April 13, 2010 at 4:53pm
Photo courtesy of Surreal Ultra Lounge's Facebook page
TACOMA'S NEW CHILL >>
In the summer of 2008 Club Kokonut let Tacoma know that it was moving into the space once occupied by the gay bar On the Rocks at Seventh and Pacific Avenue in downtown Tacoma. It hung its liquor license, drapes, and then went to work applying a clean shine where once drag queens strutted their stuff.
Then last fall, on the verge of opening, Club Kokonut went silent.
Last month the lights flickered back on. The Oompa-Loompas (can't verify this fact) began secretly applying the final touches to the nearly completed club. The scene was almost surreal.
Yesterday, Bandito Betty and I received a tour of the new club - which is now titled Surreal Ultra Lounge - and schedule to open Friday, April 30.
What the heck is an "ultra lounge" you might ask? It's a lounge where every guest receives a kiss on the cheek along with a welcoming smile. Where a DJ spins upbeat, lounge-type music that you can nod your head along with and not feel as though you're going to have an aneurism. (Read: no house music.) Where you can find tons of couches, plush chairs, and privacy to converse. Oh, and when I say "converse," I mean it. The music is audible, but not so loud you're screaming to talk. Everyone's a VIP, and treated as though.
As Bandito Betty and I entered the Surreal space, we were amazed at how decadent, yet cozy the place looked. Every corner we turned held new and embracing warmth. The floors were glitter, and drapes hung from the immensely tall ceilings. In the back room, it was as though we walked into a Palm Springs cabana with palm trees and plenty of comfortable seating. Upstairs we found art-filled walls created by local artist C. Pulley. We also saw more relaxing couches, custom pool tables, and a large television hosting Wii games.
Victor Canjie, an imported San Franciscan chef, has created Surreal's intriguing menu with price points averaging in the $8 to $9 range. Think: slider bar - with recipes from New Jersey, Hawaii and your mom. (Just kidding about your mom; she wouldn't share her slider recipe anyhow.) One source tells me Chef Victor might add foie gras to the mix, so stay tuned.
Surreal Ultra Lounge will be open for lunch Monday through Saturday at 11 a.m., closing at 2 a.m. for those who like to hang out late. (Their Facebook page states it opens at 5 p.m. Saturday, so the ownership might have changed their minds today.) Employees tell me there will be no baggy pants allowed, but come dressed for the night. This means that clean blue jeans are OK, and high heels are not mandatory.
[Surreal Ultra Lounge, 728 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, 253.722.5489]
LINK: More Surreal photos in our Photo Hot Spot
Artist C. Pulley has his art hanging at the new Surreal Ultra Lounge in downtown TacomaNews and entertainment from Joint Base Lewis-McChord’s most awesome weekly newspapers - The Ranger, Northwest Airlifter and Weekly Volcano.
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Comments for "First peek inside Tacoma's new Surreal Ultra Lounge" (17)
Weekly Volcano is not responsible for the content of these reviews. Weekly Volcano reserves the right to remove reviews at their discretion.
Dean said on Apr. 13, 2010 at 5:02pm
Looks like a cool spot! Thanks for the heads-up!
Pegsterdtown said on Apr. 13, 2010 at 5:32pm
So glad to see that someone is reporting this opening. The News Tribune is too busy reporting on hotdogs, hamburgers and pizza. Thanks again for bringing this new spot to the attention of all us here in Tacoma.
CA said on Apr. 14, 2010 at 12:25pm
I am one who believes strict enforcement of a dress code is necessary to keep out the riff-raff. I wonder what/if there will be a dress code.
jamie said on Apr. 14, 2010 at 3:08pm
If there is a dress code, I really hope it involves sweatbands worn above the elbow.
Rev. Adam McKinney said on Apr. 14, 2010 at 6:45pm
Wait just a second. You're saying I'm going to have to start wearing my pants ABOVE the hip, now? People, will we stand for this injustice? I'm going to take out my Palm Pilot and clear off a couple days for an uprising.
--Rev.
Chris said on May. 04, 2010 at 8:59am
The grand opening was great, the strict code is strictly enforced, which is common for a place that calls itself a lounge. Which is great beacuse with a strict dress code you get the decent crowd that you want in a place where you go to relax with a group of friends to enjoy good music, good drinks, and good times! Highly recommend it to the not necessarily older, but more mature crowd!
John said on May. 20, 2010 at 12:55am
Horrible Horrible club. Charge 10$ to get in? Ladys free, but so what. Clubs in seattle is everybody get in free before 1030. No big deal blah blah. Club owner is rude and disrespectful. They advertise that is "cracking" on sats but there was only 15 people on the dance floor. They have a stage for ladies, but not a single person went up and danced. Lame
christina said on May. 22, 2010 at 11:23am
Unimpressed at best! Do yourself a favor if you ever think going here, and consider staying in and having dvd night instead!!
Teri said on May. 24, 2010 at 12:46am
I hope no one ever encounters the owner of this establishment. Unpleasant is too nice of a word to describe this man; more specifically rude and arrogant. Reviews were written on the Surreal's Facebook page where of 4 out of 5 Reviews, one-star ratings were given. Give respect to earn respect back.
the final word said on Jun. 28, 2010 at 10:04am
I'm sorry to say but although it is a nice establishment, it is horrible under-managed. The person who pretends to be the owner is actually not. He is just a little man who hides behind the facade of his own surreal popularity and thinks he is larger than he is. The club itself is okay, certainly not "the best" by my standards. It has a funky layout, that is very difficult to maneuver around after 100 people are there. There's one restroom each for men and women, both have 2 stalls! If you are planning on drinking, you might want to bring a porta-potty with you. The club flyers boast drink specials all night however, they seem to conveniently forget about them. The drinks are WAY over priced as compared to surrounding establishments. Now lets discuss cover charges. The club advertises free cover for women and $6 for men. What they don't tell you is that when the club gets busy or a line starts at the door, they take the signs down and charge more for cover. I've met this "owner" Hyon is his name. He is a snake in the grass and it seems he would do anything for a buck. He is confrontational, selfish and greedy. Don't let his cheap bottle of $6 champagne fool you! Go somewhere else where your hard earned money is appreciated, not expected. - The FINAL word
d said on Jul. 14, 2010 at 2:30pm
I interviewed with the owner before the club opened. It is a goregous place and yes he is so stuck-up, conceited and unkind.
Gina Yost said on Jul. 23, 2010 at 9:53pm
I've heard rumors and have read different comments about the management and had the exact opposite experience. My girlfriends and I reserved a section for a special occasion and he made sure we had a great time. He even bought a round for all of us. The bar staff was awesome and I just have to say, if anything, he hired a good lookin' staff bartenders, security and even the adorable bar back who made sure our section was cleared!!! I had a great time!!!!
Alvaro said on Aug. 11, 2010 at 7:07pm
In from Florida and looking for possible clubs to visit this weekend. Having a hard time finding names and addresses. Can anyone help?
Ron Swarner said on Aug. 11, 2010 at 7:25pm
What kind of clubs Alvaro?
alan said on Feb. 27, 2011 at 5:53pm
nothing like it in tacoma, great service greater food. Always have a good time when I come here.
Erik said on Aug. 29, 2011 at 4:08pm
this place is a joke! the so-called owner is a jerk. wouldn't go back for sure.
Mike said on Jun. 23, 2012 at 3:21am
I reserved a spot for my daughter and 3 of her friends at the last minute with Hyon the owner, was treated very well and he made sure my daughters party went well. Never encountered rudeness or arrogance, just great customer service and great memories for my daughters party
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