Kazimierz Wine Bar [February 2021]

Once upon a time I was really into trying to discover and then frequent interesting and fun looking speakeasy. [p.s. I still am… hahaha] When I found out about Kazimierz World Wine Bar in Scottsdale and that was also a speakeasy, well you know I just had to go!! I’ll say finding the entrance was quite fun in and of itself, but maybe that was by design?? LOL So when you stepped inside it almost felt like a different world, a dusky atmosphere immersed in a medieval times theme. Let's start at the beginning... [it's usually a good place to start. LOL] The original owner of the iconic "Kazimierz World Wine Bar" was Peter Kasperski. He closed up shop in October of 2018.

He wrote this to the public… “It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Kazimierz today! After 15 years we are closing our doors. We want to thank all of you for the love and support you have given us over the years and hope that the memories and music live on in our hearts for years to come. Last call!” But it didn’t take long for this prime location to be snatched up, reinvented, and reopened!! The new owner, Tommy Plato opened for business in January of 2019. He didn't want to change things too much, so he mostly just renamed it to The Kazimierz Wine and Whiskey Bar. You see, Tommy is owner and founder of the Second Story Liquor Bar, and his goal was to offer a similar experience when people were visiting the Kazimierz Wine Bar.

He brought in a new chef to create a rotating, seasonal menu that people wouldn't be able to resist, as well as offering different holiday specialty cocktails. There was to be live music every night offering a “perfect blend of good food, upscale atmosphere and the best wine and whiskey selection in Old Town.” There was a fun and vibrant vibe to the place, the food was good, and the wine was very good. When I started writing this week, I was surprised to see that they were permanently closed. Turns out that Tommy decided to change things up, yet again. This was not due to any financial hardships, I mean the Kazimierz Wine Bar always seemed busy and reportedly did quite well. He just thought a change was due, and he wanted to introduce a fresh new concept.

The bars new theme was inspired by Anthony Michael Bourdain. He was an American celebrity chef, author and travel documentarian. Tommy chose another new name “The Ends” and after looking into it, I think I figured out why. Micheal took his own life, and since this place was inspired by him... "The Ends" ?? IDK... What do you think?? The Kazimierz Wine Bar closed in July of 2023, and The Ends was slated to open in June of 2024. I guess we are going to have to go back and check it out, see what it is like and how it compares to the old wine bar.

Next week Wine with Wixy will be slumming it at the Garage!! If you or anyone you know is a grease monkey, [or if you own a car, or love wine... Hahaha!! ] you’ll absolutely love this concept!!

Cheers to you my wine loving friends, and TTFN!!