New cocktail bar with 1920s, ‘30s speakeasy vibe coming to downtown Tacoma
A new cocktail bar is coming to downtown Tacoma, inspired by the Prohibition era speakeasies of the 1920s and ‘30s.
Ricky’s Lounge has set up shop at 1111 Tacoma Ave. S., joining other businesses on the block, including Chez Lafayette and The Crafty Beaver Bar. It’s due to open in about 6-8 weeks, according to owner Santino Telles.
In that time, Telles said, he’s hoping to get all permits approved and put the finishing touches on the inside of the space, curating a very specific vibe.
“It’s going to be true to the ‘20s and ‘30s. When you go to speakeasies in Vegas or whatever, they’re very bright and brassy,” Telles said. “This — it’s going to be dark and intimate.”
The cocktail bar will have a mix of eclectic furniture, Telles said, as well as a 1920s tin ceiling.
Ricky’s Lounge will have a range of high-end cocktails, with emphasis on old-fashioneds.
“I want to provide the best old-fashioned in Tacoma, and I want to provide the best high-end cocktails in Tacoma, where when people come in, it’s the same every time … no variations, no deviations,” Telles said.
While the focus is on cocktails, Telles said there will be a rotating menu of authentic Mexican food, using recipes from Mexico and El Paso, where both sides of his family are from.
“We’re gonna put out disclaimers like, ‘Your salsa may be really hot. We don’t do mild here,’” Telles said.
Telles said the idea for the cocktail bar has been about a year in the making. He named the bar after his uncle Ricky, who passed away, and plans to have a picture of Ricky inside the bar.
As far as entertainment goes, Ricky’s Lounge will have live jazz music or other 1920s and ‘30s era music, as well as karaoke, Telles said.
Other unique plans for Ricky’s Lounge include tarot card readings and theme nights inspired by the “John Wick” series and Grand Theft Auto video game.
To find more updates on the opening timeline, you can check out the Ricky’s Lounge website.
