Downtown Cuban Concept is Presented by Alfonso Hernandez, Paul Hargrove and Gaslight Square Management
The long-awaited Pleasant Storage Room will open its doors to the public on Tuesday, April 22nd. Garnering its name from the first cocktail bar in Old Havana, Pleasant Storage Room brings the eclectic and elegant energy of pre-revolution Cuba to downtown Austin. Tucked into 4th Street, the exposed brick, marble counter top and brass fixtures are juxtaposed with graffiti and old-world tile to give Austinites a taste of the culture of the Caribbean. Over-proof punches, rum cocktails and a unique ceviche bar highlight the lively flavors of the islands.
The heartbeat of the room is the long marble bar, with brass adornments. The bar design and décor focuses on the opulence of the prohibition-style cocktail of rum. Head bartender Alfonso Hernandez, formerly of Eastside Showroom, heads up the cocktail program and his attention to detail and eloquent flavor profiles take center stage at Pleasant Storage Room.
“We wanted a bar-first concept that focused on the resurgence of rum in craft cocktails,” says head barman Alfonso Hernandez. “Austin is ready for a dynamic cocktail bar where they can feel comfortable talking with the bartender and exploring rum as a basis for their drink.” Specialty craft cocktails are featured prominently alongside over-proof rum punches, paying tribute to prohibition-style drinks. “The rum punches will have a depth of flavor and complexity that provides balance to a conveniently sweet drink.”
To eat, the food pays homage to the most exciting food you can have no matter where you travel…street food. Jerk chicken, conch fritters and Cuban sandwiches have a home on the menu that has been carefully curated by Chef Paul Hargrove to complement the rum-focused bar program. Pleasant Storage Room also features a ceviche bar, perfect for pairing with island-style cocktails.
“The cocktail-first focus of the space entices patrons to sip and stay awhile,” says Jason Schnurr, partner and Director of Business Operations at Pleasant Storage Room. A lifetime Austinite, Schnurr grew up in the hospitality business. His family’s restaurant portfolio includes Cedar Street Courtyard and Malaga Tapas & Bar. Jason has gained a valuable perspective on such a unique and fast growing city. “We wanted to combine the quality drinks and ambiance of a craft cocktail bar with high quality service and food that just doesn’t exist anywhere else in this city,” says Schnurr. “At Pleasant Storage Room, we have done just that by building our team with the best in the city.”
In conjunction with their opening, Pleasant Storage Room is officially declaring 2014 the “Summer of Rum.” Follow Pleasant Storage Room each Friday starting May 16th through August 15th for the release retro style videos showcasing Hernandez making the long lost cocktails of the tropics. In celebration of the “Summer of Rum,” Pleasant Storage Room will offer happy hour specials Tuesday through Friday from 5:00-7:00pm that include the holy trinity of rum: Cuba libre, mojitos, and daiquiris for just $6, planters punch for $5 and $5 jerk chicken and ceviche. More details will be announced about an epic National Rum Day party scheduled for Saturday, August 15th.
About Pleasant Storage Room:
Garnering its name from the first cocktail bar in Havana, Cuba, Pleasant Storage Room brings the eclectic and elegant energy of pre-revolution Havana to downtown Austin. Tucked into 4th Street, the exposed brick, marble counter top and brass fixtures are juxtaposed with graffiti and old-world tile to give Austinites a taste of the culture of Cuba. Over-proof punches, rum-inspired cocktails and a ceviche bar highlight the lively flavors of the island. Open 11am to 2am Tuesday-Sunday, located at 208 W 4th Street. For more information call 512-332-9921 or visit www.pleasantrumbar.com for more information. Follow Pleasant Storage Room on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, or by using the hashtag #SummerofRum.
