Mink Cocktail Lounge to open in long-vacant former Xtra’s Cafe in Carytown

The new cocktail bar is planned to open above Bangles and Beads in Carytown. (Mike Platania photo)

After five years sitting dormant, the former Xtra’s Cafe space in Carytown has been snapped up. 

Mink Cocktail Lounge is preparing to open in 3322 W. Cary St., a second-floor spot above Bangles and Beads that has been vacant since Xtra’s closure in 2019. 

Leading Mink is Jay Day, a Richmond native who said this is his first time opening a restaurant after working in the real estate and trucking industries. He said Mink is inspired by the cocktail bars he’s been to in larger cities. 

“The vision is a nice, adult, classy, upscale environment for professionals,” he said. “Dark and moody, one of those places you may find yourself in a big city like Chicago or New York.”

He said he’s still finalizing Mink’s menu but said the emphasis will be on its drinks, including a vanilla martini. For food, he said Mink will offer small plates along with some classics like burgers, wings and cheesesteaks. 

The space is being redesigned and renovated, with a new bar, furniture, paint, lighting and patio. 

“Everything is pretty much, cosmetically, brand new,” Day said. 

Mink is leasing the 3,400-square-foot space and was represented by Sperity Real Estate Ventures’ Betsy Mangum in negotiations. S.L. Nusbaum’s Andrew Thacker, Andrew Brodie, Emma Will and Trib Sutton represented the building’s landlord, which according to city records is Robert and Shirley Moore. 

Mink is aiming to open sometime next month. It’ll operate from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, and from 5 p.m. to  2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with plans to add Wednesday hours later. 

Other new additions to Carytown’s dining scene include wine and dessert spot Nouveau Provisions, Grateful Dead-themed bar Ripple Ray’s and salad chain Sweetgreen. 

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