Experimental Cocktail Bar Aims for Fall Debut in Capitol Park

This fall, Capitol Park is set to gain high-end, experimental cocktail bar in The Albert Building. The next project by growing bar and restaurant empire Detroit Optimist Society, The Bad Luck Bar, is slated to launch this fall partner Dave Kwiatkowski tells Eater.

The previously unnamed boutique cocktail lounge was first teased by chef Marc Djozlija back in April, but few new details have emerged since. Kwiatkowski, too, is sparing with specifics but reveals that the project is being spearheaded by managing partner and longtime Sugar House bartender Yani Frye. "It's really going to be a place where he can stretch his creative legs," Kwiatkowski says.

The owners have lofty goals for Bad Luck. Drawing comparisons to lauded London-based bars Artesian and Night Jar as well as Alinea-operated cocktail laboratory The Aviary in Chicago, Kwiatkowski describes the beverage program as "very high-end, very exclusive," as well as "experimental and experiential." He adds: "We'll still have the capacity to make any drink you could get at Sugar House, but it’s going to be a very progressive [cocktail bar]."

Although it was initially expected to debut this summer, Kwiatkowski says the "unique" space raised questions for the city and the group is only now getting started with its construction. Adding to the exclusivity, the 800-square-foot bar will seat between 27 and 32 patrons. Kwiatkowski is designing the space himself, which will feel "luxurious and very intimate" with a high attention to detail paid to everything from coasters to the physical menu. The Bad Luck Bar is estimated to debut ahead of the holiday season.

That isn’t the only project slated for Capitol Park. Both Go! Sy Thai and DaEdoardo Restaurant Group are opening eateries on the ground floor of The Albert and across the street Townhouse owner Jeremy Sasson is developing a large, modern steakhouse restaurant.

• The Peterboro Slated for Mid-March Debut, New Speakeasy Headed to Capitol Park [ED]

• Bad Luck Bar Instagram [Official]

• All Eater Tracking Coverage [ED]