"We're shootin' to open The Zodiac by Valentine's Day," says Renee Bebeau, who is opening the new spot with her sweetheart, local artist Harvey Opgenorth.

Named after a beatnik bar in a 1950s movie, The Zodiac (201 W. Mitchell St.) will offer specialty and classic cocktails, fresh appetizers -- including steamed artichokes with creamy dill dip -- and a mix of funky music in a low-key, smoke-free environment.

The classy yet comfortable lounge will also boast a small dance floor and a bevy of bar games, including cribbage and chess.

"We want to create a fresh environment for lounging," says Opgenorth, a MIAD graduate who is a regular contributor to the Rust Spot/Dye House Gallery.

A "Pajama Jammy Jam Liquid Brunch Dance Party USA" is planned for every Sunday, and other events, like monthly drum circles, tarot card readings, live entertainment and local DJs, also appear in the Zodiac's crystal ball.

Aside from all the usual libations, the lounge will feature a different drink for each sign of the zodiac. Bebeau, who previously owned Adambomb Gallerie, has a lifelong interest in the occult, like astrology and tarot.

The Cream City brick building, previously home to the quiet corner bar Raquel's, sits on the brink of many neighborhoods, including Walker's Point, Bay View and the Mitchell Street area. Bebeau, Aquarius, and Opgenorth, Aries, hope this prime location will bring in a diverse clientele supportive of the smoke-free policy.

"I've heard a lot of complaining about the smoke in bars to believe there are enough people out there who want this," says Bebeau, who has bartended in a few Milwaukee watering holes. "We don't think all bars should be non-smoking, but it's nice to have an option."