State Ultra Lounge

I’ve a sneaking suspicion that I’m the only new person to have been to State Ultra Lounge in, oh, about two years. I can’t seem to find any trace of a promotional buzz or locate a review from a visitor after 2011. What seems to have started out with a bang is today, decidedly, a whimper. This is a crying shame, because outwardly, State has all the right ingredients.
The setting is sophisticated, with ample space to sit and enjoy a drink, or dance the night away. The bar is well stocked with top shelf spirits. The DJ was spinning some of the best, European-​style house music I’ve heard since my days of living in London; it was on par with the music at London’s legendary Ministry of Sound in the 1990’s. And when my friends and I arrived last Saturday night around 11pm, there was no cover charge — nice! High hopes, all around that State had cracked the code of dance lounge perfection.
But true colors have a way of shining through in due time, and, once one’s eyes adjust, State’s become depressingly apparent. The bar staff was none too friendly (surprising; you’d think they’d be all over the fact that two actual human beings had somehow found their way into the place). My friend and I took a seat on one of the couches, alone and confused, waiting for our guys to arrive. It was the weekend before Halloween, and a couple of folks walked in wearing costumes. Presumably, they were coming from somewhere much more fun, like a parent-​teacher conference.
All the while, the music was totally impressive. I definitely Shazam-​ed a few tracks for my EDM collection. The next day I found that one particular track dated back to 2000: a good vintage, and maybe a sign that this place’s best years are behind it, too. This saddens me. I honestly wonder, how does the place stay alive – when everything about it appears to have died?
As my search for an elegant, upscale venue that plays killer music and caters to a dancing crowd continues, I am becoming a bit disheartened and wonder whether this Holy Grail no longer exists in Providence – or, whether it ever really did in the first place.

BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM
«what?»
BOOM BOOM BOOM
«you’re a veterinarian?»
BOOM BOOM
«what? Oh. a vegetarian?»
BOOM BOOM BOOM
«Oh! A librarian?»
BOOOM BOOM
«Screw it. Nevermind.»
At least the drinks are reasonably priced.

I’ve had mixed feelings about State Lounge over the years, but this past weekend I’m finally ready to make the split. What happened?
As a bar– NO TONIC?! um really? I thought this was a staple. Soda is not the same to me. Bartenders were mediocre who didn’t really want to interact with the clientele.
As a club– no coat rack/​room. If you want people to dance they will need to put their coats somewhere. Hooks under the bar don’t count for a space that’s supposed to fit 200 people (according to the bartender when I asked to put my coat behind the bar). Small dance floor. Music super loud.
As a lounge– two bottle service couch areas and one «free» area. If that’s you’re thing you’ll enjoy it. I thought the bouncers and velvet ropes were a bit much (this is Providence, not Ibiza). I used to like the lounge part– I came here with some friends to start off the night and got pita and hummus. Apparently that doesn’t happen anymore at State.
State reminds me of the kid in high school that tried way too hard to fit in with the cool crowd– lacks authenticity and any notion of substance. If you’re into that type of atmosphere, this is definitely your place to hang out.

This place is fine if you enjoy Euro-​Techno music blasting in your ears… and you don’t really give a damn what the person next to you is saying.
Check out the skylight when your eyes tire of watching the hired dancers swish around each other.

Nice place! Very small though. Nice bar, average drink prices, no cover, nice interior, average acoustics (but better than in other places), DJ mixed pretty much top 40. Most crowd is 20 – 30.

I LOVE STATE…
One of the only Places in PVD that has House Music just about every night of the week! Great crowds, Awesome Music & Amazing Bartenders!
I Definitely recommend this place to Anyone!!!

Visited State for the first time the other night. When a friend said it was in the old Bar One space I was worried, thought about throwing on the bullet proof vest… lol — but I was definitely pleasantly surprised. There was a great crowd (of good looking people), cool dj, decent drink prices… and the interior décor was done to be shabby chic. There was NO cover (Saturday night!), and the drinks weren’t even a rip-​off.
I’d definitely go again.