It was announced today that the new bar taking over the It’s a Beautiful Pizza spot on SE Belmont will open this Friday, October 1. At points rumored to be called either Cognito or the Outhouse, the joint is now called Circa 33, a reference to both the 33 block on Belmont where it’s located as well as 1933, the year they scotched Prohibition. It sounds like it’s gonna be a somewhat upscale pub, as it’s brought to us from the folks responsible for North 45 and Paddy’s. Expect a tall back bar with a lot of different kinds of hooch.
Speaking of hooch and Prohibition, here’s a cryptic tidbit from the press release:
In the spirit of prohibition, there is a rumor that Circa 33 may actually house a speakeasy. Naturally details of this location will be kept somewhat secretive, allowing guests to stumble across it on their own and bask in the glory of being one of the chosen.
So, uh, just be smart about where you pee, I guess. Food’ll be “influenced American” which basically means hearty pub fare; cocktails will be classic and on the whiskey end of the spectrum; there’ll be 12 local beers on tap.
When the bar gods open a window, though, they close a door. Charlie’s (perhaps better known as Clinton Corner Cafe, at SE 21st and Clinton) is shutting its doors tonight. The cafe celebrates its final evening of business as it typically does a Tuesday, with a set from Pagan Jug Band. Facebook event page here.
What will go in the spot has not been formally announced yet, although it looks like an outpost of Vita Cafe applied for a liquor license in that spot back in July.
Clinton Corner is closing? Boo. While service there was always a bit spotty, I’m sorry to see it go.
I’ll second that “boo”.
Mixed feelings about It’s A Beautiful Pizza being gone. A couple years ago there wasn’t any decent place off Hawthorne for slices (I said “decent”, mind you). I was always put off by the bad music and cavernous feeling of the place, though. And the weird giant waterfall/divider — hope they got rid of that.
I only went to Clinton Corner twice. The first time I was riding my bike past it during Obama’s election night speech. I stopped outside to listen and a waitress gave me a beer in exchange for a cigarette.
The second time, they served me eggs Florentine with solid yolks and a mysterious gunpowder flavor and potatoes that were room temperature (and I suspect started their day in the freezer). I sent it back and asked for over easy eggs and toast; when they came out, one of the yolks was broken.
Good riddance. I hope the waitress who gave me a beer gets a job somewhere with halfway-decent food.
The other bar that opened up in the old It’s A Beautiful Pizza place is great. Delicious sandwiches, good soul music all the time. I’ve been there three times and already enjoyed it 300% more than IABP. Hall of Records, check it out.
Second Hall Of Records. Cool place, cool concept.
It’s a Beautiful Pizza was horrid in every way.
But of course, please do not frequent Vita Cafe, as it is owned by Karen Harding, and as anyone who’s ever worked for her could tell you, she should not be encouraged, or given any further money. Thank you.
I agree with the other posts about Hall of Records. Been there a handful of times and I’m so happy they are open. They have specials most nights and I’m totally in love with their house red. Way better use of the space than IABP.
I add to the masses when it comes to the Hall of Records. When I first heard about it, I was like, hmm, interesting concept. But they are doing their thing, and doing it well. You can become a fan of theirs on Facebook and get daily updates about who’s DJ’ing that night, etc. Very nice. Belmont is really turning around, what with IABP *and* the horrid Dixie Mattress Company both closing down for good.
Any news on the Bye and Bye opening a new spot in the Dixie Mattress space? I thought I saw a liquor application for them at some point on the Sunnyside neighborhood list-serv.