Neighborhood bar Bottle Rocket is moving from its location in Castleberry Hill to 231 Mitchell St SW in South Downtown this fall.
Since 2011, the bar, known for its sushi, Japanese-American fusion and cocktails, has become a popular staple of the community. Co-owner Josh Calvin told What Now Atlanta that the move has been a long time coming as they realized that they quickly outgrew their 1,000-square-foot, 35-seat restaurant space.
“It was blatantly obvious we needed a larger spot,” Calvin said. “We always had it in the back of our head that we would have to expand sometime.”
Events like the COVID-19 pandemic unfolding in the past several years impeded their plans. However, when South Downtown announced that they were looking for a neighborhood bar, Bottle Rocket was the ideal brand for the space.
“We looked at a lot of different places and for one reason or another, none of them worked out,” Calvin said. “I’m just really glad they didn’t because South Downtown is really the perfect fit for us.”
The new space is 1,300 square feet. However, Calvin shares that the largest difference is that they get to design the layout themselves to make it fit their needs. With the additional space, the kitchen will double in size, and there will be a larger bar. Seating capacity will jump from 35 to 65. Other perks include additional storage spaces for the Bottle Rocket team to use.
“All the cosmic wheels aligned,” Calvin said. “The space is perfect for us and it gives us more room to do everything we need to do.”
The additional kitchen space will allow them to roll out an expanded menu, which is still in development. Calvin said that customers can expect a “pesca-tavern” menu with healthy dishes angled toward seafood, ranging from fresh salads to fish ’n chips.
Calvin and the team are looking forward to maintaining the spirit of Bottle Rocket, while also having the capability to handle large events and offering a better experience for their game day crowds.
“This move will create more space to do what we already love,” co-owner and general manager Bonny McKinnon said in a release. “Our vibe, our people, and our commitment to great food and drink remain the same. We’re just bringing that energy to a new part of downtown, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome everyone in.”
Calvin said they just started buildout on the new space and are aiming for an October opening. In the meantime, Bottle Rocket will remain open at its original location.
For Calvin, the move also marks their contribution to the revitalization of the historic downtown area. Bottle Rocket is the latest in a group of concepts — including Tyde Tate Kitchen, Spiller Park Coffee, Delilah’s Everyday Soul, Crates, El Tesoro and Broad Street BBQ — planning to be part of the revival of the neighborhood.
“I feel like this is finally it. It’s finally here. And downtown is finally going to get to where it’s been trying to get to for the past decade or so because everyone is full-steam ahead, which is great,” Calvin said. “I’m from Atlanta, and I’m really looking forward to being part of this resurgence and helping drive it.”
