Austin Way Magazine - GreenGale Publishing - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/666142
122 AUSTINWAY.com photography by Knoxy Knox (rooftop, cocKtails); robert J. lerma (glass shaft) clockwise from top left: The rooftop brings the inside out; Backbeat's cocktail program is first-class; a glass shaft adds unexpected (but appreciated) natural light to the space. the MINDS BehIND DrINk.Well BrINg craft cocktaIlS to Sola WIth bac beat. BY TOM THORNTON ToasT of the town The innovative cocktail program at Michael and Jessica Sanders's Drink.well is a beacon for imbibers in North Loop, making for a vibrant yet crowded neighborhood bar (there's seating for just 37). With the March opening of their new South Lamar bar Backbeat, the Sanderses have much more room--2,000 square feet of space split between a larger ground floor and a rooftop patio with down- town views. "It allows for more depth in our spirit and craft beer selections, and it lets us do a broader range of cocktails and a small wine program," Michael Sanders says. "But given our history with Drink.well, we still want guests to feel con- nected and close to the bar." The couple turned to prominent designer Jamie Chioco (Counter 3.Five. VII, Perla's), who added unexpected elements by incorporating natural light and color. Says Jessica Sanders, "People are used to moody, dimly lit cocktail lounges. This room has beautiful natural light, even at night, and a glass monitor [an enclosed glass shaft] that connects the patio to the ground floor. It creates a really striking skylight." Concrete tile, wool upholstery, and modern fabric selections provide color and what Jessica terms "uptempo energy." Chioco set out to create an almost residential feel, a place that invites lounging and conversation. Says the designer, "I wanted the space to look as good in the day as it did in the evening." 1300 S. Lamar Blvd., 512-382-9017; backbeat-atx.com . SPACE NIGhTLIFE