Cocktail bar Minerva Avenue coming to North Nashville

A local event promoter and nightclub owner is investing in North Nashville’s Buchanan Street with a new craft cocktail bar.

Robert Higgins Jr. of Make-A-Play Hospitality Group plans to open Minerva Avenue at 5 p.m. Sept. 7 at 1002 Buchanan St., a growing part of North Nashville across the street from Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria and next to Slim & Husky’s carry-out concept The Rollout.

“Minerva Avenue would like to serve as a community business devoted to bridging the gap to provide jobs and revenue back into the community while helping to and teach staff about the many classic craft cocktails, spark innovation and provide opportunities,” said Higgins, who also co-owns Midtown bar WKND.

Minerva Avenue will blend art, food, music and culture, according to a media release. It will showcase the impact of art and music from the '80s to present day.

The bar’s name comes from the street where Higgins grew up in St. Louis.  

Items on the menu include snacks and sandwiches, such as a vegetarian sandwich with roasted red peppers, poblano hummus, avocado, tomato, pickled onion, pickles and spinach for $9; a classic ham sandwich for $9; hummus and pita bread for $6; and gourmet white cheddar popcorn for $4.

Craft cocktails, which are influenced by talented Nashville mixologist Freddy Schwenk, include the She’s Your Queen to Be with white rum, strawberry syrup, lime and cracked black pepper; and To Infinity and Beyond with gin, honey, vanilla and lemon.

Cocktails cost $12, snow cones cost $10, and signature shots cost $7. Premium cigars cost $12.

Higgins has hired staff from the surrounding neighborhood, according to the release.

Minerva Avenue will be open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Reach Lizzy Alfs at lalfs@tennessean.com or 615-726-5948 and on Twitter @lizzyalfs.