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The Belmont Tavern opens today
For many of us, summer officially begins tonight with the first Jazz in the Park concert of 2011 at Cathedral Square. It also marks the opening of the new Belmont Tavern a half block away at 784 N. Jefferson St.
With an art deco look designed by Scott Genke, the Belmont is Mike Vitucci's newest venture, and he located it in a 2,000-square foot space that was formerly occupied by a women's apparel shop. Vitucci also owns Whiskey Bar in the neighborhood, and Caffrey's Pub and Murphy's Irish Pub near the Marquette University campus.
The new tavern's name is an homage to the old art deco Belmont Hotel, which was razed in 1997 to make room for the Frontier Airlines Center. The bar features brown and tan earth tones.
Etched back-lit mirrors with walnut wall panels rotate through a palette of 40 colors. The entire glass storefront opens to the Jefferson Street sidewalk on summery days, and patio seating is available.
Button-holed at a pre-opening party Wednesday night, Vitucci said the Belmont is meant for the 30 and older demographic. "We want people to stop here after work before the long drive home," he explained. After the sun sets, the bar's dramatic interior lighting takes full effect.
Fresh fruit-infused cocktails will be the specialty, and they will also be offered in non-alcoholic versions. Mocktails.
The newly opened Indian and Thai restaurant Zaafaran will soon provide small plate and finger food to Belmont customers. "We share a common area outside of our back doors," Vitucci said.
Piano man Joe Hite performs on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
The Belmont Tavern's website is under construction, but the bar can be found on Facebook.
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54301 | June 8, 2011 at 11:06 a.m. (report)
Nice enough place, but the music was way too loud, the Bartender was more concerned with checking out the ladies arriving and the wait staff are beautiful but not friendly. A short pour of wine for $9 plus dollars is NUTZ, btw, Good luck to them
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tufluv | June 3, 2011 at 2:50 a.m. (report)
Stopped by on their opening night, after JAZZ in the Park, and the place was jam packed with a lot of good looking people;) The decor is modern, sleek, and a nice "alternative" to Taylor's, which is just across the street!! The only thing that was bothersome... was that the music was WAYYYYY too darn LOUD!! This lounge is set up for "CONVERSATION", and the sound level should be kept at a low, to moderate, level.....pleeeesssseee:)
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