Kitty Cohen’s
A Rebellious Woman
Words by Sommer Brugal Photos by Shelby Bella
The design aesthetic at Kitty Cohen’s is Palm Springs meets summer time. It’s quirky and fun. It’s a reflection of Kitty: a strong woman who can drink anyone under the table, swear like a sailor, and have a good time while doing it.
When the owners of Kitty Cohen’s set out to open their Eastside bar, they wanted to create a space that capsulated the cool, older women in their lives, to pay homage to the great aunt that rode motorcycles and smoked cigars.
“Kitty Cohen isn’t a real person, but she also kind of is,” says Samantha Phelps, the Marketing and Creative Director at Kitty Cohen’s. “She represents the wild woman in all of our lives. She’s retired, back from her worldly travels, and has opened up this little bungalow.” According to Phelps, Kitty exists somewhere between 65 and 85 years old.
Classic 70s-inspired cocktails like the Harvey Wallbanger, Grasshopper, and Singapore Sling have a place on the original menu, which also focuses on spritzers, low ABV combinations, and refreshing summer drinks. The Frosé, a simple combination of rosé and house-made strawberry puree, is one of the bar’s more popular offerings.
“Our patio is [the bar’s] biggest attraction,” explains Phelps. “It’s light and airy, and it feels like you’re on vacation, and the Frosé is part of that experience.” No matter the weather, Phelps confidently states, “It’s always time for Frosé at Kitty’s.”
With Kitty’s image and spunky attitude at the bar’s core, visitors can expect to see an updated drink menu that focuses on the craft and production behind its cocktails. A few original Kitty cocktails, like the Frosé, will be available, along with a variety of new drink combinations as well.
With its vacation-like charm, complete with a small wading pool for adults and palm trees, fun music, stellar events, and culinary pop-ups, Kitty’s is an escape from Austin’s bar scene. Paired with a craft cocktail or refreshing Frosé, Phelps says Kitty Cohen’s is an East Austin oasis.
Native Knowledge: With a strong female like Kitty at the forefront, it’s no surprise that much of the bar’s vision aims to create an inclusive space for everyone, especially women. To further support its efforts, the bar encourages visitors to partake in Ultimate Kitty, a selfie donation program that urges patrons to snap a photo of themselves and post it to Instagram using the hashtag #UltimateKitty. For every photo posted, the bar donates $1 to SAFE Austin. Visit kittycohens.com to learn more.
Contact:
2211 Webberville Road
kittycohens.com
