Hey gurl, hey! Outwrite Bookstore to reopen as a gay bar

UPDATE (Oct. 2, 2012): [Rendering] “10th and Piedmont” restaurant to replace Outwrite

Midtown’s Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse, which closed its doors on February 15 after 18 years in business, won’t sit dark for long.

Gilbert’s Mediterranean Cafe & Bar located next door, will expand into the bookstore’s space, Keith Osborne, general manager at the restaurant, told What Now Atlanta in an interview Saturday.

“We’re still negotiating the lease,” Osborne said.

The 1,500-square-foot Gilbert’s will more than double in size after it takes over the 2,500-square-foot bookstore space, according to Osborne.

“Gilbert’s will undergo several months of permitting with the city before we begin any renovations,” he said.

Although the owners of Gilbert’s were not immediately available for comment, sources close to the project suggest the additional space will be utilized to expand its bar.

Here’s hoping Gilbert’s comes up with a drink to pay homage to the former bookstore. “Outwrite-tini,” anyone?

Developing…