Expanding with the Flow

Thirsty Santa Feans will soon have another choice on their lists of local watering holes as Susan's Fine Wines & Spirits (1005 S St. Francis Drive, 984-1582) is set to debut an expanded in-store bar this Friday evening.

"The end goal is to be the most dynamic bar in town," general manager Adam Howard tells SFR during a visit to the store.

The expansion comes after a small remodel that found the nearly 13-year-old store laying a new floor and adding an area for draft beers. Howard says the additions are part of renewed efforts to win back Susan's customer base after business took a hit following the 2018 opening of chain retailer Total Wine & More on the Southside.

"I don't want to speak for everybody, but I think a lot of the local shops felt an impact when Total [Wine] opened," Howard explains, "and this is a way to kind of bring our customers back, offer the community something different and showcase some of the stuff that we carry that differentiates us from a shop like Total."

The as-of-yet unnamed bar takes over the space that previously served as Susan's tasting area, and Howard says he aims to feature dozens of spirits, numerous offerings from the store's wine selection, 10 local limited-release beers on tap from breweries like Second Street, Rowley Farmhouse Ales, Tumbleroot and more, plus a small handful of cocktails and eventually snacks. And though the cocktail selection might sound slim at first, Howard promises they'll be special.

"We're working with [master mixologist] Mike Trujillo of Southern [Wine and Spirits] to bring some eye-popping and tasty, delicious cocktails that aren't your plain-Jane, run-of-the-mill things," he tells SFR.

There's always room to expand that cocktail menu, too, since Howard describes Susan's entire bar endeavor as a "growing process" steered by customer demand. That means that along with the cocktail menu, seating could potentially increase, the food menu might broaden and specials, such as happy hour, might become a regular occurrence.

Susan's is going with the flow.

Even operating hours—currently 10 am to 8 pm, Monday through Saturday— have the potential to extend if the new space proves popular.

"Our license allows us to serve until midnight and sell until midnight," Howard points out, "so that may be something that comes in the very near future."

Also in the near future, Howard hopes to hold events that benefit local nonprofits such as veterans groups and the Santa Fe Animal Shelter with theme nights he tentatively calls "Pulls for Veterans" and "Pulls for Puppies."

As for Friday's launch, Howard says representatives from Marble Brewery, Vinos Bravos winery and Santa Fe Spirits among others are slated to stop by to talk about their companies' offerings alongside finger foods, drinks mixed by Trujillo and deep discounts on beverages. And while drink specials won't be available just yet, Howard says customers can grab lunch at nearby El Chile Toreado and take it to Susan's for a discounted drink while they eat.

"We're trying to just create a place where you can come in, relax and have a drink," he says.

Susan's Fine Wine & Spirits bar launch party
4-7 pm Friday August 2
Susan's Fine Wine & Spirits
1005 S St Francis Drive, Ste. 101, 984-1582