Scottsdale’s Kazimierz Bar, closed last fall after 15 years, reopens Thursday

PHOENIX — In October, Peter Kasperski closed down Kazimierz Wine Bar, which he ran for 15 years in Old Town Scottsdale.

But on Thursday the bar will reopen at 4 p.m. with almost the same name — now, Kazimierz Wine and Whiskey Bar — under the management of Tommy Plato, who also founded the Second Story Liquor Bar and Gelato Spot.

Plato said in a press release that the bar near Stetson Drive and Scottsdale Road will offer a “similar ambiance” but will include updated furniture, VIP seating, live music and a program that allows guests to store bottles of high-end whiskey in lockers.

Jazz musicians Dennis Rowland and Diana Lee are slated to perform on opening night, and the bar will have more than 100 wines and 500 whiskeys on hand.

“Peter (Kasperski) was a pioneer in Old Town and what he created here with Kazimierz in this space is exactly what Scottsdale needs,” Plato said in the release.

“I’m excited to keep this tradition alive but with an updated twist on a high-end establishment where you can go to have after-dinner drinks, light bites and great live music all night long in an upscale environment that caters to wine and cocktail enthusiasts.”

The new menu will feature charcuterie plates, bruschetta, oysters and an “elaborate” list of desserts that incorporates the seven deadly sins.

“Kazimierz Wine and Whiskey Bar is the perfect blend of good food, upscale atmosphere and the best wine and whiskey selection in Old Town. I am so excited to bring a new late-night concept to a familiar place that has had an incredible following for many years,” Plato said.

Follow @KTAR923