Liquid State of mind: Coffee, beer, wine bar now open

Laying dormant for over a year, the once beloved Locopop storefront on Hillsborough Street has been revived as the new coffee, beer and wine bar, Liquid State.

Posted 5:40 p.m. Nov 18, 2015 — Updated 6:55 p.m. Jul 13, 2018

Elliott Acosta

RALEIGH, N.C. — Laying dormant for over a year, the once beloved Locopop storefront on Hillsborough Street has been revived as the new coffee, beer and wine bar, Liquid State. Opening the doors for Liquid State has been a labor of love for owner Sy Sourisak, who had to deal with months of delays and setbacks that accompany remodeling a space built in 1904. But the hardwork has paid off, as sleek wooden tables and a gorgeous granite countertop bar have transformed the space to the point where it's hard to recognize it as the former popsicle shop. The exposed brick wall, local art and comfortable lounge area create a peaceful atmosphere ideal for relaxing with drinks with friends or accomplishing work in solitude.

True to its namesake, Liquid State offers a vast collection of drinkables. Coffee, smoothies and Italian sodas fill out the first of Liquid State’s three chalkboard menus. Carrboro Coffee Roasters provide the beans used to brew all the cafe standards. The wallet-friendly price point made my cup of cold brew that much more satisfying.

Cataloging over a dozen white and red wines, Liquid State’s wine menu shows off an international flair. Well represented are the stalwart Californian and French wines but the wine list shows its diversity with selections from Argentina, southern Australia and Germany. The beer list has the same twist, with cans and bottles from all over the country and a few from across the pond. Liquid State will feature six beers on draft with three taps from local breweries.

Liquid State will have a third menu for other drinks like kombucha, kava (a South American drink made from a root from the Pacific yerba mate), and matcha, a Japanese green tea.

While the bar’s main focus is its drink selection, it does offer some food to munch on. A cooler of Locopop popsicles serves as a homage to the former space’s owners.

Liquid State has also partnered with local bakery JPS Pastry for a full stock of gluten-free options.

Currently Liquid State is contracted with Whole Foods for their other pastries, desserts and cheese plates but are in talks with other local vendors to bring more selection. Sy envisions a modest selection of quiches or individual savory pies, warmed up per order.

Note: Liquid State holds its grand opening Saturday, Nov. 21. There will be free drip coffee, food samples and tea tastings. Free wine and beer tastings will be 1-3 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

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