Posh new speakeasy with “hole-in-the-wall” vibes opening in historic Victorian Village church

The Sanctuary on Neil has a new tenant, and it’s an exciting one.

Sotto Terra, described in a press release as “an upscale version of your favorite hole-in-the-wall bar,” will hold a soft opening in the basement of the Sanctuary on Neil, the historic former church, on Feb. 18.

According to a press release, Sotto Terra is Italian for “underground”, a nod to the new spot’s location within the historic building it calls home.

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The Sanctuary on Neil is located at 610 Neil Ave. in Victorian Village.

Billed as a “speakeasy/cabaret”, Sotto Terra will feature a full bar and full-size stage with professional lighting and plenty of pop-culture memorabilia, including “vintage Rolling Stone covers, rare celebrity photographs and authentic autographed pictures.”

It will host everything from Dolly Parton look-a-like contests to drag shows and even adult spelling bees.

“The term speakeasy is thrown around so flippantly these days, everybody is calling their space a speakeasy,” said the new venue’s Director of Art Tony Meredith. “So it was important for us to make sure that this venue embodies the true spirit of iconic stages like the ones featured in Cabaret with Liza Minnelli, or the low-top tables and table-top lamps like the jazz clubs featured in old Hollywood films, Sex and the City and other iconic shows and movies.”

The new bar’s soft opening on Feb. 18 will be accompanied by a three-part trivia series, beginning with a round of “The Office” trivia on Feb. 18, “Friends” trivia on Feb. 25, and a general 90s trivia night on March 4. All three events are free.

If you like this, read: Owners of Chapman’s Eat Market bringing new cocktail and live jazz lounge to Short North

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