**Brooklyn’s Soft Bar Marks One Year of Celebrating Sobriety and Community**
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Carl Radke, renowned for his role in the reality television series “Summer House,” celebrated a significant milestone on September 3, 2026, as he marked the first anniversary of Soft Bar, his non-alcoholic bar and café located in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighbourhood. Looking back, Radke described this achievement as “surreal,” having transformed a long-held vision inspired by his journey toward sobriety into a thriving culinary space.
Opening its doors in September 2025, Soft Bar emerged from Radke’s personal experiences with substance challenges, including his commitment to sobriety from alcohol and cocaine, which he undertook in January 2021. He envisioned creating a vibrant social hub where everyone could enjoy each other’s company without the pressure of alcohol consumption. “This is a space for everyone,” he asserted, focusing on catering to a diverse clientele, including expectant mothers and those embracing a healthier lifestyle.
After an extensive period of testing the waters through pop-ups and events, Radke’s notion became a reality at 200 Banker Street. As the crowd gathered for the anniversary celebration, he shared his joy in seeing whether his concept resonated with patrons over the past year. “I’ve seen people firsthand come here and realise they can have a good time without alcohol,” he reflected.
Over the past year, Soft Bar has attracted a distinctive demographic, serving as a sanctuary for those seeking community, connection, and conversation about critical matters such as sobriety and mental health. It hosts various groups, such as parents’ meet-ups, run clubs, and even panels focusing on these pressing topics. At one recent event, Radke engaged in a discussion on sobriety and loss, highlighting Soft Bar’s role as a “third space” – a welcoming area beyond home and work.
The emotional impact of Soft Bar’s environment was palpable during the anniversary event. Radke recalled a moment when two pregnant women were enjoying non-alcoholic beverages at the bar, reinforcing the mission of inclusivity he aimed to achieve. A husband, accompanying one of the women, expressed gratitude for providing a comfortable social environment during their pregnancy. “To see a woman like that feel so comfortable here… it was beautiful,” Radke noted.
Interestingly, the bar has also gained popularity among fans of “Summer House.” Initially struggling to attract customers on Tuesday nights, Radke’s staff initiated a weekly watch party for the programme, which quickly garnered a devoted following. As the buzz grew, the need for enhancements became evident, culminating in the installation of projectors to accommodate the ever-increasing turnout.
Support from co-stars and friends has been instrumental in Radke’s journey with Soft Bar. He praised castmate Kyle Cooke, who contributed by DJing at the anniversary’s run club, and recalled the continued encouragement from his ex-fiancée, Lindsay Hubbard. Although some obstacles were faced during the bar’s conception phase, Radke feels perceptions have notably shifted since patrons can now experience and witness the venture first-hand.
As with any new business, the journey has not been without challenges. Staffing has proven to be a considerable hurdle, as the dynamics of working in a non-alcoholic setting differ vastly from a conventional bar. Yet, Radke sees the resilience of his team as a positive outcome from these challenges, crediting their growing camaraderie for enhancing the atmosphere at Soft Bar. “It feels like a real family,” he added.
Radke’s most significant takeaway from Soft Bar’s first year? To exercise patience. He acknowledged the inevitable ups and downs and reflected on the growth and learning that come with time. He’s aware that many successful establishments in the area have developed over several years, and he plans to take a similar approach.
Soft Bar has already begun to evolve, expanding its menu to include food items tailored to the seasonal crop while maintaining a range of innovative non-alcoholic beverages. In particular, Radke is excited about introducing a non-alcoholic hot toddy, enriched with functional ingredients and electrolytes, slated for the forthcoming winter months.
Beyond the bar, Radke has established a content studio within the venue to record his podcast, “More Life.” Through candid conversations with guests about overcoming adversity, he aims to share insights that resonate with listeners. “I love talking to people and giving them the room,” he shared, illustrating his desire for genuine human connection.
Looking ahead, Radke envisions expanding Soft Bar into other cities and exploring opportunities in airports, hotels, and casinos. However, he insists on a slow and strategic approach, focused on ensuring that the foundational values remain intact. “We’ve only been open a year,” he noted. “I want to take our learning, I want to get better and then take it to another place.”
As the first anniversary celebrations wrapped up, Radke reaffirmed that Soft Bar is not just his creation but a community space. “This is not Carl’s Soft Bar, it’s for everybody,” he stated, reiterating his vision of inclusivity and connection that he initially conceived nearly two years prior. With the bar serving as a beacon for many, Radke is proud to witness his dream cultivate its own identity.