B Bar at The Betsy hotel represents a fresh take on vintage glamour, something that is at once nostalgic, yet thoroughly modern. She’s the sultry pin-up — think Vargas Girl — the intoxicating femme fatale that you simply can’t resist.
As you step inside you’ll find dark red hues, shades of lavender and deep purple. The highly reflective black vinyl ceiling gives an illusion of being adrift as your eyes are drawn upward to the mirror image which is at once disorienting and entirely exhilarating. Hand cut Parisian crystal lamps add just the right complimentary golden glow and a sense of the ethereal to the deep underground lounge. Evoking the classic nightclub elegance of the 1920’s, bespoke attire for bartenders and wait staff evoke the classic elegance of the Prohibition era. Envisioned by internationally renowned designer, Callin Fortis, of Big Time Design Studios, “The B Bar is intentionally crafted with French mid century contemporary styling which rests delicately on top of true nightclub bones.”
The B Bar brings with it the historic art of the cocktail carried out with modern flair while maintaining the authentic tradition of a delicate swizzle. Specialty drinks require a brief shaking and careful straining of delicious hand-crafted cocktail menu. Hendricks Gin based Blue Velvet is infused with blueberries and raspberries and shaken extra cold with Luxardo Maraschino Original. Black Pearl combines Corner Creek Bourbon, fresh blackberries and elderflower liquor, while the signature Josephine pay homage to The Fabulous Ms. Baker, created with apricot liqueur and Thousand Flower runny honey. Whether a balance of sweet with the sour, light and refreshing, or kicking the flavor up a notch, they are all as inspired as the space itself, carefully crafted with precision down to an almost seemingly molecular level.
The sound envelopes you, yet allows for casual conversation and the intimate space invites spontaneous close encounters, a rare treat on Ocean Drive. B Bar’s audience remains a mix of sophisticated locals, New Yorkers and an eclectic international crowd making it the most sought after night spot in South Beach.
Fortis is a nightlife legend, an industry leader, a creative visionary with resources spanning hospitality design worldwide with a hand on the pulse of the industry as it was, as it is, and as it will be. Fortis brings an insider’s sensibility combined with concept development and award-winning execution to this project which is unlike his other behemoth nightclub designs.
Enter the exclusive B Bar through The Betsy Hotel located on Ocean Drive and make your way through a hidden staircase that brings you to the lower level of The Betsy hotel from Wednesday through Saturday evenings 9:00 pm to 3:00 am Visit www.bbarmiami.com
