Cocktail Bar Vesper is Expanding to Neighboring Storefront
The name’s Vesper. Spectre Vesper?
“With the addition of Spectre, we’re excited to introduce a new and elevated space that not only reflects our growth, but also enhances our guests’ experiences while staying true to the spirit of Vesper,”
Those who love their drinks and vibes smooth and well-blended are no strangers to Glenwood Park’s James Bond-inspired bar, Vesper. Since Damien McGee opened in 2020, Atlantans have been sipping on creative, complex takes on ‘60s-inspired cocktails — many of which are named after and channel the “spirits” of the best Bond girls — and snacking on seasonal small plates.
This October, diners can look forward to an expanded experience, as the 007-inspired digs gain just shy of another 1,000 square feet as the lounge takes over the vacant storefront next door. The new space will be called Spectre.
“With the addition of Spectre, we’re excited to introduce a new and elevated space that not only reflects our growth, but also enhances our guests’ experiences while staying true to the spirit of Vesper,” McGee says.
But don’t think of the expansion as a mere extension of Vesper — the new counterpart will have swankier, sultrier, and slightly more subversive energy, as befits the dastardly criminal enterprise it’s named after. Expect walnut-stained concrete floors overlaid with intricately patterned gold rugs, with opulent chandeliers and other custom lighting hanging overhead. Banquettes in the back will create those posh, intimate nooks Vesper is beloved for, and buttery-soft velvet seating in chartreuse will brighten up a palette dominated by darker hues like black plum and deep walnut.
Spectre will also serve Vesper’s full menu of nuanced martinis, mocktails, and bar bites — this will be the ideal place for the “It Girl” to dine. Get the tower of truffle tots under a mound of freshly grated cheese and order the best espresso martini in Atlanta before moving on to the rest of their (naturally) exceptional martini list. And don’t ignore the placard on the table featuring a new special menu of gin and tonic drinks that range from a Hugo spritz to a savory basil and spice.
Keep an eye out for new additions and off-menu drinks, too. The elote dip was just launched at Vesper and a seared tuna tataki appetizer is now available. Pair the latter with the yet unnamed cucumber and creamy wasabi-washed martini, which is currently in development but startlingly near perfection.
McGee plans to connect the two spaces, keeping the main entrance at Suite D at 924 Garrett Street (Vesper’s address), but flexibly, as the new space can be made private with a separate door. This makes it ideally suited for large parties, individual bookings, and special events. Once Spectre is open, diners will get to choose if they’d like to lounge at Vesper or the new digs. The question is, how could you ever choose?