Matt Piacentini's MacDougal Street Cocktail Den The Up & Up Opening in Late February

Matt Piacentini, who opened much-mourned bar The Beagle and owns Portland's Clyde Common, is getting very close to opening his cocktail den, The Up & Up. Staff training is underway this week and a big sign went up marking the bar's territory on MacDougal Street.

This is a clear sign that we are getting close. pic.twitter.com/XFOD8zxoUG

— The Up & Up (@theupandupnyc) February 6, 2015

Piacentini and head bartender Chaim Dauermann, (formerly of Gin Palace and Desnuda Williamsburg) will be serving four types of drinks: house drinks, classics, mini-cocktails (or "craft shots"), and a cocktail version of bottle service for large groups. The project has been in the works for over a year, but Eater is told that the team is finally planning an opening sometime during the week of February 22.

Hidden behind one of the bar's walls is a bottle of The Glenrothes Vintage 1992 2nd Edition Scotch.

Staff training day 2. Roundtable discussion on points of service. Nothing but smiles around here! Can't wait to open. pic.twitter.com/QCE7Q9UVay

— The Up & Up (@theupandupnyc) February 11, 2015