click image Hilmy Productions

A shot of Juniper Tar's interior.

This is not a ridiculous April Fool's prank – Juniper Tar, a new cocktail concept via bartender/owner Matty Gee, will open its doors on Wednesday, April 1 at 5 p.m. inside the former El Nuevo Tenampa bar at 244 W. Houston. Hours for the bar will run 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday.The space, co-designed by Hilmy Production's Creative Coordinator Linda Romero and Gee (who comes to San Antonio via New York where he worked with Sasha Petraske at Milk & Honey, later The Randolph at Broome, and spent time at Bohanan's and most recently Blue Box) is an experiment of the "more is more" variety. Black and gold themes ring throughout as Art Deco meets Baroque, most pieces are custom-made and it seems no expense was spared (even down to the gold-plated toilet in the women's restroom). No flash photography will be allowed in the space, which also looks to be the first bar of its kind to open without much of a social media presence (though I did find a Twitter page), and a website is in the works.On the cocktail front, Gee and his crew of bartenders will make an ever-rotating list of high-end classic cocktails with fun twists using fresh fruits and ingredients, such as a traditional strawberry daiquiri (using Poteet strawberries, naturally), and a ginger-based Ginger Baby with ginger sorbet. Prices will linger at around $14, and Gee will also feature a wine-by-the-glass program with choice wines.Juniper Tar, so named after tonics of yesteryear, will be limited to 50 people at any given time. To guarantee entrance, make reservations to General Manager Chris Bullard at Chris@juniper-tar.com or (210) 296-7679.