Austin hospitality and music veterans Kris Kimura and Aaron Frescas of Elephant Room and Parker Jazz Club recently announced the opening of their newest venture, Nica on 4th, on Thursday, Sept. 18. Located at 117 W. Fourth St., Suite 101A. Next door to Parker Jazz Club, Nica is an elevated cocktail lounge with a Prohibition-era jazz bar atmosphere. It’s set against the backdrop of premier live jazz music and features exceptional service from the friendly and knowledgeable servers and bar staff.

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From the team behind Parker Jazz Club and Elephant Room

Named after “The Baroness of Jazz,” Baroness Pannonica de Koenigswarter, Nica on 4th channels the spirit of 1920s Chicago. The intimate 100-capacity bar features a classic menu of handcrafted cocktails, along with a curated wine list rivaling the city’s top restaurants. Subtle nods to its namesake, like cats hidden in the wallpaper and a moth in the logo, add a layer of charm and mystique. With its Prohibition era-inspired back bar and intimate musical setting, Nica delivers a one-of-a-kind experience that evokes jazz music’s golden age and the days of Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald.

Handcrafted cocktails, curated wines and premier table service

The intimate, dark atmosphere under the dim, warm glow of Edison bulbs and the soft live jazz music are integral parts of the ambience. But the drinks and the service are the main attractions. Carefully curated by Frescas, Nica offers top-tier table service with an impressive cocktail program. The knowledgeable service staff guide guests on a journey, providing expertise in spirits, cocktails and wines to ensure a memorable experience for every patron.

“Being in this scene for decades and watching different types of bars and venues come and go, Kris and I wanted to build something that we felt Austin was lacking,” Frescas says. “We wanted to create a place that reflects our collective background in crafting amazing cocktails, providing premium service and setting a scene heightened by great jazz. Nica fills a unique gap in Austin nightlife. It’s not just a regular bar, and it’s not a music venue. It’s a different experience. We want to be the best night you’ve had all week.”

An intimate cocktail menu with vintage flair

Some of their classically inspired cocktails include the Toronto, a true classic on a rye old-fashioned with an amaro tang that’s clean, strong and never skips a beat; the Coronation No. 2, an old-school cognac old-fashioned that’s lively with crème de menthe and orange spring, with peach bitters to mellow the tone; the Hanky Panky, a darker martini where sweet vermouth and amaro meet together to lower the lights on a vintage recipe; and “Martini” Martin, a martini for the ’50s that brings vintage flavors with aged cognac and brightened wine and an absinthe rinse to connect the era of style and aroma. In addition to cocktails, Nica offers a top-tier wine list, beer and nonalcoholic options.

Opening Sept. 18 in the heart of Downtown Austin

Nica on 4th will be open to the public on Thursday, September 18, with service running Tuesday-Saturday, creating the perfect soundtrack for an evening of exceptional cocktails and conversation. Website and social media platforms are coming soon. For more information, reach out to nica@giantnoise.com.