One of our favorite spots for food and drink in the EDGE District is about to undergo a major expansion. COPA Cocktail & Tapas Bar, located at 1047 Central Avenue, is getting ready to double its footprint as it takes over the neighboring space at 1043 Central Avenue.

The next-door space was most recently home to Italy Bottega, which announced it was closing earlier this year. While we’re sad to see Italy Bottega go, we’re excited for the opportunity ahead for COPA, which has been a quiet star ever since opening in the burgeoning nightlife district at the end of 2019.

Expanded cocktail offerings, and Caribbean-fusion delights

Offering Afro-Latin Caribbean Fusion, COPA truly has a fantastic lineup of small plates coming out of the kitchen, and their cocktail program is one of the best in the neighborhood. Plus, they’re one of the few places in the area to enjoy hookah, which is especially pleasant on a nice evening outside on the patio.

“Other than our sandwiches, we plan to offer locally sourced Caribbean delights like Brazilian Pastels, Argentinian Empanadas, Jamaican Patties and more. A full service coffee and tea bar featuring a variety of Caribbean and Central American Espresso Beans is also in the works,” write the owners in an email to I Love the Burg. “We have also begun a collection of Caribbean and Latin inspired artwork which we intend to showcase and offer for sale.”

In fact, the only trouble we’ve ever had at COPA is going to be fixed with this new expansion: getting a table at the popular bar and restaurant. Not that we’ve ever had to wait too long, but it’s certainly exciting to know even more seating (and perhaps dancing room?) will be available. With more and more apartments opening in the area (and with the Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment kicking off soon), we imagine COPA will have no trouble filling their expanded footprint.

Find stunning art, and more space for lounging

“Once the cafe is up and running, the second phase of the expansion will be our new cocktail bar which will mirror the same hours of Copa’s current bar and offer a space for additional seating, private parties and live entertainment.” The COPA owners continue, “The cafe will have a full bar with all of copa’s favorites as well as a curated cocktail list and extended selection of craft Tequilas and Mezcals. With Copa already having a large selection of Aged Rums, we thought to dive into the world of agave and bring a modest home grown approach to an industry dominated by so many mainstream labels.”

Stay tuned for more updates on what COPA ownership has planned for the expansion and when the journey will begin. And in the meantime, we definitely recommend stopping in for food and drinks. Check out the full menu here, and follow them on Instagram for more.

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