Evansville Should Be Excited for What Restaurant is Coming Back
This One Is a Comeback Story Worth Paying Attention To
If you have been in Evansville for a while you know Madeleines Fusion Restaurant. Now, I can say I personally don't know about this place but looking at the pictures and hearing what locals have to say, I am eager to go in. It is one of those places that has a real history in this city and when it was damaged by not one but two fires back in December it was genuinely heartbreaking news for a lot of people.
But here is the good part. Madeleines is coming back and from what we have seen it is coming back better than ever.
What Happened
I realize the background story on this restaurant is pretty incredible. On December 26th and 27th of last year two fires tore through the building within hours of each other. The first broke out just after 10pm and was quickly put out with minimal damage. But the second fire came early the next morning just after 5am and that one was devastating. The damage hit the first floor and the basement hard. And as anyone who has dealt with a fire knows, what the flames did not destroy the water did. The roof was gone. Forty five years of cookbooks, signed photos, and memories were wiped out overnight.
That is not just a building being damaged. That is a legacy taking a serious hit. Horrible news. However, I always try and look for the silver lining and this story has one.
The Phoenix Room
Here is where it gets good. The top floor of the building has been completely reimagined and transformed into The Phoenix Room, a cocktail and cigar bar that already opened back in February. It is the reimagined version of Fidel's Bourbon Bar which was known for over 300 premium bourbons, classic Prohibition era craft cocktails, and a cigar lounge. The name alone tells you everything you need to know about the spirit of this place. They are not just rebuilding. They are rising.
What the Renovation Looks Like
We got a sneak peek inside the newly renovated space and honestly it is stunning. I will go back to a place time and time again if the aesthetic is cute and makes me feel cozy and the pictures I've seen do exactly that. The downstairs feels familiar but everything has been refreshed with new flooring, wall tiles, updated bathrooms, new lighting, and an all new kitchen. The color palette and furniture give the space a modern feel while still keeping that comfortable upscale energy that Madeleines has always been known for.
The bar seats are the perfect height for a cocktail or even a full dinner. The bar is already stocked with a massive selection of rare and super premium bourbons, scotch, rum, brandy, vodka, gin and more. And the custom bar top is made from wine crates which is one of the most unique details in the whole space.
The light fixtures in the dining room are also worth mentioning. A few of them are reminiscent of the kind of craftsmanship you would find from the island of Murano in Italy and they are absolutely gorgeous.
What Is Still to Come
Downstairs the wine room is almost fully restocked. The basement is still being finished but when it is complete it will include a private dining and party room, a private bathroom, a chocolate making station, and a small bakery that will provide fresh bread for the restaurant. Yes, fresh baked bread in house. The outdoor patio will also be open later this summer.
The menu is currently being planned and finishing touches are still being put on the dining room and bar area. There is no official opening date just yet but they are expecting to open for dinner within the next couple of weeks.
Why This Matters
Madeleines is not just a restaurant. It is a piece of Evansville history that refused to go down without a fight. The fact that they rebuilt, reimagined, and came back stronger after everything they went through last December is exactly the kind of story this city loves to get behind.
Keep an eye on this one. We will keep you updated as the opening date gets closer and when it opens you are going to want to be one of the first ones through the door.
Find Them Here
423 SE 2nd Street, Evansville, IN
Phone: (812) 491-8611
Hours: To be announced
I can't wait to go there and try it out for the first time! Have you been there? What's your favorite thing to order?
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Gallery Credit: Liberty