A new experiential cocktail bar that encourages guests to be their truest selves and connect with others is opening in downtown Cincinnati this weekend.
Afterlife, located at 44 E. Court St., is holding its grand opening as part of the Court Street “Blok” Party Saturday, Sept. 6, starting at 11 a.m. Hosted by DJ Blok, the Court Street Blok party is a family-friendly street festival that will transform Court Street Plaza into a celebration of art, sound and community spirit, with morning yoga, live DJ sets, giveaways, a local vendor market and late-night dance parties. In honor of the day, Afterlife will offer a variety of immersive activations blurring the line between “party” and “experience.” Guests can also expect hidden surprises, rewards and interactive games.
Tracy Liu, a local accountant-turned-entrepreneur, is the owner of Afterlife. Liu says after several years of working as an accountant in the corporate world, she felt herself slowly burning out. But, attending raves and festivals helped her find a new sense of freedom and empowerment, and it started the journey to Afterlife.
“It was such a liberating experience, just seeing how people could fully embrace themselves and be free,” Liu told CityBeat in March. “So that was my initial thought. If I ever wanted to open a space, I wanted to bring that sense of belonging and freedom to people. Because that made me free.”
The bar will offer an inventive cocktail menu focused on food flavors, with names like Ramen, Zeal and Moxi. But it’s not just about the drinks, says Liu. Afterlife will also be a space for meaningful connections and conversations, sharing stories and creating community.
“So, in Chinese drinking culture, drinking is always about connections. It’s never really about alcohol; it’s always about [being] social, bonding … It basically makes drinking a shared experience,” she said. “Afterlife is more about: How can we be more interactive with other people so that when we bring new people in, we feel like they’re heard, they’re seen, they’re accepted for the way that they are?”
Liu’s vision of Afterlife was brought to life by Commercial Construction Group and Cincinnati interior design firm INDIO. The space offers a cozy and warm retro, yet futuristic, style, with yellow flooring, tall ceilings and natural light.
Once open, Afterlife will operate Tuesday through Sunday:
- Tuesday-Thursday: 4 p.m. to midnight
- Friday: 4 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
- Saturday: 2 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
- Sunday: 2-10 p.m.
As part of the Blok Party, Afterlife will also hold a contest with prizes like a three-month Headspace subscription, merch and more. Enter by opting in here. Three winners will be announced at the Blok Party at 8 p.m. You can learn more about the Blok Party at courtstreetcincy.com.
Afterlife, 44 E. Court St., Downtown. More info: afterlifebecurious.com.
