A new martini bar and events venue is slated to open in September in the former Chez Jacques space at 1301 S. 1st St., in Walker's Point.

Martini will be operated by managing partner Clai Green, managing owner of The Point and Sangria Bar, in collaboration with building owner Jacques Chaumet.

The menu at Martini will feature more than 60 different types of martinis, including usual suspects like the Godiva chocolate martini and Pretty in Pink, along with numerous fun offerings like a gummy bear and sugar cane martini, notes Green.

In addition to an ever-evolving drink menu, Green says there will be a variety of specials. For instance, each month a featured "Swimming Pool" (bottomless) martini will be available at a featured price. Meanwhile, Sundays and Tuesdays will be half-price martini night.

Chef's Palate

Martini will not have a food menu. However, it will open its doors once a month on a Wednesday, to feature Chef’s Palate, a pop-up series showcasing the work of local chefs, who can host as many as two seatings.

"We’re happy to host chefs from the neighborhood, new chefs who are looking at opening a restaurant, or folks who just want to do something different and explore new territory," notes Green, who says each chef will be entitled to the profits from each dinner, with a percentage donated to a charity of the chef’s choice.

The space, which accommodates up to 150 for a sit-down meal and nearly 200 total, will also be available to be rented for events, including parties, weddings and corporate events.

In fact, bookings are already being taken for the space. Call (414) 364-3761 for additional details.

Atmosphere

As for the look and feel, Green says changes to the space will be mostly cosmetic. The goal, he says, is to create a more upscale modern look and feel. Currently, the exterior of the building is being repainted in a modern ice blue, which will be augmented with signage and new lighting.

The interior of the space will feature a similar color palate, donning cool blues and greys on the walls, charcoal grey epoxy floors and black velvet curtains to separate various rooms. Chandeliers will hang above a sleek black bar in the front of the venue.

Meanwhile, the front dining room to the left of the bar will be transformed into a lounge, painted in grey tones with contemporary wallpaper on the eastern wall. Velvet couches will provide casual seating for customers.

"We’ll also be utilizing all the outdoor spaces, including additional patios on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant as well as in the double alleyway," says Green, who adds that a secluded back patio will be updated to include a water feature, as well as a separate martini bar with a more limited menu.

Once open, Martini will serve customers seven days a week.