As more and more Americans moderate their drinking or cut alcohol out altogether, the phenomenon of the sober bar is on the rise: a place where people can go to relax and have a good time without the pressure to get a buzz on.
The trend is clear: according to a Gallup poll, a record-low 54% of Americans said they drank alcohol, compared to high points like 68% and 71% recorded between 1974 and 1981.
“For the first time in Gallup’s trend, a majority of Americans, 53%, say drinking in moderation, or ‘one or two drinks a day,’ is bad for one’s health,” says an article on the Gallup website. “Just 6% say it’s good for one’s health, while 37% believe it makes no difference. Today’s belief that moderate alcohol consumption is unhealthy follows increases from 28% in 2018 and 39% in 2023 to 45% a year ago. By contrast, from 2001 through 2011, the percentage with this view hovered near 25%, roughly equal to those who considered drinking beneficial.”
Capitalizing on this trend, a new sober lounge is preparing to open its doors in Sweetwater. Called Votanik Lounge, it’s launching at 628 SW 109th Avenue. No opening date has been revealed yet.
In fact, most of the details are staying under wraps for now. Though What Now confirmed news of the opening with a representative of Votanik on Thursday, the representative said no information is being shared yet as the menu is still under development.
Located on Southwest 109th Avenue between Southwest Sixth and Seventh Streets, Votanik will join Sip 305 and Panther Cave.
In the meantime, while we wait for more details, Votanik’s website is live. You can also check out its Instagram page, @votanikmiami, although no posts have been made yet.
