Danilo Bruno is shaking things up with his latest venture, Bar Atelier—a cocktail bar where the menu isn’t just about spirits and ingredients, but about flavors and moods. Forget the usual lineup of drinks; here, your choices are guided by what you feel like drinking, not just what’s on the list.
Bar Atelier: A Fresh Take on Salerno’s Cocktail Scene
Nestled in Cava de’ Tirreni, a scenic town between Salerno and the Amalfi Coast, Bar Atelier is the brainchild of Bruno and his longtime collaborator Manuel Fortunato. The duo made waves with The Black Monday in Salerno—a bar that quickly became a go-to for cocktail enthusiasts. But instead of replicating their success with a copy-paste formula, they wanted something different. Bar Atelier carries some of the signature elements of their first bar but introduces an entirely new way of ordering drinks.
Bar Atelier and the Custom Made Drink List
Ever found yourself staring at a menu, overwhelmed by choices, unfamiliar ingredients, or just unsure of what to order? At Bar Atelier, that problem is solved. Instead of a traditional cocktail list—organized by drink categories or spirit bases—the menu guides you based on your preferences. Think of it as a bartender in paper form, ready to steer you toward the perfect drink.
Drinking, Your Way
Right in the middle of the menu, a single question stands out: “How do you want to drink?” From there, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure experience, where your preferences determine the outcome.
Craving something sweet? You can opt for something creamy, then decide whether to go for a classic Alexander, an Espresso Martini, or something “soft as a soufflé” like a Ramos Fizz. If you prefer something fruity but not overly sweet, you might be tempted by a Negroni infused with coconut and strawberry. Not in the mood for cocktails? You can also pick from a selection of wines and beers.
The decision tree continues for those in the mood for something dry, bitter, acidic, or even alcohol-free. Depending on your choice, the menu might lead you toward a French 75, an Old Fashioned, an Americano, or even a Champagne Cocktail. The structure makes it easy to experiment with new flavors and step outside your comfort zone while still ensuring you get something you’ll enjoy.
The New Concept of Bar Atelier
The way the drink list flips the traditional order—starting with a mood rather than a fixed selection of drinks—makes Bar Atelier’s approach both playful and intuitive. Instead of ordering based on what you already know, you start with how you feel and let the menu surprise you.
It’s not a completely new idea, but Bruno and Fortunato have perfected it, turning it into something engaging and fun. With this setup, you’re more likely to try something unexpected, guided by curiosity rather than routine. And that curiosity is at the heart of Danilo Bruno’s approach to cocktails—whether at The Black Monday or now, at Bar Atelier.
Images courtesy Bar Atelier
