From the outside looking in, The Bearded Barber is as it appears—a fully functional old-fashioned barber shop and shoe shine stand.
It’s what lies behind the bookcase with the symbol of a blindfolded tiger along the brick wall that’s the real surprise.
Crystal chandeliers, brick walls and art deco wallpaper help create a 1920s-Prohibition Era vibe.
The bookcase disguises a secret door which grants special access to those with membership privileges into a wine cellar lined with members-only lockers. Once the cellar is cleared, guests are transported into a 1920s Prohibition-style speakeasy bar and lounge.
Co-owners Brian Antenbring and Keith Walashek, who also owns Amped Coffee Co., have been thoughtfully planning every last detail for over a year to create the ultimate speakeasy experience open to both members and non-members when it opens this spring.
Brick walls, stained-glass windows, copper ceilings, iron lighting, and a restored 18-seat hand-carved bar from London, frames the lounge space with Chesterfield chairs and an 1800s player piano that has been completely restored. A member’s only upper chamber includes an additional bar, space for private events and a member’s only patio.
On a tour of the new space while under construction, Valley Vibe asked Antenbring how it all came to be.
“There’s sort of a cult following and a secrecy and mystery to them all,” he said, adding “It’s a hobby of mine and I can’t wait for this place to open.”
As part of the full speakeasy experience, the bar will be stocked with unique liquors including bourbons and cognacs—along with an exceptionally rated Louis XIII Cognac displayed in a Baccarat crystal bottle for those special occasions.
Wine lovers can expect unique selections that can be sampled in flights, and along with Guinness, a selection of microbrews will be on tap for beer connoisseurs. As for food, the menu will feature artisan-style pizzas and tapas-style sharing plates.
Memberships & Opening Dates
Daily tours are available to the public and for those interested in learning more about memberships which include food and beverage credits, barber shop discounts, access to the dedicated members-only lounge and patio and special events.
A soft opening for members only is planned for mid-March, along with a grand opening targeted for April/May.
The Bearded Barber
3434 W. Anthem Way
Suite 122
Anthem, AZ 85086
Info & Tours
www.mybeardedbarber.com
Business is Cookin’ in the North Valley
Norterra
Offering handcrafted margaritas, tacos, specialty entrees and weekend brunch, Salt Tacos y Tequila known for its modern Mexican cuisine and its wide variety of Tequilas, is planning an March opening, directly across from Pita Jungle.
Known for its fast-casual burger and fries, as of this writing Five Guys planned a February opening in the space formerly occupied by Smashburger.
A new place to have brunch and mimosas, Eggstasy is now open in the Shops at Norterra. Popular menu items include lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberries and lemon curd, boozy cinnamon crunch toast pancakes with rumchata cream, and the barbacoa omelet.
All four pads have been leased in the new Fry’s Marketplace Plaza under construction at Jomax and I-17, according to a spokesperson for Red Development. According to the developer’s site plan, Someburros, a Sonoran-style family owned restaurant chain with a drive thru plans to locate on one of the pads, along with Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s and a Superstar Car Wash.
The banner is up on the space for a new Dutch Bros Coffee location at Happy Valley & 35th Avenue. As of this writing, construction had yet to begin and a spokesperson for the chain could not yet speculate when the new location would open.
Anthem
Phat Turtle BBQ just opened in Anthem’s Fry’s Marketplace Shopping Center along Daisy Mountain Drive. Owners Michael and Kelly Sloan are Kansas City natives who started their business in Cave Creek. The menu features slow cooked meats, including ribs, brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, along with several sides, including corn bread with honey butter.
Koi Sushi Wok is open in the space formerly occupied by Asian Paradise in the Anthem Commerce Park. The menu features soups as well as a variety of sushi and specialty rolls, noodle dishes and wok entrees.