A new cocktail bar from a seasoned team is coming to Memphis’ Edge District.
Josh Conley, cofounder of The Etowah Collective alongside chef Cole Jeanes, recently unveiled plans to launch Bar Limina at 631 Madison Ave, in the former Inkwell space.
Known for its innovative quarterly Dinner Series, The Etowah Collective has built a reputation for bringing chefs from across the country to Memphis to craft five-course meals that tell deeply personal stories.
With Bar Limina, Conley hopes to carry that storytelling ethos into the world of cocktails, creating a space where bartenders can experiment, share their craft, and connect with guests in meaningful ways.
“At the bottom of everything, this has to be just a really great cocktail bar,” Conley told What Now Memphis.
The name “Bar Limina” derives from the Latin word liminum, meaning “threshold.” According to Conley, the concept reflects a sense of transition and possibility, representing “where we are and where we can go, or what is and what could be.” This theme of liminal spaces ties into the bar’s vision as a place of ever-evolving ideas and experiences.
The team plans to treat the bar as a stage, hosting “concept takeovers” that spotlight renowned cocktail talent. Each week-long residency will showcase a guest bartender and a refreshed menu, ensuring the space remains at the cutting edge of cocktail trends.
In addition to its drinks, the bar will offer a limited food menu—featuring charcuterie and other light bites—made possible by the space’s cold kitchen. Conley also hinted at collaborations with Hard Times Deli, a forthcoming eatery by Chef Jeanes and friends, located just a short stroll away from the bar.
To help fund Bar Limina, The Etowah Collective has launched a NuMarket campaign inviting locals to support the venture. Contributors will receive 120% of their investment back as credits, redeemable for Etowah Dinner Series experiences, cocktails at Bar Limina, and exclusive events.
“Over the past two years, the Etowah Dinner Series has given us the chance to bring some of the most exciting chefs from across the country to Memphis, creating lasting memories and meaningful networking opportunities for the local food and beverage community,” said the team. “Now, we’re ready to take this concept to the next level and open our first permanent space—a cocktail bar that embodies the same spirit of storytelling and connection we’ve built through our events.”
Bar Limina is slated to open in March 2025. For the latest updates, follow @barlimina on Instagram.
