Atlanta’s dessert scene is about to experience a sweet late-night revolution with the opening of Bar ANA. Helmed by two-time James Beard Award nominee Claudia Martinez, this innovative concept at 939 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE will transform from a daytime coffee shop into an upscale dessert and cocktail destination after dark. Opening in summer 2025 in the former El Bar space beneath El Ponce restaurant, Bar ANA aims to deliver sophisticated treats in a comfortable atmosphere. “I wanted to create a space that can give that elevated experience without it feeling pretentious or stuffy,” explains Martinez, whose vision combines culinary excellence with approachable luxury.
From Morning Coffee to Evening Indulgence
Bar ANA embraces a dual personality concept that adapts to different times of day. Mornings will feature a rotating coffee residency program paired with pastries inspired by Martinez’s successful pop-up, Cafe Claudia. This daytime format provides local coffee artisans with a platform to showcase their craft while patrons enjoy Martinez’s acclaimed baked goods.
As evening approaches, the space transforms into a sophisticated dessert and cocktail bar. The transition creates an intimate setting for those seeking quality after-dinner options beyond typical late-night fare. This innovative approach fills a notable gap in Atlanta’s culinary landscape, where dessert enthusiasts and night owls often struggle to find high-quality sweet options after dark.
The hours reflect this dual-purpose vision, with Bar ANA operating Thursday through Monday. Weekday hours extend from 8 a.m. to midnight, while weekend revelers can enjoy the experience until 2 a.m. This schedule accommodates both early risers seeking quality coffee and night owls craving thoughtful desserts and cocktails.
Latin-Inspired Desserts Meet Craft Cocktails
The menu at Bar ANA showcases Martinez’s exceptional pastry expertise with sophisticated plated desserts. Patrons can anticipate treats like Venezuelan chocolate mousse, fresh doughnuts accompanied by fruit compote and ice cream, and possibly Martinez’s renowned crepe cake. Each dessert highlights seasonal fruits and draws inspiration from Latin culinary traditions, reflecting Martinez’s heritage and culinary point of view.
For those seeking an even more elevated experience, Bar ANA will offer a special dessert and cocktail tasting menu available by reservation in what was formerly the VIP section. This exclusive offering promises to deliver a curated progression of flavors for discerning diners looking for something extraordinary. I find this concept particularly compelling as it elevates dessert to the same level of respect typically reserved for savory tasting menus.
The cocktail program stands equally impressive, featuring seasonal craft cocktails like daiquiris made with local ingredients. According to Rosa Thurnher, “We have a very strong cocktail program upstairs, but this one will be focused on a nicer quality of drink and presentation.” To complement the drinks and desserts, Bar ANA will also offer cheese and charcuterie selections for those preferring savory bites.
Intimate Atmosphere with Upscale Casual Vibes
The physical space of Bar ANA embraces cozy intimacy without pretension. “That space is very intimate and small, and that’s something I wanted to open. I didn’t want to open something too big as my first project,” Martinez explains. This thoughtful approach to scale creates an environment that feels exclusive yet welcoming.
The interior design balances upscale elements with approachable comfort. Two-top tables, banquette seating, and lounge seats provide varied seating options while maintaining an intimate feel. This careful arrangement encourages both conversation and relaxation, making the space suitable for date nights, friend gatherings, or solo treats.
Music plays a crucial role in establishing Bar ANA’s ambiance, with a diverse soundtrack featuring Afrobeat, hip-hop, lo-fi, Latin music, and bachata. These eclectic musical selections complement the cross-cultural culinary offerings while creating a vibrant yet sophisticated atmosphere. The sound design enhances the experience without overwhelming conversation, striking a balance that many establishments struggle to achieve.
For cocktail enthusiasts looking to expand their palate, eco-friendly drink options will likely make appearances on the seasonal menu. This commitment to sustainability reflects a growing trend in Atlanta’s culinary scene while aligning with Martinez’s thoughtful approach to hospitality.
A Partnership Built on Opportunity
The story behind Bar ANA showcases the power of culinary collaboration. Claudia Martinez brings impressive credentials as the former executive pastry chef at acclaimed establishments Miller Union and Tiny Lou’s. Her partnership with Rosa Thurnher, owner of El Ponce, demonstrates how established talent can help launch new ventures in Atlanta’s competitive dining scene.
Together, they’ve formed ANA Hospitality Group with a mission to support small businesses in Atlanta. This philosophy extends beyond their own establishment into the broader community. The coffee residency program exemplifies this commitment by providing a platform for local roasters and baristas to reach new audiences.
Thurnher’s contribution to the partnership comes with valuable space and experience. During the pandemic, she closed El Bar and transformed it into Tiendita, a retail store. Now, this space beneath El Ponce finds new life as Bar ANA. “I thrive on giving people opportunities. You know, the reason I have El Ponce is because I had someone who believed in me, so I think it’s important to pay that forward,” Thurnher shares.
This mentorship model creates a powerful foundation for success while fostering innovative drink designs and culinary concepts. By combining their respective strengths, Martinez and Thurnher position Bar ANA to make a significant impact on Atlanta’s after-hours dining options.
Enhancing Atlanta’s Culinary Landscape
Bar ANA’s arrival at 939 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE represents more than just a new dining establishment for Atlanta. It fills a specific niche in the city’s food scene by catering to the after-dinner crowd seeking quality desserts and drinks. Too often, late-night options focus exclusively on savory bar food or quick, lower-quality sweets. Bar ANA elevates this experience with the same attention to detail found in fine dining dessert courses.
The location beneath El Ponce strategically places Bar ANA in a neighborhood known for its vibrant dining and nightlife. Patrons can enjoy dinner at nearby restaurants before capping off their evening with Bar ANA’s offerings. I’ve found that pairing seasonal cocktails with dedicated dessert venues creates memorable dining experiences that standard restaurants rarely achieve.
For those interested in exploring Atlanta’s exciting dessert developments, submitting your favorite local shops to our business directory helps build community awareness around these specialized offerings. Similarly, if you have a knockout dessert recipe inspired by Bar ANA’s concept, consider sharing it with our readers for a chance to be featured.
The dual identity of Bar ANA—daytime coffee shop and nighttime dessert destination—reflects a versatile approach to hospitality that maximizes both the space and customer base. This adaptability represents a smart business model in a competitive market while providing unique experiences throughout the day. For dessert fans seeking sophisticated spirits and sweet pairings, Bar ANA promises to become an essential Atlanta destination when it opens in summer 2025.