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View Full Version : The Usual - Fort Worth - Near Southside - Prohibition-era cocktails, modern design



Fort Worthology
08 October 2009, 01:03 PM
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3460/3992408297_2a142f5b9d.jpg (http://fortworthology.com/2009/10/08/the-usual-a-look-inside/)

The Usual is a new place opening on Magnolia Avenue in Fort Worth's Near Southside urban district (just south of Downtown), which has become the hotbed of Fort Worth's indie urban movement. The brainchild of Brad Hensarling (owner of The Chat Room bar a few blocks to the east), The Usual takes an interesting focus: it's Prohibition-era cocktails in a smoke-free environment.

In the works for two years, The Usual is finally about to open. The photos on Fort Worthology were taken just before the staining of the concrete floors. All of the furniture was not in place, nor was the patio complete.

The design of The Usual comes from the mind of designer Kara Keith, and the project was built by contractor Bill Smith. It has an awesome modern style with a mid-century feel, of the sort that's never really been seen in Fort Worth before. It reminds me of places I saw in Portland, especially the Doug Fir Lounge.

The Usual will have a cocktail menu of around 28 drinks at launch, expanding to over 100 as things progress.

Click the photos to go through to Fort Worthology to view more/larger.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3489/3993161308_cc79e5164f.jpg (http://fortworthology.com/2009/10/08/the-usual-a-look-inside/)

http://fortworthology.com/2009/10/08/the-usual-a-look-inside/

tamtagon
08 October 2009, 01:37 PM
it's Prohibition-era cocktails in a smoke-free environment.

http://fortworthology.com/2009/10/08/the-usual-a-look-inside/

The bar sounds great, and the pictures make it look like it'll be a great hangout. It's a funny reflection of our changing society, too ... a public bar keyed to previously illegal spaces, specializing in previously illegal beverages - all in an environment that prohibits smoking. Hahaha I like it a lot.

Fort Worthology
08 October 2009, 01:48 PM
The bar sounds great, and the pictures make it look like it'll be a great hangout. It's a funny reflection of our changing society, too ... a public bar keyed to previously illegal spaces, specializing in previously illegal beverages - all in an environment that prohibits smoking. Hahaha I like it a lot.

I like that aspect of it, too, and I don't think the irony is lost on the owners. It's also funny given that the Chat Room, Brad's bar just down the street, is always smoke-filled.

Fort Worthology
24 November 2009, 12:56 PM
Opening night finally arrived last night! The finished product is gorgeous:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2543/4130405734_185512c59f_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2456/4130405656_76ebdc1212_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/4129639801_dc7b0c2778_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2731/4129640207_eab16094a4_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2533/4130405474_a3a51b26cb_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2767/4129640655_6f9d905e02_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/4130406290_f98cb925b6_o.jpg

At long last, Brad finally got to make the first drink:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2739/4129640991_eee12b60de_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2775/4129641263_3624c2cc6c_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2554/4129641319_9eb0da5278_o.jpg

Big congrats to Brad & the gang for a successful launch. It turned out awesome!

Also a big congrats to designer/bartender Kara Keith, who has finally given Fort Worth a wicked sleek piece of modern design.

For more:

http://fortworthology.com/2009/11/24/the-usual-scenes-from-opening-night/

noelamador
24 November 2009, 01:15 PM
wow! that is a super sweet design.

vman
24 November 2009, 01:17 PM
Gorgeous space!! A must stop (if I'm ever in FW at night). It looks a little on the "cold" side when it isn't crowded, but I"m sure if the place is full, it's quite cool. Love all the wood.

tamtagon
24 November 2009, 01:23 PM
Is there a dance floor?