Hello friends,
So-called “third places” have always been important to me. Especially ones that feel intimate and have a spirit of experimentation.
Quality without pretension, and courage in curation. A place to make friends and have fun where I don’t have to clean up afterward.
For a devoted following that's into what are among Metro Detroit's finest cocktails, that place has been Castalia. Pouring service for the last eight years, on Second and Alexandrine in Detroit’s Midtown.
They also took their exploits far beyond the walls of their 18-seat bar. Whether it was pop-ups, serving drinks at some event I was at, or back during COVID when founder Kevin Peterson dropped off frozen pre-made cocktail cups to my front porch. It was a spiritual lifesaver.
It was an example of someone finding creative ways to serve their community when you had to adapt. It showed me Peterson was in it for making this idea work.
Now, after eight years — quite long, in the bar and restaurant world — Castalia’s run is ending on New Year’s Eve.
To me, this is exactly how you want to see a Detroit business story end. On the owner's terms, with grace, and looking toward something new on the horizon.
Over a couple of expertly crafted old fashioneds (yes, I was drinking on the job, but it was for journalism), Kevin walked me through what's next on our Daily Detroit podcast.
What struck me most about our conversation wasn't just the news itself, but Kevin's perspective on what it means to run a business in Detroit.
His advice? Don't start a bar just because you like drinking.
"When you start a business, you do a lot less of that hobby," he explained. "If you like the people, if you're intrigued by the business, if you want a role in the community—that's the real reward."
And he's right. Detroit is the biggest small town you’ve ever met.
Kevin's always been humbled by the interconnections, the word of mouth, the deals that come together because someone treated someone well who then told someone else.
"Building the relationships is a key part," he said. "I think it's, 'let's build this together. Let's figure out how to make things work for everybody.'"
That philosophy has defined Castalia. I think it’s part of why they’ve won award after award, and gotten so many national mentions.
You can listen to the entire conversation around the reasons for closing (and the future) on our podcast: [Daily Detroit] [Apple Podcasts] [Spotify]
Here's what you need to know: Castalia will operate normally until New Year's Eve. Reservations are available and recommended, especially if you're traveling in from outside the city.
We'll be organizing a Daily Detroit Happy Hour there soon, but don't wait for us! Be sure to say goodbye on your own time, too.
As for what's next for Kevin? More experiments, more cocktail theory, more time with family, and more time to dig into the world of flavor and fragrance.
I can't wait to see what he does next.
You can follow Kevin on Instagram at @Dr.KevinPeterson and check out his Substack, Cocktail Theory.
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Remember that you are somebody,
-Jer
