The Late ShowAnchor SpaNew HavenJan. 15, 2026 I felt like I would die walking against the bitterly cold wind Thursday evening as I headed to Anchor Spa. But the minute I stepped into the crowded bar, The Late Show brought me back to life. The space was pulsing to the sounds of RB, dancehall a nd rap, a fusion of songs that the legendary DJ Dooley-O sometimes put his own remixed spin on. He guided the energy intuitively, slipping from nostalgic throwbacks into contemporary hits and back again. Thursday night was the third installment of The Late Show, a bimonthly party put together by creative entrepreneur Tea Montgomery, host Frank E. Brady, and DJ Dooley-O. The three have partnered in the past on events geared around the arts and meaningful connections in purposeful spaces. Frank E. Brady and Tea Montgomery, curators of The Late Show Credit: Janday Wilson Photo The crowd reflected the spirit Anchor Spa and The Late Show aim to cultivate – multi-generational, stylish, expressive, and deeply present. People were milling about the bar and sitting in the emerald booths, engrossed in conversation, enjoying delicious Caribbean food, and sipping on the inventive cocktails that Anchor Spa is known for. “There was a high demand for this,” said DJ Dooley-O, who calls Anchor Spa his home. His vibrant artwork even hangs on the walls. Owned by Karl Franz Williams, the reborn historic bar will be celebrating the tenth anniversary of its reopening this year. No small feat in an industry with high turnover. In spite of their success, Williams saw there was more Anchor could provide for its patrons. “Music is intrinsic to Black culture, and there’s not a lot of Black culture expressed in downtown New Haven,” said Williams. “Anchor is a lighthouse for doing that in unique ways. So, I want people to come in and experience vibes that you don’t get any place else. And feel it in a diverse room.” DJ Dooley-O spinning the tunes Credit: Janday Wilson Photo Diversity was a huge draw for patrons like Monet H. “I’ve never been here but I was invited. I had to come out because it’s Black-owned. I wanted to support,” she gushed. Anchor Spa’s new pan Caribbean menu is another draw for guests. The menu is as full as a book and inventively takes you through different Caribbean port cities via the dishes and cocktails. Williams’ family is from St. Vincent. His idea was a play on his bar’s name. “[Think] of an anchor and sailing on a ship. You’re going to various ports,” said Williams. “So where can you do that? Go throughout the Caribbean from port to port to port and experience different foods? That’s what we’re trying to create.” The menu includes drinks made with Caribbean rum (there’s even one with a plantain chip garnish) and interpretations of Caribbean staples like festival, callaloo, and jerk chicken. There’s also a bespoke mule menu that instructs patrons on how to craft their own drinks step by step. Thankfully, the menu still offers Anchor’s infamous cocktails, such as “Yale Beets Harvard,” a complex yet balanced drink containing Jamaican rum, beet syrup, orange acid, and molasses bitters. Anchor Spa owner Karl Franz Williams enjoying one of his tasty cocktails Credit: Janday Wilson Photo That combination of tasty food and drinks, positive energy and enveloping music touched on and elevated all of the senses. “We [wanted] to create a night just for the culture of the Elm City. Where people can feel safe, relaxed, have good vibes, listen to good music and make great connections,” Brady said. The Late Show is a testament to what happens when intention, community, and creativity collide. As the night stretched on, the room seemed to grow warmer – not just from the bodies packed shoulder to shoulder, but from the easy camaraderie unfolding across the space. Montgomery, Brady, Williams and DJ Dooley-O have certainly succeeded in their mission. The post The Anchor Lifts College St. appeared first on New Haven Independent. ...read more read less