New Southern-Style Bar Has Private Space (and Wii)

Santa Monica got a new bar and restaurant over the weekend with the opening of South. The venture is housed in the former Punch Grill space and is the first from Adam Milstein and his three partners (formerly of Q’s Billiard Club and Barney’s Beanery).

Designed by Aurora Milstein of Interiors by Aurora, the Southern-inspired eatery features rustic decor. The faux-aged bar and DJ booth are reminiscent of barn siding, and the occasional black-and-white iconic photo dresses up the walls. The large curving bar is backed by brick, as is a private room with a 20-foot-long leather sectional that seats 25. A second private room holds 30 and comes equipped with audiovisual capabilities and a Nintendo Wii hook-up. Both rooms feature several plasma TVs and separate, customizable sound systems.

An outdoor, street-side patio holds 70, and the fenced-off area includes space for buckets of beer. Southern specialties like hush puppies, po’ boys, and jambalaya are among the menu offerings, and bartenders mix up appropriately named drinks like the Oyster Shooter (Patron Silver tequila, hot sauce, and a Louisiana oyster) or the Peachtree Martini (Absolut Peach, peach Schnapps, triple sec, and orange juice). The venue has a total capacity of 275.