Detroit's beloved cocktail bar Castalia is set to close its doors at the end of the year, marking the end of an eight-year run. The news was recently announced on social media by the bar's ownership, who revealed that they've decided to go out on top rather than due to any emergency or crisis.
Castalia has long been a staple in Midtown Detroit's vibrant nightlife scene, operating from a cozy garden-level space since 2018. What set it apart, however, was its unique partnership with Sfumato, a perfumery that shared the building and provided fragrances for many of Castalia's expertly crafted cocktails.
The bar's co-founder, Kevin Peterson, recently spoke about the decision in an episode of Daily Detroit's podcast, stating that while they've had an incredible run, the constraints of their current setup are now holding them back. "Like the scents upon which our drinks are based, beauty arises from ephemerality," Peterson mused, suggesting that it's time for Castalia to evolve and make way for new experiences.
To celebrate its final days in operation, Castalia has created a special "Afterlife Menu" – a fitting nod to the bar's themes of mortality and transformation. The team is committed to serving up their best drinks until the end of the year, inviting patrons to come and bid farewell to this beloved institution.
The closure marks the end of an era for Detroit's cocktail scene, but Castalia's impact will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. As one patron put it, "A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory." By closing its doors with such elegance and poise, Castalia has truly left an indelible mark on the city's culinary landscape.
Castalia has long been a staple in Midtown Detroit's vibrant nightlife scene, operating from a cozy garden-level space since 2018. What set it apart, however, was its unique partnership with Sfumato, a perfumery that shared the building and provided fragrances for many of Castalia's expertly crafted cocktails.
The bar's co-founder, Kevin Peterson, recently spoke about the decision in an episode of Daily Detroit's podcast, stating that while they've had an incredible run, the constraints of their current setup are now holding them back. "Like the scents upon which our drinks are based, beauty arises from ephemerality," Peterson mused, suggesting that it's time for Castalia to evolve and make way for new experiences.
To celebrate its final days in operation, Castalia has created a special "Afterlife Menu" – a fitting nod to the bar's themes of mortality and transformation. The team is committed to serving up their best drinks until the end of the year, inviting patrons to come and bid farewell to this beloved institution.
The closure marks the end of an era for Detroit's cocktail scene, but Castalia's impact will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. As one patron put it, "A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory." By closing its doors with such elegance and poise, Castalia has truly left an indelible mark on the city's culinary landscape.