New Photos of Juniper, Via 313, Nickel City Owners’ Italian Cafe in Hyde Park

There's been big buzz about what would open in the former Dolce Vita space at 4222 Duval Street in Hyde Park since the beloved gelato shop closed in mid-November last year.

Photo by John Anderson

Nicholas Yanes, owner and executive chef of Juniper, brothers/partners Brandon Hunt and Zane Hunt behind Via 313 and Nickel City, and Nickel City partner Travis Tober teamed up to open a Northern Italian-inspired cafe and bar inspired by Yanes’ culinary training and travels through Italy. Uncle Nicky’s will host a grand opening celebration on Monday, Feb. 4, with half-priced spritzes, negronis, and cocktails all day, and a complimentary Italian aperitivo buffet from 5-7pm. Normal business hours are 7am-midnight, daily.

Uncle Nicky's partners (l-r): Zane Hunt, Travis Tober, Nicolas Yanes, Brandon Hunt (Photo by Julia Keim)

Uncle Nicky’s is going for an approachable dining experience, with relaxed indoor and outdoor seating, aimed at casual diners, busy working “grab and go” types, and, naturally, neighborhood families and friends. Austin-based creative agency Diko helped develop the brand identity, and the intimate space – inspired by the Campari bottle – was designed by Sanders Architecture (which also designed Juniper).

Courtesy of Consumable Content

The carefully curated menu features an assortment of antipasti like Wagyu beef carpaccio, mortadella and provolone-stuffed peppers, and chilled shrimp tossed in genovese pesto. They’re also serving a current selection of seven pane tostatos (Italian bread with Italian toppings) like the classic prosciutto and ricotta with chile honey – a steal at $5 – plus traditional salads with a twist, like their Italian chopped salad and Kale e Tartufo topped with pine nuts, pecorino, and truffle honey. Fear not, sandwich lovers, Uncle Nicky’s features piadinas (rustic Italian flatbread sandwiches) including the salami and sarchhino, and other classics on fresh focaccia, like their Italian tuna & hots.

Photo by John Anderson

The pastry program is headed by chef Derrick Flynn, Nick Intonti (formerly Chef de Tournant at Juniper) is chef and operator of the cafe, and Matthew Bolick of Wright Bros. Brew & Brew, Better Half, and Little Brother Bar is the coffee and espresso partner. The cocktail program, inspired by a European aperitivo bar, features classic Italian cocktails, spritzes, and Negronis – think favorites like the Aperol Spritz, Americano, and Garibaldi. There will also be a selection of beers, Italian wines and liquors, Amaros, and fresh cold-pressed juices.

For more information, visit www.unclenickys.com.