Grey Market opens
Where many restaurant and bar openings get mired in construction setbacks and other unforeseen delays, Grey Market came together in just over two months. The new bar at 756 E. Washington Ave., between Cargo Coffee and Salvatore’s Tomato Pies in The Constellation apartment building, offers craft cocktails, draft beer, wine, THC drinks and a menu of small plates. Grey Market’s interior has a coastal, aquatic feel with a dark blue bar, blue-gray walls and wicker lamps. A large Triangulador mural featuring a robot arm reaching out of the waves, orange octopus wrapped around its fingers, is the first thing you see to the right walking in the door.
The concept was born in a conversation on the beach between owners Matt Phelps and his business partner Dave Sramek, who decided to open a bar together. Phelps had recently stepped down from his role as food and beverage director for Big Top Sports & Entertainment, which manages local sports teams (Madison Mallards, Madison Night Mares and Forward Madison FC) and Breese Stevens Field. Sramek took his place at Big Top, but the pair moved forward with Grey Market, obtaining a liquor license in July and opening in early September. Much of the remodel in the space — which was formerly Dark Horse ArtBar — was done by Phelps and Sramek’s wife, Denien. (The Srameks co-own Gooseberry on S. Pinckney St. together).