(From left) Justin Browning, owner of Nocturnal and Lovedraft’s, Serena Lawhon, assistant manager of Nocturnal, and Lovedraft’s District Manager Joshua Stambaugh in front of what will be Nocturnal nightclub.
A new place to dance, drink and party is headed to downtown Harrisburg.
The former Susquehanna Ale House on N. 2nd Street will soon become “Nocturnal,” a dance club with upstairs speakeasy-themed rooms.
Harrisburg restaurateur Justin Browning said that he purchased the building with hopes of revitalizing the city’s nightlife downtown, which has waned since the pandemic.
“I don’t want to see 2nd Street die,” Browning, who owns downtown J.B. Lovedraft’s Micro Pub, said. “I hope by bringing back the nightclub, it will reignite the nightlife on 2nd Street.”
This will be Browning’s fifth business in the area, as he operates Lovedraft’s locations in Mechanicsburg and York, as well, with a Broad Street Market stand opening in Harrisburg soon.
The roughly 12,000-square-foot building will feature a DJ-driven dance club on the first floor, called “Nocturnal.” Above it are two floors that will feature a 1920s vibe and a high-end, cocktail bar feel, Browning explained.
The building is still undergoing renovations, but the upstairs will maintain the 1920s feel that it currently has.
The 1940s-era building originally housed a hardware store and later the Harrisburg Hardware Bar, before becoming the Susquehanna Ale House.
On the side of the building on Pine Street is an entrance to the upstairs speakeasy. Under past ownership, the entrance led to “Madam Knock’s Pine Street Beauty Parlor,” a small salon with a hidden entrance to the speakeasy. According to Browning, they plan to keep the secret entrance, but redesign it with a new feel. The speakeasy will feature a different name, though Browning plans to keep it under wraps for now.
The secret Pine Street entrance to the upstairs speakeasy will remain, but Browning plans to redesign it.
Browning wants to ensure that the nightclub is safe for attendees. The building will utilize metal detectors, and staff will be educated on watching for weapons and illegal drug use, he said.
“We want to continue and make sure it’s a safe environment and inclusive to everyone,” he added.
Ultimately, the staff hopes that the new business will encourage people to return to downtown Harrisburg and to feel safe doing so.
According to Browning, he plans to open Nocturnal by the end of February and expects to be open Thursdays through Sundays.
“I’m super excited to bring the nightlife back,” said Nocturnal Assistant Manager Serena Lawhon. “It’s going to be the place people want to go to. There are not a lot of options, so this will be very exciting.”
Nocturnal will be located at 236 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg.
If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!
