Though the name might conjure up thoughts of dating service or single’s bar, One Nite Stan’s has nothing to do with matchmaking.
Hollywood Boulevard’s newest and probably darkest place to hang out and listen to live music attracts Hollywood residents that are tired of traveling to Las Olas or south Beach to hear jazz, blues and rock and roll in an atmosphere that only requires strong ear drums and the vitality to stay until the bar closes at 2 a.m.
“We usually have to travel to listen to music,” said Cindy Broder of Hollywood. “I’ll support a place that’s in Hollywood as long as the music is good.”
Sans attitude and dress code, the club located at 2333 Hollywood Blvd. takes the place of Old Spain, a Spanish restaurant that became an institution to many Hollywood residents. Old Spain now leaves only one thing to remind faithful customers of its namesake – a suit of armor that stands above the refinished black bar amid blue neon light. The metal mannequin now wears sunglasses and a baseball cap sporting the name One Nite Stan’s.
To describe a typical evening in One Nite Stan’s wouldn’t be fair. Almost every night offers something a little bit different.
Jazz enthusiasts can enjoy the tunes of Ira Sullivan, one of South Florida’s hottest local saxophone players, on Monday nights.
A magic show featuring Jeff Rutenberg appears every Wednesday and Friday night. On those nights Rutenberg travels around the large 25-seat bar and 50-table dining room.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights are packed with tunes from Bob Moffit, the Billy Livesay Band, The Rhino Cats and the Briefcase Blues Band. Sometimes bar owner Stan Waldman will jump on stage to show off his saxophone talents.
“My closest friends think I’m crazy,” Waldman said.
Waldman has been a local South Florida musician for more than 20 years. He has played in clubs from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, cranking out everything from rhythm and blues to rock and roll.
And to listen to his deep, raspy voice, it’s hard to believe he was never a singer.
“I wanted to open a place for a while,” Waldman said. “I just didn’t want to open another club that had music. There had to be something else.”
Waldman didn’t have to look very far. His sister’s husband, Danny DeMar, has been in the restaurant business for years. When DeMar found out that Waldman wanted to go into business, he compiled a menu that he hopes will keep people in the bar after the music has ended.
“There needed to be a place where people can enjoy live entertainment and then have a first class meal,” DeMar said.
DeMar’s menu boasts everything from garlic infused portabello mushrooms for $6.95, pepper seared tuna sashimi for $6.95 and a grilled chicken and brie quesadilla for $4.95.
Entrees include a seafood dish made with shrimp, mussels, scallops and clams in a spicy marinara sauce served over angel hair pasta for $12.95 and a pan seared New York steak with a wasabi teriyaki sauce and grilled vegetables for $15.95.
[(Southeast only) DeMar wanted his menu to sing as loud as many of the performers at One Nite Stan’s.]
And customers seem to enjoy what One Nite Stan’s has to offer.
“It’s good that you can be anywhere in the bar and be able to see and hear the band,” said Brenda Urso, a Hollywood resident.
One Night Stan’s is open Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. and on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. The club is closed on Sunday. A cover charge of $5 is charged on Monday nights for the Ira Sullivan show except for customers eating dinner. The club’s phone number is 929-1566.
