BarTini’s opens Cedar Rapids martini bar at Kingston Yard

CEDAR RAPIDS — A martini bar in the works for most of 2024 opened in Kingston Yard over the weekend.

BarTini’s, a new concept serving a menu of over 100 martinis, opened at 151 First Ave. SW, Unit 104, on Feb. 1. The new spot, just west of Pickle Palace and close to the newly opened Aroma Artisan Pizza, also serves an Eastern Mediterranean inspired mezze menu of small plates to snack on as you sip.

BarTini’s brings owner Darin Beck out of a short-lived retirement, several years after he helped open The Stuffed Olive’s martini bars in Iowa City, Cedar Falls and Des Moines. He sold his shares in the company in 2019 and finished a five-year transition plan for the brand before his brief retirement in early 2024.

Compared to The Stuffed Olive, Beck said BarTini’s would be distinctly more upscale. In addition to novelty martinis across the spectrum, he hopes to bring in a robust selection of whiskey and bourbon to appeal to other drinking preferences.

“It will have a character all of its own,” he told The Gazette. “If someone likes The Stuffed Olive, they’re going to love BarTini’s.”

BarTini’s is the first of several openings and various concepts he is planning around Eastern Iowa, he told The Gazette in July. He anticipates opening two more BarTini’s locations in the state by the end of 2025.

“The Stuffed Olive has been, historically, a pretty successful concept,” Beck said. “We think we’ll bring a little bit of luxury and sophistication to the area.”

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.