The Madison Alcohol License Review Committee will meet Wednesday, August 21, at 5:30 p.m. As detailed in its agenda (PDF), here are some of the new establishments seeking licenses and other key orders of business.
Star Bar, headed for the new apartment complex the Constellation, at 754 E. Washington Ave., is a new venture from Peter Gentry, owner and brewmaster at One Barrel Brewing. Star Bar is described as a "full service craft beer and cocktail bar" also serving "wine and a limited food menu." These are later described as appetizers and pizza featuring local ingredients. The space is "1,274 square feet in the middle of the ground floor" with "300 feet of patio in the front of the location." Hawk Sullivan, owner of Hawk's Bar on State Street and the Jade Monkey off Atwood, is collaborating to develop the look and atmosphere of the establishment.
Star Bar will serve at least two tap lines dedicated to One Barrel beers, along with other rotating taps featuring other Madison breweries, including Karben4. The target audience is described as "high end beer and cocktail connoisseurs" many of whom could be drawn from residents of the Constellation. Anticipated opening date is listed as Dec. 15, 2013.
Minerva Indian Cuisine is a south Indian restaurant headed for 515 Junction Rd. No separate bar area is planned. Anticipated opening date is listed as Sept. 1, 2013.
Red Rock Saloon is moving into the old Logan's Madtown spot at 322 W. Johnson St. The president, vice-president, and secretary behind the Saloon are from Milwaukee, where they operate another establishment sharing the same name as well as McGillicuddy's Bar & Grill and the Library Club. In documents filed with the city, the saloon is described as a "country-themed restaurant and bar with a mechanical bull, live music and award-winning barbecue." The large space -- 9,000 square feet -- will feature two interior bars.
Interestingly, the documents describe the Saloon's potential target market as "Capitol Square lunch business" as well as "strong dinner business" and patrons "21-65 years of age" for live music events. Live entertainment aside from the live bands and the mechanical bull will also include karaoke. The menu is described as barbecue, burgers and wings. The anticipated opening date is listed as November 2013.
The remodeled Shamrock Bar and Grill will be reapplying for a license under its new ownership at its longstanding locations at 117 W. Main St. Anticipated opening is listed as Sept. 5, 2013.
Taqueria El Jalapeño has stepped into the space once occupied by Taqueria Guanajuato and Taqueria Guanajuatence at 1318 S. Midvale Blvd. A Mexican menu will be served; alcohol may focus on beer and margaritas. Anticipated opening date is listed as Sept. 15, 2013.
An application for Artful Escapes, a studio offering painting classes along with beer or wine, was withdrawn by the applicants.
