Sundry and Vice, an inviting cocktail establishment located in the center of the burgeoning Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, marries the experiential traditions of the past with superb hospitality for the modern lifestyle of the moment, in an apothecary themed environment.

Designed by interior designer, bar manager and co-owner, Julia Petiprin of PRN Interior Design, the 1,200 sq ft. bar features an authentic storefront replete with antique artifacts and a backbar, inspired by apothecary medicine shelves, showcasing finely curated spirits. The Sundry and Vice experience begins on the corner of 13th and Republic Street, where display cases stocked with 19th and 20th century medicine jars and prescription bottles are illuminated by a soft amber hue.

The windows and door glass are outlined in a jewel box fashion with gold leaf trim, and activated with of-the-era language touting ‘Tinctures, Tonics, Remedies, Elixirs’. The landing to the storefront doors sets the tone of the design aesthetic; hand-painted Moroccan tile leads the bar guest as a welcoming footpath that glides into a cozy setting furnished with custom booths adorned in a deep jade upholstery from Innovations. A 20 ft. traditional bar enhanced with Pratt and Lambert’s blue lake deep in a satin finish features a brass foot rail and is abutted with updated soda fountain stools

Unique lighting features transport the outdoors inside with a gothic inspired cast-iron street lamp, cozily placed between the custom channeled-booths, illuminating the interior at night. The lighting was hand selected to add depth and atmosphere to the space utilizing dimly lit antique sconces and pendants, enhancing the mood and ensuring each guest feels and looks their absolute best.

Actual, hand-written prescriptions from the 1920s and ‘30s are affixed to the outside of the bathroom walls as a living-wallpaper, where 20th century remedies for cocaine, opium, and cannabis are scrawled in doctor’s handwriting.

The overall design experience is driven by the harmonious clash of textural treatments creating depth: pine floors reminiscent of the apothecary store experience run alongside the Moroccan tile initiated from the outdoors; a tin ceiling is finished in Benjamin Moore’s kendall charcoal in a semi-gloss aimed to reflect interior and exterior lights; French molding and wainscoting in a satin-grey-finish compliments the Damask dark green wallpaper; the custom communal trough sink with 2 sided glass mirrors made by Jeff Ogden, of Contemporary Images, is suspended, inviting interaction between patrons, and offering an optical illusion as approached from all angels; custom Carrara marble tables serve as high tops activating the corners of the room with walnut Thonet style barstools; the walls were left au natural where the original plaster was treated in sculptural fashion to meet the brick, creating yet another layer in this textural landscape.

The central figure of the cocktail establishment centers around the bar, where custom-made shelves lit from within are stocked with artifacts, house-made syrups, and unique spirits.

Design: interior design – PRN Interior Design / Julia Petiprin // architecture – Drawing Department / Ron Novak
Photography: Aaron Conway

About Sundry and Vice
Circle Hospitality Group, the company behind Sundry & Vice, was established in 2014 by founder/owner, Stuart King. Overseeing the forward-thinking cocktail program and the designer behind the space, Circle Hospitality Group cofounder and general manager, Julia Petiprin, has curated an evolving menu of spirits, syrups, and other homespun concoctions. The bar strategy was developed with assistance from consultants Brandyn Tepper (formerly, bar manager at LA’s ultra-exclusive Hinoki and the Bird), and Matt Landes (formerly GM of Santa Monica’s 41 Ocean) of Cocktail Academy of Downtown Los Angeles.

As Midwest natives, King and Petiprin bring their passion for Cincinnati to the 1,200 square foot space in OTR with the desire to provide an intimate, shared experience. The room, designed for 55, is inspired by an of-the-era apothecary. It. The interior is warm and inviting with an array of dark woods, leather booths, and vintage, moody lighting.