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Backbeat will change the bar landscape of south Austin, where the cocktail options are currently small. The impending South Lamar bar comes from the well-regarded booze team behind Drink.Well on North Loop, Michael and Jessica Sanders. Here’s what we know about the bar right now:
1. Backbeat’s two stories include a ground floor cocktail lounge, and the 400 square foot rooftop patio offering views of downtown Austin. The Sanders explained that there will be three varying experiences, including the staircase, where guests are encouraged to lounge.
2. Backbeat’s first public Austin appearance was during La Dolce Vita in October with retro branding and quippy cocktails like Spritz and Giggles, Nutty by Nature, and Perfect Palmetto.
3. The musical name comes from the emphasis of the second and fourth beats, used often in jazz.
4. The space is designed by Jamie Chioco. His group, Chioco Design, worked on Counter 3.Five.VII, Perla’s, and Torchy’s Tacos in Mueller. Other bars in his portfolio are Star Bar and Brew Exchange. Steel, marble, and walnut are among the element details of the 1,900 square foot space.
5. For seating, there will be bar stools, banquettes, booths, and lounge-type chairs.
6. It is scheduled to open in March 2016, just in time to offer another venue for (or refuge from) SXSW.
7. Next-door neighbor on South Lamar are Ramen Tatsu-ya and Southside Flying Pizza.
8. The bar will also be available for private events, up to 100 people.
