During the break, though, owners Nora O'Malley and Phoebe Connell decided to pursue other opportunities.
"It is not, however, the typical COVID closure story," O'Malley told me via email. "The good news is that our dear friend Austin Power — yes, for real — will be taking over the space."
With an official June 1 opening date, Power will debut Accidental Bar, dedicated to sake.
Per a media release on the new space:
Similar to Lois, Accidental Bar will offer a revolving beverage list of sake, along with a curated selection of wines and beers on tap. Power will offer limited release seasonal sake sourced directly from Japan along with exclusive experimental sake brewed by the renowned Brooklyn Kura, some of which will be on tap. Power will also offer a seasonal menu of small plates inspired by his home and his husband's home — South Carolina and Kyoto, respectively — to complement the experience.
Ali Sahin, the owner of C&B on Seventh Street, introduced Power to the Lois owners several years ago.
"[A]nd so began my love of visiting Austin, first at Sake Bar Satsko just down the block and later at Tokyo Record Bar, learning about what I liked in sake and hearing the new things he was excited about that week," Connell said.
Accidental Bar will be open six days a week: Monday and Wednesday-Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m., with a 10 p.m. close on Sundays.
Image via @accidentalbarnyc
