A Jefferson City native is building a chic tavern on High Street.
For 12 years, Vicki Meyers bartended at elegant bars and banquet halls in Key West, Florida. After moving back to Jefferson City last summer, Meyers' next endeavor is Hill & Stream Tavern at 111 E. High St. She wants the place to be an elegant space designed for women to have a drink in a peaceful setting.
Meyers and her husband, Johnathan, looked at buying buildings downtown for years, she said, but they never found one with the right fit. Now that she's found a building, Meyers said, the establishment won't have a kitchen, but it will offer snack and hors d'oeuvres geared toward women.
In Florida, Meyers learned bartending is about creating a relaxing atmosphere for people, she said. More than anything, that's the type of vibe she seeks to create at Hill & Stream.
"It's about creating an atmosphere where people can have fun," Meyers said. "So for that moment in time they have a beverage and they can talk and feel better than when they came in."
The previous owner covered the walls in bright pink and purple paint. One of the first things Meyers and her husband did was paint the walls white.
Because Missouri is known for its outdoor recreation, she wants to create a modern atmosphere and "bring the outside inside" by painting the ceiling blue, painting the walls green and adding carpeting. She hopes art from local artists can accent the space.
The bar will be on wheels, which will allow the space to be fluid and host a variety of events. The drink selection will focus on fine wines and beers, including winners from the 2017 Missouri Wine Competition.
"I think Jeff City is ready for it," Meyers said. "We're just getting the kinks worked out."
The tavern held a soft opening Aug. 19 during solar eclipse festivities. She said it went well.
"We had people from all over the country come in," Meyers said.
It is open now, as work continues on the space. Hill & Stream Tavern is open from 4-10 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, though Meyers said eventually she'd also like to open the tavern on Sundays. Her goal is to hold a formal grand opening in about a month once she's put the finishing touches on the establishment and when her limited food menu is ready to be sold.
The space is also available for rent for events.
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