Photograph by Andrew Thomas Lee
Michael Lennox and his Electrical Hospitality group know what it takes to make a Beltline bar a hit Ladybird Grove & Mess has been drawing crowds because it opened a decade in the past, and extra lately, followers have flocked to the upstairs liquor ranger station, lured by its potent cocktails and intelligent theme. On Could 17, Lennox, who additionally owns Mexican espresso spot Muchacho, will launch a brand new bar—anchoring the West Finish’s Lee + White meals corridor.
Operating proper behind the Beltline, Lennox knew the idea needed to enchantment to daytime crowds in addition to evenings. Referred to as Strangers in Paradise, it transports visitors to the late Eighties and early Nineteen Nineties, presumably to a resort bar someplace in South Florida. The result’s a tongue-in-cheek expertise that leans towards tiki, whereas winking at standard references to the Beltline as Atlanta’s waterfront.
“Mothership in San Diego gives an intergalactic tackle a tiki bar. Boat Drinks in St. Augustine places a playful spin on—what else?—boat drinks,” Lennox stated. Making an attempt to outlive life. These are juice-forward, colourful drinks.”
Photograph by Andrew Thomas Lee
The 1,200-square-foot area has two smaller areas, comparable to the lounge and a bar that seats 24. Pink leather-based couches give approach to lounges with plantation shutters that separate Strangers in Paradise from the remainder of the eating corridor. Lots of of old-school postcards function wallpaper behind the bar, surrounding a neon-lit alligator signal. Want one other reminder that you’ve got left the Peach State? Flamingo motifs abound, together with a ceramic mug serving the “Pink Flamingo” cocktail (Prosecco, Aperol, watermelon nectar and lemon). Crops encompass the area, and a storage door opens onto a lined patio with beltline ramps. Adorned with decor, a lot of it hand-picked by Lennox, there are memento cups on the partitions. Anticipate 30 hours of curated 80s, basic rock, pop, new wave and occasional reggae and an upbeat but nostalgic soundtrack that includes Harry Belafonte. Previous Florida certainly.
“We do not take ourselves too critically. It ought to be a relaxed, celebratory, enjoyable hangout,” Lennox stated
Photograph by Andrew Thomas Lee
There shall be 5 frozen drinks and 12 specialty cocktails, together with the “Cabana Sundown” (gin, tarragon, strawberry, lemon and amari) and the “Hawaiian Shirt Night time” (bourbon, tiki bitters, espresso liqueur and banana). The “Shark Chunk,” made with blanco tequila, prickly pear, lemon and Don’s Spice, is available in a shark-shaped cup with a straw protruding of its open mouth. Shooters embody “Man within the Purple Speedo” (vodka, lemon and cranberry with a sugary rim) and “Misplaced Baggage” (espresso liqueur, Baileys and whipped cream). “We’re taking the daylights out of all of the cocktails to present them a whole lot of shade and character—to decorate them up,” says Lennox.
Photograph by Andrew Thomas Lee
Photograph by Andrew Thomas Lee
Shortly after launch, Strangers in Paradise will start providing a “Cheeseburger in Paradise” cocktail served in a fishbowl designed to appear to be a cheeseburger, full with lettuce, tomato and a sesame seed bun! A nostalgic tribute to Jimmy Buffett, it is going to include nice fanfare, with cashews, sun shades, lace, flashing lights and a snippet of a Jimmy Buffett tune enjoying all through the bar. “We will take a Polaroid for posterity and normally flip it right into a memorable sight,” says Lennox.
Whereas the main target is cocktails, choose beer and wine choices shall be accessible, together with limited-release brews on faucet from neighbors Wild Heaven and Monday Night time Brewing, plus Purple Stripe and Modelo. Since Strangers in Paradise is in a meals corridor, no meals shall be offered on the bar.
Courtesy of Michael Lennox
Courtesy of Michael Lennox
Try the menu under.
commercial