The Roman god Mercury, winged messenger of the gods, was the god of abundance and commerce, and was particularly associated with the grain trade. He is the inventor of the lyre and flutes. He is the patron of swiftness. On the dark side, Mercury was known to the ancients as an original bad boy, having started his first day of life by inventing the lyre during the day and at nightfall stealing his brother's cattle. Later in life he boldly stole a net from Vulcan to catch the nymph Cloris. The planet Mercury is often considered the planet of new beginnings, and like the god, moves swiftly through the heavens. In modern astrological circles the periods when Mercury is dark, or retrograde, are fraught with miscommunication, mechanical malfunctions and general chaos.

In more recent times Mercury has been prominent in popular culture to represent music and speed. Mercury records, founded in Chicago pioneered the use of jukeboxes to promote new music rather than relying on radio. Mercury records also led the way on developing new recording techniques including taped overdubbing. Freddie Mercury, the lead vocalist for the band Queen, has consistently been voted one of leading rock vocalists of all time.

In 1935 Edsel Ford launched the Mercury line of cars, inspiring K.C. Douglas' song, "Mercury Blues." The early Mercurys were known for their performance and included models such as the Comet and the Cougar. James Dean drove a 1949 Mercury Eight in "Rebel Without a Cause."

Whether you're a cougar, a bad boy, or someone in-between, Mercury bar is sure to please. To appease Mercury and honor new beginnings, the Mercury bar encourages our patrons to drink abundant quantities of grain-based beverages and pour libations to the god. The ancients believed "vocatus atque non vocatus deus aderit," which means "called or not called, the god will be there." Don't let Mercury catch you without a proper libation.