The Society Lounge Maryland: 5 Shocking Facts About Silver Spring's Resilient Nightlife Hotspot
The Society Restaurant & Lounge in Silver Spring, Maryland, is more than just a destination for Caribbean-infused New American cuisine and a dynamic late-night scene. As of December 24, 2025, the venue continues to operate as a central pillar of the Downtown Silver Spring community, but its history is marked by a dramatic, high-profile legal battle that few patrons realize shaped its very existence. This is the ultimate guide to the upscale lounge, detailing its vibrant menu, lively atmosphere, and the sensational story of its founding and subsequent auction.
Located prominently on Georgia Avenue, The Society Lounge has cemented its reputation as the place where an intimate dinner effortlessly transitions into an exciting nightlife event. The establishment's resilience and continued success, even after a major ownership scandal, speak volumes about its powerful brand and appeal to the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area (DMV) crowd.
Fact 1: The Dramatic Rise and Fall of Founder Jason Miskiri
The story of The Society Restaurant & Lounge is inextricably linked to its founder, Jason Miskiri, whose life journey includes professional sports, entrepreneurship, and a stunning fall from grace. This history provides the "fresh" and "unique" angle that defines the venue's narrative.
Biography of Jason Miskiri
- Full Name: Jason Miskiri
- Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland
- High School: Montgomery Blair High School (Standout Basketball Player)
- College: George Mason University (Star Basketball Player)
- Professional Career: Briefly played in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
- Entrepreneurial Ventures: Founded Island Flavors Restaurant in Laurel, MD (2007), The Society Restaurant & Lounge in Silver Spring, MD, and Olivia's View (a connected rooftop lounge).
- Legal Conviction: Convicted of drug trafficking.
- Sentence: Sentenced to two years in federal prison.
- Forfeiture: Ordered by Judge Titus to forfeit all interest in The Society Lounge.
Miskiri, a local hero and former NBA player, leveraged his community ties to launch The Society Lounge, which quickly became a popular upscale establishment in Downtown Silver Spring.
However, federal authorities revealed that Miskiri was also the largest customer of a major drug trafficking organization (DTO), which allegedly supplied him with the capital to open his businesses.
Following his conviction and two-year prison sentence for drug trafficking, a federal judge ordered Miskiri to forfeit all of his interest in the lounge. This led to the property being auctioned off, marking a sensational end to the founder's ownership.
Fact 2: The Lounge Was Sold at Auction for $500,000
The legal forfeiture of the property meant The Society Lounge was seized by the government and put up for auction. This dramatic turn of events ensured the business would continue, but under new management.
The Silver Spring establishment was successfully auctioned for $500,000.
While the name of the new bidder was not immediately disclosed, the lounge has continued to operate, maintaining its status as a premier entertainment venue in the Fenton Village neighborhood.
The continued operation under new, undisclosed ownership demonstrates the underlying value and strength of the "Society" brand and its prime location at 8229 Georgia Ave. The new management has clearly focused on maintaining the high-energy atmosphere and diverse culinary offerings that patrons expect.
Fact 3: A Menu Where Caribbean Delights Meet New American Cuisine
Beyond the high-profile drama, the core of The Society Restaurant & Lounge's appeal is its unique culinary fusion. The menu is a vibrant blend of Caribbean flavors and New American cuisine, offering something for every palate, whether you are there for an intimate dinner or a late-night bite.
The menu is designed to cater to the diverse tastes of the DMV area, offering both familiar comfort foods and exotic, flavorful dishes. This focus on quality food is what allows the venue to transition seamlessly from a restaurant environment to a lively lounge.
Must-Try Menu Entities and Signature Dishes
- Signature Wings: The famous Society Wings and the unique Gran Marnier Wings are perennial favorites for the nightlife crowd.
- Caribbean Fusion: Dishes like the savory Caribbean Rolls are a testament to the menu's commitment to authentic island flavors.
- Upscale Appetizers: The Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls, Calamari, and Society Shrimp are perfect for sharing at the bar.
- Dinner Classics: The menu also features staples such as Black Angus Sliders and various pasta and salad options, ensuring a full dining experience.
The commitment to this New American and Caribbean fusion ensures that the lounge is a destination not just for music and drinks, but for a memorable culinary experience in Montgomery County.
Fact 4: The Vibe is "Upscale Casual" with a Lively Atmosphere
The Society Lounge is a key part of the Silver Spring nightlife scene, known for its dynamic and energetic atmosphere. It successfully strikes a balance between being a respectable dinner spot and a high-energy dance venue.
The ambiance is often described as lively and celebratory, making it a popular location for private events, birthday parties, and corporate gatherings. The venue can host events for up to 50 guests, with pricing that reflects its upscale positioning.
The general dress code is typically "casual," which, in the context of a Downtown Silver Spring lounge, often translates to an "upscale casual chic" aesthetic—meaning patrons are encouraged to dress well, but without the strict requirements of a formal establishment.
Popular weekly events, such as the Society Sunday Funday Day Party, keep the venue buzzing and maintain its reputation as a go-to spot for weekend entertainment in the DMV.
Fact 5: The Lounge Is Part of a Larger Silver Spring Entertainment Complex
The Society Restaurant & Lounge is not an isolated venue; it was originally part of a larger entertainment vision in the heart of Silver Spring's business district.
The lounge is physically connected to Olivia's View, which was promoted as Silver Spring's first rooftop lounge. This combination allowed the complex to offer two distinct, yet complementary, experiences: a ground-floor restaurant and a premium rooftop bar.
This strategic location allows patrons to enjoy a full evening out without ever leaving the building, moving from dinner and drinks at the lounge to the elevated atmosphere of the rooftop. The complex is a major contributor to the vibrancy of the Downtown Silver Spring area, rivaling other major entertainment venues in the region.
Despite the changes in ownership, the physical and conceptual linkage between the restaurant and the rooftop space remains a massive draw, providing a multi-layered nightlife experience that is unique in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C.
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