polite, attractive and efficient staff, ample seating, diverse clientele, great music and impressive lighting effects….All of these factors should make for a terrific night out at Infuzion!
Folks, I have no vested interest in Infuzion other than to see someone I consider a friend succeed. For those of you who haven’t met Paul, he’s one of the nicest, most easy-going and laid back guys you’d ever want to meet. Believe me, all this man wants to do is bring something fresh…new, unique and original to his hometown of Richmond and I believe he’s well on his way to doing that.
For those of you who have been going out in this town for a while, Infuzion is the place that we’ve all been wanting, but until now….no one has delivered. Well, I can tell you now…your wait is over and your new nighttime entertainment destination has arrived!
Next time you’re at the club, introduce yourself. I’m sure he’d love to meet you!
Way to go Paul. See ya at the club!
Andrew @ January 22nd, 2008 at 12:05 am
I think Infuzion is going to be so much fun to get a drink and dance a bit. The place looked great on friday. It reminded me of some places in New York but more so Miami.
Michael @ January 22nd, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Went to Infuzion Thursday and Friday and had a great time. Tonight is supposed to be their “gay friendly” night. I’m looking forward to it.
Chance @ January 26th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Went to Infuzion last night and it was awesome. The crowd was a really good mix of folks you have seen from Robinson Street to Downtown. The music was a good house mix and after a few drinks, reasonally priced at $4 for a 16oz bud lite, everyone was dancing. It was crowded and the parking lot must have filled up early because when I got there at 1030pm I parked in the street with everyone else streaming in. I meant to take a peek at the lounge area but had too much fun meeting a ton of new people on the club side. The security guards are dressed higher end than the usual “guy in a STAFF T-Shirt” and one of them is SOOO stunning, football player type with 100 watt smile, I may go back next week just to see him. :)
Amy @ January 27th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Oh and if the owner is reading this put some more trash cans or bussing bins around for beer bottles and glassware. We just need somewhere to put these things. When the bar itself is packed with folks wanting another round it is hard to squeeze in to just drop off a glass. :) Great glassware by the way very modern and userfriendly (when you are not dancing that is). :)
Amy @ January 27th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Since I see that the owner reads this it seems like a perfect forum to give anonymous, and hopefully constructive, feedback about Saturday night at Infuzion.
First of all, congratulations on opening a phemomenal club. I love the interior, the decor, the two distinct sides of the club, the lights . . . all very well done. And everyone I talked to Saturday loves that it’s non-smoking (even the smokers!). I hope you have nothing but success, and because I want you to succeed I’m going to offer some suggestions:
1) Let your bouncers put the wristbands on people when they’re checking ID’s. Why make the poor guy behind then window do all the work? It would make the line move much faster.
2) Charge for the coat check. It would result in money for you, less people checking coats, and a shorter wait for those of us willing to pay a few bucks.
3) I know you’re trying to be cutting edge, but people like to dance to music they’re familiar with. For the number of people there Saturday there were very few people dancing. And it’s such a great dance area. Our group would’ve stayed later (and probably spent more money) if some of us had been dancing.
4) I assume the long wait to get drinks was an opening weekend thing that you’ll work out over time . . .
Congratulations again on a terrific club. I hope you understand my comments here are meant to be constructive. I want to be dancing at Infuzion for a long, long time.
Not important @ January 28th, 2008 at 11:42 am
“2) Charge for the coat check.”
That’s a crappy suggestion.
Face @ January 28th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
We’ve received a couple comments that we ended up censoring from this discussion. This is a first from WOTBN.net, because usually the comments are not hurtful and try to add to the discussion, not the oppositite.
Again, our policy on comments is that you must use your real name and a real email address. If you put bogus information in and write inflamatory comments, please don’t expect them to be published.
Sam @ February 1st, 2008 at 9:30 am
I love the idea of Infuzion. I’m not a “club” type guy, more of a sit down at the bar and talk type guy but I very much enjoyed the lounge side (twice). It is perfect for after work drinks, especially if you’re on someone’s expense tab. ;-) The food was incredible. Very affordable, yet classy enough to where you could casually eat and be full without stuffing your face (reminds me of the tapas at Europa). It is also a great place to bring your girl. I might not be the hippest guy in Richmond but I can bring her here and at least pretend I am for an hour or two. Great service, soft (not overbearing) music, and a very chill setting. Plus if I get a wild hair up my a$%, we can always mosey our way over to the club side. Thank you for bringing something new to Richmond. I would much rather give my money to a local company trying to make a difference in this town than to some national franchise who only sees Richmond as a number on a chart.
Jason @ February 1st, 2008 at 4:34 pm
I went on the website 5 minutes ago, and it said the cover is now $15 for 30 minutes in the bar. If this is true, then I will not be going. Why pay $15 to spend in a bar for only 30 minutes???
