The Alchemist Gastropub & Bar Opens in West Palm Beach

A new gastropub is trying its hand on the downtown West Palm Beach Clematis scene.

The Alchemist Gastropub & Bar will open its doors at 223 Clematis St. on Monday. The restaurant is being described as a vintage-inspired eatery with a speakeasy theme in "an energetic steam-punk-inspired" environment.

See Also: Lynora's Osteria Opens in West Palm Beach

The Alchemist is a concept created by Daiza Restaurant Group, which operates Fort Lauderdale's Atlantic Surf Club and is known for two establishments outside Florida -- the Atlantic Fish & Chophouse and the Boathouse, both located in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.

Their latest concept is setting up shop in the former J. Flynn's Irish Pub and Bobbi Sue Bar-B-Que building, a 4,200-square-foot space with a dining room that can accommodate up to 150 guests and alfresco dining for 15 on the outside walkway patio. Designed by the Daiza group's vice president of development and training, Mark Siders, the Alchemist's vintage interior features details like a silver tin ceiling, apothecary-style bar, Jules Verne-inspired artwork, industrial lighting, and dark wood.

Daiza's Martin Verano, director of culinary operations, is crafting the menu alongside the Alchemist's executive chef, Tim Farley. According to its owners, the menu will be a collection of "Mediterranean-influenced dishes and contemporary interpretations of comfort classics."

The menu offers a variety of dishes and serving sizes, most priced $6 to $16. It begins with "Nibbles & Bites" like crispy artichoke hearts, tuna and caviar cones, and spicy lobster poppers. Signature appetizers include King crab guacamole and homemade Merguez sausage, while larger plates -- or "Pub Fare" staples -- dish out Scotch eggs, sausage and potato pie, and a variety of "Petit Bun" sliders including lamb and pork belly. "World Street Fare" allows for some creative entrées that serve to highlight various cuisines around the globe, from empanadas and anticuchos skewers to a crayfish poorboy sandwich. The menu includes wood-fired pizzas and "Big Plates" priced $18 to $25.

Libations will also be a focus at the Alchemist, where a team of mixologists will pair handcrafted signature cocktails with the restaurant's menu. Do you prefer vodka? The Alchemist Martini is made with Grey Goose citrus vodka, peach liquor, and sour mix. If tequila is your thing, try the Pura Vida with Camarena tequila, Citronage, watermelon pureée, mint, orange juice, and simple syrup. The 6th Element is made with Bacardi rum, fresh orange, fresh lemon, cilantro-infused simple syrup, and Sprite.

The Alchemist Gastropub & Bar will begin offering its "Hangover Cure Brunch" on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring decadent dishes like lobster Montecristo and duck hash as well as Veuve Clicquot mimosa ($9, Sundays only). The restaurant's happy hour runs Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. (Friday and Saturday bar only) with 50 percent off of house cocktails, wine by the glass, and draft beer.

The Alchemist is located at 223 Clematis St., West Palm Beach. Visit thealchemistgastropub.com, or call 561-355-0691.

Nicole Danna is a food blogger covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in food and drink news in South Florida, follow her @SoFloNicole or find her latest food pics on Clean Plate's Instagram.