The overview
The Prohibition-style cocktail lounge features live jazz performances from 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The bar serves a selection of cocktails, premium wines, craft beers and nonalcoholic options.
Signature drinks include:
- Toronto: a rye-based old-fashioned enhanced with amaro
- Coronation No. 2: cognac, crème de menthe and peach bitters
- Hanky Panky: a refined martini variation with sweet vermouth and amaro
- "Martini" Martin: a 1950s-inspired blend of aged cognac and absinthe
Nica aims to capture the essence of the 1920s in Chicago and pays homage to jazz Baroness Pannonica de Koenigswarter, who was known as "The Baroness of Jazz."
The backstory
Nica on 4th is the newest jazz venture by Kimura and Frescas. The former college friends studied music at Texas State University and spent many years performing with artists and bands throughout Austin, according to Nica information.
Kimura opened Parker Jazz Club off Fourth Street in 2018 and brought on Frescas to run food and beverage operations. In 2021, Kimura became an equity owner at Elephant Room, alongside Frescas, who became the jazz club's operator and chief decision-maker.
What they're saying
“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 said in a news release. “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.”
- Opened Sept. 18
- 117 W. 4th St., Ste. 101A, Austin
- www.nicajazzbar.com
