by Kristen Wile

Lorem Ipsum is now open on Central Avenue. Kristen Wile/UP

Lorem Ipsum, a new cocktail bar by mixologist Justin Hazelton, is now open at Hotel Refuge. The Plaza Midwood micro hotel has become an incubator space for talented mixologists looking to launch a concept, and Lorem Ipsum brings an entirely new vibe to the space.

The Wray Gun cocktail, made with banana-infused overproof rum. Kristen Wile/UP

The craft bar takes inspiration from Japanese jazz kissas, bars that became popular in the 1920s and celebrated jazz music and cocktails. With his experience as a DJ in Charlotte, Hazelton has created a space with exceptional sound quality. Despite opening night crowds, there was little ambient noise — guests could chat and still hear the music clearly. The cocktail list is short, but features exceptional drinks that reflect Hazelton’s blend of cocktail history with modern flavors. Several drinks also include teas as a nod to the Japanese influence, including an excellent house rye old fashioned called “Oldie,” made with Earl Grey. The drinks lean toward the spirit-forward side, with a variety of base spirits.

Hazelton selected the name Lorem Ipsum because, to him, it’s not the name of the bar that matters — it’s the experience guests will find there. The words “lorem ipsum” are part of traditional placeholder text in design. He calls Lorem Ipsum a “listening bar.”

“We’re going to not just have vinyl records; we’re going to have a vinyl, of course, and we’re going to have some digital music mediums as well in there with great sound quality and want to get a lot of the sound people, audiophiles, and cocktail enthusiasts in there,” Hazelton shared with UP about the concept. Seating features a combination of lounge seats and tables, with film projections on a brick wall and a DJ booth in the corner.

Hazelton first became known on the Charlotte bar scene during his time at 5Church. He was part of the original Soul Food Sessions group, pairing cocktails with the coursed meals. When Greg and Subrina Collier opened Leah & Louise, Hazelton was the beverage director before leaving to focus on creating his own concepts and grow a bar consultant business, Top Shelf Co.

Lorem Ipsum will be initially open from 4 to 10 p.m. on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and 4 p.m. until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.