Carmel residents have a new, relaxed, cozy, and intimate place to hang out, listen to live music, nosh on wood-fired pizza, and sip on handcrafted cocktails. Songbird Social House opened on October 5 at 7245 East 146th Street, nestled within the Legacy neighborhood in Carmel. Husband-and-wife team Brian and Traci Karns say their new venture is designed to be a place they would want when going out on a date night.
“We didn’t set out to be a restaurant, because in a traditional restaurant setting you want to turn tables to get guests in and out quickly,” Traci says. “We wanted to create a place that wasn’t quite a restaurant or a bar. We wanted to design something in between.”
The beautifully decorated space is divided into two floors. The 3,000-square-foot downstairs contains a large bar area, seating and dining areas, garage doors and a 6,000-pound pizza oven imported from Italy. As guests ascend the staircase to the 1,600-square-foot upstairs speakeasy-type area and event space, they’re greeted by the unofficial mascot of Songbird Social House. Lady Songbird is painstakingly depicted in a mural adorning the stairwell. The mural is partially handprinted and partially spray painted to give her a classy but eclectic vibe.
The menu is comprised of wood-fired pizzas, traditional and unique pastas, salads and sandwiches. Traci says they plan to add weekend food specials as well. The drink list includes a large wine selection, an extensive bourbon list, and handcrafted cocktails following the music theme. Each cocktail is named after song titles or references birds flying. After all, the difference is in the details.
Each cozy nook and seating area is designed to reflect the theme while also being cozy and welcoming. Traci designed all the interior details, down to the microphone bar lights and bird lights in the restrooms. She says she was going for a mid-century modern/art deco vibe, and she hopes people appreciate the personal touch in every corner of the space.
“Since we’ve opened, we have had several customers come tell us that Songbird Social House was exactly what this area needed,” she says. “I think the residents of the area are eager to come check us out. In fact, we’ve had several repeat customers already. We really wanted to create a place where people could come together and enjoy that sense of community.”
The couple has been working on the concept for Songbird Social House for years while juggling business careers. Traci will serve as general manager and Brian will operate as a partner. Traci says she’s happy to see the project finally come to fruition – a testament to the dedication and passion for the venture that they hope will inspire guests.
Traci says they currently have live music every Friday and Saturday night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Guests can expect many different genres of music performed by solo, duo, and small-group local acts, along with some talent from Nashville, Tennessee.
