By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published May 27, 2011 at 9:55 AM

Michael Vitucci's The Belmont Tavern, 784 N. Jefferson St., will debut on Thursday, June 2, at 4 p.m., to introduce itself to the crowd on hand for the season's first Jazz in the Park.

The new cocktail lounge is located in the former Melody's for Women boutique space and has 45-foot glass windows that open to eliminate the barrier between indoors and outdoors on warm days. OnMilwaukee.com first wrote about Belmont in February.  

Inside, the Belmont has a 1920s art deco-inspired design with an internally lit granite bar, etched backlit mirrors and patterned walnut panels. In the evenings, LED backlighting will illuminate the tavern, which is arrayed with a mix of high-tops and booths.

"Our goal is to create a sophisticated and well-crafted space for a heightened level of social gathering," says Vitucci, who also owns Whiskey Bar around the corner.

"In the afternoons the setting sun saturates the sidewalk seating and interior areas of the tavern. The clean and cutting edge design invokes an energetic after-work escape. The open air concept gives the after-work crowd a reason to miss the rush hour and linger in a warm sunny environment while sipping a custom cocktail or a non-alcoholic fresh fruit extracted beverage."

The Belmont menu comprises martinis and other cocktails and mocktails, too.

It will be open daily from 4 p.m. until bar time.