Be grateful for this new neighborhood bar.
From the minds behind Brasserie 19 comes Gratify, an upscale bistro in Rice Village designed in the image of a “contemporary Versailles.” [Featured image: @clarkcooperconcepts]
Clark Cooper Concepts is the restaurant concept group behind the likes of Brasserie 19, Coppa Osteria, and the soon-to-be Satisfy. Their latest concept has finally come to life in Rice Village: Gratify. Created in homage to the staff and community that help sustain the group throughout the pandemic, the bistro is set the in the space formally occupied by Punk’s Simple Southern Food at 5212 Morningside.
As with the group’s other businesses, Gratify’s design is sophisticated and chic. Its inspiration is heavily European, their intention, they describe to create “a contemporary Versailles – a grown-up escape from the everyday where the disco ball shimmers and the martinis flow.”
In addition to their Raw Bar, which features a delicious assortment of crudo, caviar, tartare, and freshly-shucked oysters, the Gratify menu offers a variety of shareables that include Lobster & Crab Mac n’ Cheese, Lamb Meatballs, Belgium Pomme Frites, as well as Charcuterie and Cheese boards. Furthermore, Gratify offers a selection of salads and entrees; the latter includes a Steak au Poivre ($55), Ora King Salmon ($28), Short Ribs ($36), Taglierini & Truffles (MP), and their house burger ($23). The restaurant also has plans to offer weekend brunch, with a menu coming soon.
From the bar, Gratify serves classic cocktails from Negronis to Aperol Spritz, as well as a “Traveler’s List” of specialty cocktails that include The Gratify Smash, made with Fortaleza Reposado Tequila, fresh-squeezed lemon, ginger syrup, and basil – all cocktails from this list are priced at $18.
Gratify is open from Tuesday through Saturday with limited seating and availability.