Hiden Gem - Woodstock: Groovy vibes coming from Liquid Blues

Liquid Blues bartender Andrew Bykowski balances drinks behind the bar on a Saturday night. Bykowski, whose father co-owns the bar, has been working at Liquid Blues for over five years. (Danielle Guerra – dguerra@nwherald.com)

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>> Watch a video feature on Liquid Blues

WOODSTOCK – Liquid Blues is a subterranean saloon just off the Square under a shop called “Closet Envy.”

People often miss it. But it’s like a shocking pink post-it note in a lawyer’s office. Once you notice it, you can’t take your eyes off it.

There’s a Liquid Blues sign on an awning at the corner of Benton and Judd streets. Follow a concrete stairway down below street level and you’ll find lava lamps and tie-dye and be enveloped in a psychedelic vibe, music from the “Summer of Love.”

Jim Bykowski, 41, who owns Liquid Blues with his wife, Amy, 31, said his parents are “hippies” and he gained much of his musical taste from them.

“I grew up listening to [Bob] Dylan,” Bykowski said. “I use to go into the city [of Chicago] to the blues clubs and listen to the music. The low ceiling, like the one we’ve got here, is great for sound.

“... And when you’re out enjoying yourself, listening to music, you get a good burger. I created a place that I, myself, would like to go to. Work hard in the day; relax and play a little at night.”

Liquid Blues has a loyal following and has been in business for eight years. The original part of the Liquid Blues has been a drinking establishment for about 100 years under a number of different names. It originally was called “The Budweiser,” back when brewers owned the bars in which they sold their brew, Bykowski said.

Business had gotten so good a few years ago that the Bykowskis busted through a 20-inch thick brick wall to expand and almost double the space.

It’s decorated with an eclectic mix of pop art from a bygone era. Beatles “Yellow Submarine” Fab Four cartoon figurines can be found throughout and on the shelves behind the bar. There is a Grateful Dead jigsaw puzzle glued together and hanging next to a sign warning “Hippies” to come in the “Side Door.” Tie-dyed fabric hangs from the ceiling.

“When we go places we keep a eye out for trinkets and things to decorate the bar,” Amy Bykowski said.

On the jukebox play list are the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and The Who. The British invasion dominates the selections.

“I think there’s a Dave Matthews in there somewhere,” Jim Bykowski said, browsing through the metal pages of the jukebox’s CD list.

Two pool tables also are in the place – available for 9-ball tournaments on Sundays. The pool tables are movable if more space is needed for events such as wedding receptions, Amy Bykowski said.

Friday night fish-fry is popular, Amy Bykowski said. Slow-cooked prime rib is on the menu Saturdays.

Burgers and other kinds of sandwiches are available. Dinners include fried shrimp and fried chicken served with coleslaw and fries. Food is served from 4 to 11 p.m. daily.

>> Click to watch a video feature on Liquid Blues.