Bar Mezzo, a new elevated cocktail bar concept from the owner of Intermezzo, to debut in the EDGE District
Bar Mezzo, a new upscale cocktail bar, will debut in the former independent bar space in downtown st. pete | bar mezzo
The owner behind Intermezzo Coffee and Cocktails is bringing a new sister concept to the bustling EDGE District in downtown St. Pete this summer.
Owner Jarrett Sabatini is opening a new intimate cocktail bar named Bar Mezzo at 1049 Central Avenue, formerly home to Independent Bar and just steps away from Intermezzo.
"Intermezzo will still be that low-key neighborhood bar with drinks you might find in Rome - Spritz, Americano, Negroni - simple cocktails done very well,” Sabatini said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. “Whereas, Bar Mezzo will be a sophisticated cocktail experience.”
"We want this location to be a go-to nightlife cocktail bar with live music and DJs playing on the weekends," added Sabatini.
Interior renovation for bar mezzo at the former independent bar space is nearly complete | st. pete rising
Sabatini has built a “kitchen” in the new space equipped only for cocktail prep and house-made ingredients, infusions, clarifications, etc.
“We will take the same approach a chef does a menu but for cocktails,” said Sabatini.
The building that houses Intermezzo was once slated to be demolished to make way for a new hotel. Anticipating the new development, Sabatini secured a lease over a year ago at 1049 Central Avenue with plans to move Intermezzo into the new space.
However plans for the hotel have stalled and Intermezzo is now staying put at 1111 Central Avenue.
With the new lease in hand, Sabatini pivoted to developing a new concept, Bar Mezzo, which is expected to debut this early fall.
The Independent Bar space was fully gutted and is being masterfully renovated in order to house Bar Mezzo. Contractors have installed a new long bar with a custom marble bartop and walnut paneling.
Jarrett Sabatini, owner of Intermezzo and the upcoming Bar Mezzo, both located in the EDGE District | Intermezzo
"The extended bar will allow us to double down on our cocktail program and handle higher volume," Sabatini said.
The same marble used for the bar top was also cut to create matching freestanding tables fixed on vintage metal bases.
Blue leather booth seats also stretch across the opposite ends of the space and brass sconces hang from the walls.
Sabatini has emphasized moodier lighting and a darker atmosphere compared to Intermezzo.
The drink list will be extensive and seasonal, with a focus on technique-driven drinks, using milk clarification and force-carbonated drinks on tap, combined with properly made classics.
There will also be at least three cocktails on draft and classic shaken cocktails.
House cocktail prices will hover around $15.
Sabatini plans to hire a full-time prep person to make the in-house syrups and liquors.
Clarified Painkiller made with Bacardi Ocho, Avua Amburana Cachaça, Lemon, Orange, Heirloom Pineapple Amaro, Noix de Coco syrup. Clarified with local whole milk for mouthfeel and clarity | Intermezzo
“Mostly everything will made in-house with fresh produce and seasonal ingredients as we currently do at Intermezzo," Sabatini said.
"I've been in the industry for ten years. I travel extensively and try to go to the best bars and apply their modern techniques to what I’m doing here in St. Pete."
He recently returned from New Orleans after attending the Tales of the Cocktail convention, hailed as one of the biggest annual cocktail conventions with renowned bartenders and distillers revealing their latest skills and art.
Sabatini will oversee the beverage program alongside bar manager Michael Hernandez, who currently heads the same program at Intermezzo, which will soon have an expanded wine offering.
Bar Mezzo will have outside seating in front of the building and in the vacant lot west of the building, which Sabatini holds a separate lease for.
Intermezzo will still be that low-key neighborhood bar with drinks you might find in Rome — simple cocktails done very well | Intermezzo
He plans to add pavers and landscaping to the corner lot, creating a private garden-style seating area similar to that of the Trophy Fish or Baba restaurants.
Sabatini may eventually add a door connecting the two spaces and build an additional outdoor bar.
"Intermezzo was always evolving. We are very much believers in starting with minimal space and programming and continuously adding to it," Sabatini said.
With interior construction wrapping up, Bar Mezzo will open later this summer, operating from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. during the week and noon until 2 a.m. on the weekends.
The new bar is expected to open in time to host Miracle at Mezzo, a Christmas-themed pop-up bar event traditionally held at Intermezzo.
Intermezzo will operate at 1111 Central Avenue for the foreseeable future.
Follow Bar Mezzo on Instagram for the grand opening announcement and other updates.