Bar Mercado Opens at Krog Street Market This Thursday

Bar Mercado, the forthcoming Krog Street Market restaurant from the Castellucci Hospitality Group, will open to the public this Thursday, September 14. Initially serving dinner only, Bar Mercado will add lunch service on Saturday, September 23, and brunch will be available Sunday, September 24.

Chef John Castellucci and sous chefs Jessica Dinwiddie and Raul Dominguez will lead the kitchen. They’ll turn out a tapas menu highlighting various regions in Spain, with dishes such as pulpo a la gallega (braised octopus), empanadas stuffed with pork cheek and golden raisin, and squid served with esplette, gremolata, and shellfish stock. A separate bar menu will feature meats, cheeses, and more smaller bites.

Colton Wright is in charge of the beverage program as bar manager and sommelier. The wine list will be 60 bottles deep and Spanish-centric. Cocktail and beer selections will lean toward Spain, as well.

Local firm Square Feet Studio designed the space, using bright colors and patterns to contrast exposed brick, steel, and concrete. The finished product is meant to be reminiscent of a Spanish market, specifically taking inspiration from Madrid’s Mercado de San Miguel, which opened in 1916. Bar Mercado’s dining room has seating for 100, and the covered patio seats an additional 40.

The restaurant takes over the former Cockentrice space, Suite V at Krog Street Market. The Cockentrice was one of the development’s original five “anchor restaurants,” but it closed in October 2016, and the Castelluccis quickly scooped up the location for their latest venture. The restaurant group behind The Iberian Pig, Cooks & Soldiers, Double Zero, and Sugo is also taking over the stall that once housed the Spotted Trotter butcher shop.

Once lunch and brunch services are live, regular hours at Bar Mercado will be Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Take a look at the opening dinner menu below.

Correction: John Castellucci’s official job title is “chef.” Bar Mercado has pushed the debut of lunch and brunch service back one week, to Saturday, September 23, and Sunday, September 24, respectively.

• The Cockentrice Is Closing at Krog Street Market [EATL]
• Double Zero, Cooks & Soldiers Owners Claim the Former Cockentrice Space [EATL]
• Recess Will Replace The Spotted Trotter at Krog Street Market [EATL]