Courtesy of Jamestown
Courtesy of Jamestown
Inside Citizen Supply, a collection of artisan shops on the second floor of Ponce City Market, lives a new coffee shop and bar intended to spark a sense of community. The Upper Room, as it’s called, is the brainchild of Kelsey Maynor (co-owner of Atlanta Breakfast Club and Le Petite Marche) and Shakirah DeMesier (a marketer and actor). The duo envisioned “a vibrant haven where people could come together to work, unwind, and host unforgettable events, creating a true community bar space,” Maynor says.
The result is a welcoming, lounge-y space where people come to grab a drink, a bite to eat, and spend time with friends. The Upper Room hosts a variety of hands-on classes, too. “We pride ourselves on bringing people together,” DeMesier says.
Courtesy of Jamestown and coffee cake
In addition to craft coffees and teas, the Upper Room serves matcha, smoothies, fresh-pressed juices, and a limited selection of wine and beer. Cocktails focus on featuring Black-owned spirits. Try the Dyl (Bayab gin, spiced pear liqueur, lemon juice, butterfly pea, St. Germaine) or the Fall of Eden (Uncle Nearest whiskey, Mercier apple butter, cherry liqueur, and bitters). A concise Noms & Nibbles menu features snacks like white truffle–parmesan popcorn and charcuterie, in addition to jerk plantain patties, curry chicken salad, and Caesar salad.
“We wanted to create a brand that gives our friends’ brands exposure,” Maynor says. “The drinks and food are the culmination of flavor profiles we enjoy.”
Courtesy of Jamestown
Open Wednesday through Sunday starting at noon, the Upper Room is designed with florals and greenery, a 16-seat bar, and comfortable couches. “It feels like your favorite nook at home or the space you go in your grandma’s living room. It feels like comfort,” DeMesier says. “You can sit and stay awhile. It’s a friendly and open place.”
Cocktail classes are held every Friday and each highlights a different Black-owned liquor brand, such as Reyalibre tequila and Uncle Nearest whiskey. Attendees learn the history of the brand, when to shake versus stir, and create signature cocktails using it. In the fall, coffee-cupping classes will introduce guests to the nuances of coffee. The Upper Room also partners with Linwood Court Candles inside Citizen Supply to offer two cocktails for $25 during candle-making classes.
Maynor and DeMesier say they view the Upper Room as an incubator and intend to grow the brand outside of Ponce City Market in the future.
