The old Highlands used to be more of “an underage bar thing,” said co-owner Pat Grider, and focused on big bands such as Velcro Pygmies, Fly-By Radio and Trotline.
Now the bar’s edge is “an over-age Martini bar with an upscale, New York feel.”
Grider, who also co-owns SkyBar Cafe, hopes it will become more of a lounge bar, especially during drink special hours of 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Acoustic bands will play in the front area, and the stage in the back will be reserved for larger bands.
There are also television screens to watch games or other television events.
The total construction included another circular bar in the front and more seating. The bathrooms were also renovated. Seating is now up to 300 as opposed to the 50 it was before. Total bathroom stalls have gone up, and all the floors are carpeted or hardwood.
“It’s way better, especially the way it was built,” Auburn alum Dean Smith said.
The couches inside are suede and circular with a restaurant-style feel, and drinks are served out of glasses instead of plastic cups.
Smith also found the location to be an important part since he lives in the Opelika area.
Those who have moved into the new Creekside of Auburn are also at an advantage with the bar re-opening since it near the new development.
Highlands will begin running a shuttle van that runs from Highlands to Creekside and then to SkyBar every 15 minutes.
Highlands will continue to have the same rules that SkyBar does in terms of its dress code. Men must wear a collared shirt, button-up or polo to get into the bar.
“We’re not trying to make it a big dress code, the T-shirt thing is cool, but we’re trying to upscale it,” Grider said.
The same VIP list at SkyBar is also at Highlands.
The list is compiled by sorority and fraternity social chairs, and those who are on it can get three additional people into the bar for free on that night. There is no cover at Highlands before 9 p.m.
Highlands will also be running daily drink specials: Mimosa Monday, Mar “Tini” Tuesday, Wine Wednesday and Thirsty Thursday. Before 9 p.m, every day beers are half off, and all other drinks are on special.
On Wine Wednesday, glasses of wine are $2 and Highlands plans to bring in “a nicer wine.”
“It’s a really good wine, and we’re not going to make any money off of it, but we just want to have a nicer kind,” Grider said.
Highlands has been open for about a month already but has not been having a lot of business.
“Hopefully it will get back to being busy,” said Miranda Williams, a bartender at Highlands for two and a half years and a senior in accounting. “I just don’t think people know we’re open, but once people find out we are, they’re going to love this place.”
Highlands is located at 1400 Opelika Road and its Web site is www.thehighlandsbar.com.
