Barely a month after downtown Italian supper club Sophia’s snuck out of Austin, a mischievous new concept is taking its place. On November 6, local firm Nova Hospitality announced it would open Devil May Care before the end of the month.

The lounge and restaurant will take full advantage of the 500 W. Sixth St. space’s underground location, using the same exposed brick that once gave Sophia’s and former occupant Bess Bistro an intimate feel. Las Vegas company Lisa Escobar Design brought in antique mirrors and brass furnishings, as well as original artwork that mirrors the kitchen’s new Mediterranean direction.

In charge of the culinary program will be executive chef Jon Oh, who has previously worked with big name chefs like Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Marcus Samuelsson, and Geoffrey Zakarian. Though the menu has not yet been released, the release promised a “healthy and shareable play on Mediterranean cuisine.”

For the beverage program, the team will play with the time-honored flavors from European coastal countries. Cocktails will be built with fresh, organic, and house-made ingredients while the wine will explore varietals from Lebanon and Turkey.

Despite the rework, Devil May Care will follow in Sophia’s footsteps as a nightlife destination. As later hours approach, the concept will use theatrical lighting and more upbeat music to charge the atmosphere into the wee hours. 

“While Austin has an impressive food and beverage scene, the team and I felt like the city was ready for something different, a break from the ordinary,” explained Nova founder Jack Zimmermann via release. “With Devil May Care, we found an opportunity to wow people on all fronts: food, beverage, design, music and hospitality.”

Following the November debut, the restaurant will be open seven days a week from 4:30 pm-midnight on Sunday through Wednesday and 4:30 pm-2 am Thursday through Saturday. The exact opening date will be announced in the upcoming weeks.