Step Inside Next Door, a New Species in East Greeley Tribune

food

Get ready for light-up and smoky cocktails, blue velvet and delicious food.

The Next Door, a new speakeasy in East Greeley Tribune, is full of enchanting surprises.

From a magical hidden entrance hall to light-ups, smoking and bubbling cocktails, every little detail is a delight.

Like most species, the next door has a hidden entrance. But instead of an underground hideaway, the Next Door is literally next to the Pazza at Porter. Both are owned by Mivan Spencer and Rafaela Scalzi.

The connected building and owner allow the Next Door entrance to be hidden inside the Pazza at Porter. Outside the bar is a facade that resembles a locksmith’s shop. But if you look closely, you can see cocktail making equipment in the window, as well as the bar logo above the door.

To get in, guests will have to go to the hostess at the porter’s pazza and tell her their reservation. The hostess will then lead the guests into the courtyard where they wave their hands in front of a secret door.

The door opens automatically, and the guests walk to the next door, where they reveal that night’s password to the doorman. If you have the password, you will be let into a completely different environment.

Scalzi and Spencer, both with years of restaurant experience, opened Pazza at Porter’s in 2019. They created a spirited, trendy Italian restaurant with a bar scene, an all-year-round patio, and weekend brunch.

After their success with Pazza, the two talked about opening an upscale cocktail bar. When the owner of their building and the building next door said that the adjacent space was up for grabs, the pair jumped at the opportunity to create something new.

“I’ve always loved going to the species in person,” Spencer said. “No matter where I travel, I try to find one.”

So Spencer and Scalzi developed the new space, which took 16 months due to supply chain issues.

“Traditionally Species is 20-themed,” Spencer said. “We wanted to modernize it a little bit. I would say it is more classy.”

In that spirit, Next Door has a dress code. Casual shorts, sports caps, ripped pants and beachwear are prohibited.

But when you enter, it’s a whole new world filled with blue velvet, gold silverware, and jazz renditions of pop songs.

Speakeasy features 19 original cocktails created by bar manager Josue Castillo. All as tasty as they are original and aesthetically beautiful.

A unique cocktail has been called “a cool idea.” This is a citrusy but savory cocktail served inside a lightbulb that lights up from below.

Another fun cocktail is called “Citrus and Smoke.” This is a sweet concoction over which the bartender blows an edible bubble. When the bubble bursts, you can smell the sour smoke.

“Lock and Key,” a fresh take on a pia colada, is also fun to watch. It is served in a small chest which, when opened, emits smoke.

And you can’t miss an old-fashioned smoke-forward version of “Take your time.”

Spencer said the food you’ll find at Next Door is nothing like what you’ll find at Pazza. Next Door focuses on its raw bar, but also offers charcuterie and small plates.

Spencer recommends tuna tacos, as well as their Florentine tacos, which are essentially a cookie in the shape of a taco with a fruity cream cheese filling.

“We focused a lot on not only the decor but the cocktail program, the culinary program. So we put a lot of thought and effort into every little aspect of the place,” he said.

Spencer isn’t revealing how many tiny details set the Next Door apart. Even his snowflakes are frozen with his keyhole logo.

Right now Next Door is primarily reservation only, but Spencer said they’ll try to leave room for walk-ins every night. It is open Thursday to Sunday from 5 pm to 1 pm.

For more information about Next Door, visit its website,