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MARION — A martini establishment is raising the bar with its second location in Uptown Marion.

After its January debut in the Kingston Yard development of Cedar Rapids , BarTini’s is quickly expanding with a second round further north.

But with a new kitchen and a new chef, it’s more than a happy hour watering hole.

The new location, opened in October at 796 11th St., upgrades its menu with new entrées and martini flavors in a new de facto flagship, where some items will be tested before being served in Cedar Rapids.

“We’re not out to be the next Cobble Hill, but at the same time, we want people to see us as elevated,” said owner Darin Beck. “It’s worth the trip for the food alone.”

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