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Construction coming along at soon-to-be bar
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
Megan Libe had hoped to open a new establishment on Washington’s square in July. Construction hurdles pushed the timeline back to September, and eventually October.
Come hell or high water, she said Libations On Iowa would open its doors by the end of October. She has staff, drinks, and equipment already lined up.
“Everybody’s ready, I’m ready,” she said. “My contractors have told me they’ll be out by Oct. 1, then it’s up to me … my target date is the second week of October. I’m hoping to do a soft opening with family and friends, and then open up after that.”
Libe is already in the bartending business, with an alcohol catering service called the Tipsy Traveler. While the brick-and-mortar establishment on Iowa Avenue is considerably less mobile than her other enterprise, the owner said she was excited to have a presence on the city’s square.
“I love downtown Washington, I shop down here, I eat down here,” she said. “I really have always wanted to be a part of downtown, as a business owner, to provide for the community. So when this fell into my lap, I just jumped on it.”
Once off the ground, Libations on Iowa will offer customers a selection of 16 drinks on tap, as well as an array of cocktails, spirits and non-alcoholic concoctions. A small kitchen visible from the seating area will prepare what Libe calls “small bites,” things like flatbreads and appetizers.
Her vision for the business isn’t one of a bar open until 2 a.m., but one that serves as a community gathering space with events like bingo nights and trivia contests.
“I think Washington needs something different, with more social interaction,” she said. “I would like more of something where people can get together even if they don’t know anybody, people can make friends.”
As the construction wraps up, Libe said she was excited about the visible progress.
“It is 100% my vision, from the first day that I met with the building owner,” she said. “My dream vision is turning into reality.”
Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com
