GIB’S SHAKES UP THE COCKTAIL SCENE

REVAMPING THE LOCAL happy hour scene with a bit of flare—and a whole lot of class—the bar’s smooth infusions are easy to swallow. The sister bar to Grampa’s Pizzeria next door enhances the Willy Street foodie scene. Sipping seasonal-inspired cocktails such as the Pimm’s Cup, a potent blend of rhubarb liqueur, ginger beer and cucumber tonic est naturel in front of the whitewashed bar surrounded by mod French decor. The Queen Anne style and Victorian-era home was completely overhauled by proprietors Gilbert Altschul and Marissa Johnson. Originally envisioning the lounge as a “waiting” area for their patrons at Grampa’s on busy evenings, the renovations soon morphed into plush drapes, soothing gray panels and an exquisite attention to detail that is carried through to the intimate bar on the second level.

Open each evening at 6 p.m., the upstairs bar features an upgrade of the ground floor mixology. Grab a corner nook with your entourage and settle in for a Tea Party—a flirty fusion of white tea, gin, Slivovitz and champagne. Or if flying seule for the evening, opt for the Unanimous Decision, a classy melange of fresh strawberries, cognac and Szechuan sauce rimmed with frozen mint pre-crushed with liquid nitrogen. Intrigued? Stop in after work to nibble on the curry-flavored Spicy Vadouvan Popcorn, get your drink on and donate to a good cause: Half the proceeds from each day’s Community Cocktail sales are donated to a local charity selected by patrons’ votes tallied at month’s end. A socially responsible concept worthy of another round? Don’t mind if we do. Madison. gibs.bar