Bar Limina to Bring Creativity and Collaboration to Midtown Memphis

Bar Limina is gearing up for an early March opening at 631 Madison Ave., taking over the former Inkwell space.

Owner Josh Conley explains that the name reflects the bar’s ethos—embracing possibilities and transitions. “Limina” is the plural of “liminal,” a term denoting a space between two states.

“This is a space between where we are and where we’re going,” Conley said.

Conley is well-known for founding the Etowah Hunt Club, a quarterly dinner series hosted alongside Cole Jeanes of Kinfolk and Hard Times Deli. The series invites guest chefs to share their culinary stories with diners.

“The concept is simple,” Conley said. “I bring in guest chefs and put 150 people in front of them. The goal is for our guests to leave the table understanding what drives that chef—what excites them. It’s been an incredible platform for storytelling.”

Bar Limina aims to translate this same spirit of creativity into the world of cocktails. The bar plans to host around 30 guest bartenders annually for weeklong residencies.

“Plenty of places host bar takeovers or guest shifts,” Conley noted. “But no one’s doing it on this scale or with this mission—to create a hub for creative energy centered on food and beverage.”

Conley likens the concept to a concert venue, with an emphasis on collaboration and artistry. Compared to a restaurant, the bar setup is more streamlined, requiring less equipment and preparation.

Through the Etowah series, Conley has developed a reputation for spotlighting rising talent, including James Beard nominees and even a Michelin-starred chef. At Bar Limina, his focus shifts to bartenders who bring unique styles and approaches to cocktail creation.

“Cocktails can be approached in so many ways,” Conley said. “Some focus on the spirit itself, others on minimalism, maximalism, or stylistic innovation. It opens up endless possibilities.”

The transformation of the old Inkwell space will include a lighter aesthetic, new seating arrangements, and the addition of a record player to enhance the ambiance.

Unlike the quarterly dinner series, Bar Limina will be a permanent establishment, offering consistency alongside its innovative programming.

“Bar Limina has to be a great bar every single day we’re open—whether there’s a guest bartender or not,” Conley said. “We’ll have a steady house concept with exceptional cocktails and an inviting experience for anyone who walks through the door.”

Bar Limina promises to be more than just a bar—it’s a space for creative exploration, where the boundaries between inspiration and execution blur.