Nestled in its own little corner on Austin Street is the city's newest bar concept — Maeve, which is celebrating its soft opening on October 27.
Derived from the Irish word for an intoxicating woman, Maeve draws guests in straight upon arrival, with a bold ironwork sign bearing the bar's name, illuminated by a backlight that makes it simply impossible to miss.
Tied in with similar iron-like elements in the bar's interior space, the Maeve sign (in addition to multiple other pieces) was actually crafted by Maeve's ops manager and cocktail mastermind, Zach Barnhill. He even welded the door handles in the bathrooms.
Barnhill tells CultureMap that Maeve has been in the works from owner Clint Belew for a year and three months, with Barnhill lending his skills as a bartender, DJ, and iron artist.
There is an interesting visual contrast between the bar's cozily lit interior and bright and spacious exterior. However, the two are tied together by a second iron Maeve sign that adorns the wall outside right behind the elevated stage, where DJs can play their house sets. For non-house fans, there will performances in other genres that Barnhill says will keep guests coming back for more.
In addition to the strong house music scene at Maeve, Barnhill also spoke to the brightness of Maeve's signature cocktail menu. At the top of the list is a drink that serves as a fun homage to the bar's name. Aptly titled "The Intoxicating One," the cocktail is a blend of Lalo Tequila (a line created by the grandson of Don Julio), a saffron hibiscus cordial, cilantro, and mineral water.
Otherwise, try the gin-based "Under Pressure," complete with a passionfruit puree (ideal for guests who prefer a sweeter beverage), a guajillo glaze, lime, sparkling wine, and a bay leaf. According to Barnhill, Maeve will be offering happy hours specials starting in November.
So far, Maeve's photography mostly focuses on the drinks — so you'll have to visit in person to get the full effect.Maeve/Instagram
Another cohesive element tying in Maeve's interior and exterior design is lush greenery; it subtly complements the ironwork inside, with more grass outside, adding an intimate feel to the outdoor seating area. There, guests can enjoy their cocktails and bites from the onsite food truck Sushi-N-Gon, and even catch the latest Spurs game. There's even a beautiful hand painted mural on another wall outside that bears the words, "Mas Amor, Por Favor" (More Love, Please).
Sticking to that theme of love, Barnhill and Belew emphasized that they want Maeve to feel like home for guests coming in for the first, second, or third time.
"We want people to feel warm and welcome here," Barnhill says.
Maeve's soft opening on October 27 takes place from 7 pm to 2 am. The next day, October 28, the bar is hosting a Halloween party featuring New York City DJ/Producer Cristian Arango. Tickets ($15) are available via Eventbrite. The bar is located at 818 Austin St., and so far it communicates with the public via Instagram.