Jen A. @ February 8th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Jen-
The ice bar isn’t even open yet and it is a small, side portion of the bar. You don’t have to go anywhere near it if you don’t want. It’s a $5 cover to get in the place…..and it’s amazing. Sound, lights, music….the ambiance/decor is fantastic.
Come and check it out. Saturday nights are the best!
Eric @ February 9th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
[...] in October West Of The Boulevard News posted about the upcoming Infuzion Ice Bar. Couple comments here, a couple comments there, months go by and [...]
J’s Notes » Is Infuzion Spamming For Customers? @ February 11th, 2008 at 11:14 am
ok, while this bar sounds nice, does anyone has any suggestions for other places in richmond besides the typical three monkeys, starlight scene? ive live in richmond for about three years now and im having trouble finding just a local spot to sit and have a few drinks at a chill bar. i know they are around here, i just dont know where. thx.
Jessie @ February 17th, 2008 at 2:31 am
Believe it or not some restruants have good bars. Nanking on Broad has a nice bar with plasma screens. It is normally a quiet place. Capital Ale house in downtown Richmond or at Innsbrook has a nice selection of beer. Hams is also another good place to chill and drink a beer.
Heather @ February 27th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
The ice bar wasn’t worth the $15 to get in…all it was a big chillier (walking Freezer). They call it a bar I would call it a walking Freezer!
The tapas were some what good…not a place were I would eat again. One thing they do know how to make is Drinks! Overall the experience wasn’t all that since the Ice bar was a disappointment. Not a place that I would recomment!!!!
AnaLiz @ May 19th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
@ Jesse, Commercial Taphouse on Robinson across from Retreat has great beer selection and honest to goodness tasty food, small intimate atmosphere…it is my favorite watering hole to go with a small group of friends interested in a good chit chat, however it is not a place to go to be seen or to meet random new peeps like some meat market-esque bars that shall remain nameless. It is a place without pretense
Fiona @ May 20th, 2008 at 7:05 am
I feel like many of your commect are just stupid. We should be accepting this new bar with open arms considering it is the first in the United States. All other Ice Bars are in the largest cities in the world such as london and bejing. The Ice Bar in London cost 30$ US to to walk in. Maybe Richmond should try new things and try to become more of a economic fixture on the East Coast.
Joe @ May 25th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Joe-
Don’t waste your breath. Mr. Blacker has brought to Richmond something totally unique and yet he struggles to attract business. His lounge/bar/club is fantastic….the lights and sound are unrivaled and the area where you can just chill and relax is great too…..Just perplexed as to why more people aren’t coming out to Infuzion…..
TYpical Richmond @ June 1st, 2008 at 5:37 pm
I went to Infuzion this past friday and I had a blast. Thank god richmond has a decent dance floor now.
Mike @ June 2nd, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Typical Richmond,
More people might not be coming out to Infuzion because it is Richmond. That is neither negative for Richmond nor negative for Infuzion. It is a very novel idea and I hope it succeeds, but it’s Richmond. People *do* want dive bars in the Fan. I’m not certain of the demand for velvet-rope feel clubs, and don’t feel that Richmond has enough Bluetooth earpiece- and hair product-equipped bar-goers to necessitate a large supply.
Being from Richmond, and having lived in Nashville and NYC’s LES, I turn away from any place that requires a cover unless it comes with great live music. That goes back to my “it’s Richmond” statement. If 99% of Richmond bars don’t require a single George Washington to get in, then the number of folks willing to pay for the privilege of spending money inside decreases drastically.
If you hate Richmond for not providing cheesy Miami-style clubs (or if you even say you’re going out to “da club” on weekends), then why do you subject yourself to Richmond?
Some of the appeal of Richmond lies with the limited number of gentleman with hair product and a limited number of bars with velvet ropes. I wouldn’t open up an Applebee’s in the Meatpacking District…
Dan @ June 3rd, 2008 at 9:42 am
Just my two cents.
I am guilty of having not gone to Infuzion yet. But I like that I have the option should I want.
Part of the reason–if it is the case–that more people aren’t going is that, well, it’s in Scott’s Addition and off the track of the Fan or Shockoe bars. It isn’t like the place isn’t accessible or doesn’t have parking.
Richmonders–and people–are creatures of habit. They go where they feel the most comfortable and get what they expect (which explains the proliferation of chain restaurants in the burbs). Some time, and some promotions, will get people there. That is, if the food and drink are consistent, good and worth going out for.
I need to get myself there.
Harry @ June 4th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
I think the biggest reason people don’t want to go to Infuzion is the location. People go to the bars around Robinson and Main because there are so many bars to choose from. If one place is too crowded or too dead, you just go to the next one. Location is key.
Carrie @ June 20th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
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