Big Whisky Saloon To Open April 30th
As was mentioned last week, Cans has become the Big Whisky Saloon. Here’s the press release announcing the April 30th opening:
Tacoma, WA – Country music fans will once again have a place to call home in downtown Tacoma. This marks the opening of the highly anticipated Big Whisky Saloon on the corner of 9th and A Streets. “We’ve wanted to open a venue that catered to country and rock music fans for some time,” says Roger Rahil, Big Whisky Saloon’s Operating Partner and current co-owner of The Vault Nightclub in Olympia. The 6000 square foot venue promises to do just that with a steady flow of country and rock music videos and djs (patrons can expect to hear everything from Kenny Chesney to AC/DC), as well as a “Whisky Bar” featuring over 50 whiskys from around the world.
The space, formerly occupied by Cans Tacoma, has undergone a transformation which includes a whisky barrel wall, a true hardwood dance floor, and an enormous prize wheel (nicknamed “The BIG Wheel”) that customers can spin every half hour to select a new drink special. “Our goal is to make people feel welcomed and at home, but at the same time experience the night of their lives” notes Rahil. Paul Muller, formerly of McCabe’s American Music Cafe, will serve as General Manager for Big Whisky Saloon. Muller, a hardcore country music fan himself, is confident that “people will like what they see.”
So why no “e” in Big Whisky? Rahil, who has dual citizenship with Canada, came up with the concept, name and the logo and preferred the Canadian spelling of whisky. “Either way of spelling it is correct, but I had to tip the scales in favor of my native Canada,” jokes Rahil. Big Whisky Saloon is slated to open April 30th, and will host a Brooks & Dunn pre-concert party with 100.7 The Wolf on Saturday May 1st.
Filed under: General
68 comments
C crenshaw sepulveda April 27, 2010
Dear god, I thought we got rid of the hillbillies, crackers, and trailer trash when they shut down McCabes. This can’t be a good thing for downtown. Surely this is something that belongs in Spanaway or possibly Lakewood. Near a Walmart at any rate. We should not be encouraging these people to come to downtown.
B broadweezy April 27, 2010
Lighten up dude, “these people” downtown is better than nobody.
H hillbillycrackerlover April 27, 2010
wow, what a lame comment crenshaw. and I’m sure you believe you are somehow better than these folks, which makes you worse.
I don’t even care for country music, but I’ll go check it out. Welcome to the neighborhood, glad to have you!
C CA April 27, 2010
Crenshaw has to be the most unpleasant commenter in the Tacoma blogosphere.
R Razorhoof April 27, 2010
So a Whiskey bar finally opens in Tacoma and I’m going to have to listen to pop-country while I enjoy a glass? No thanks. Way to make the theme of your bar so appealing to the masses, guys.
On the positive side- I hope this one is more successful than Cans was. Hopefully they won’t need to resort to $1 well drinks to bring in people.
T Tacoma1 April 27, 2010
One thing about Tacoma is that we tend to be too selective about what type of businesses we want.
I say welcome to the neighborhood. Come one, come all. Let the market decide who gets to stay. Variety is the spice of life.
Look at Downtown Portland. They have a Nordies, Voodoo Dougnuts, Stumptown coffee, El Guacho, and a strip club (someone told me about it, I promise) all just a few blocks away from each other. Everyone seems to get along just fine.
F frizzlebee April 27, 2010
Going to miss Cans. It was a great place to people watch from the opposite street corner. Although, I think that a Whiskey bar would produce the same effect.
I wonder if the owner thought about all of the American chauvanist country-lovers (gotta love ‘em) and what their opinions will be on spelling one of their favorite drinks in a foreign fashion. I’m not sure Toby Keith would approve.
R RR Anderson April 28, 2010
screw McCabe and the horse he rode in on.
C captiveyak April 28, 2010
I think this sounds like a delightful opportunity for several “fish-out-of-water” scenarios, which are always improved with whiskey.
R Razorhoof April 28, 2010
for the record, “whisky” is the Scotch spelling that Canadians happen to prefer.
“whiskey” is American… unless you’re drinking maker’s mark which is also Whisky.
C captiveyak April 28, 2010
I think as long as they don’t spell it “Grande Juisky!” the Faith Hill fans won’t know the difference.
The only thing keeping me away would be the potential for linedancing. I’d rather lick a lump of uranium than attempt those crazy movements.
I’m sure there are plenty of people who would choose to avoid my company (or pillory me as some kind fo hillarious stereotype) based upon my musical taste. So I’m willing to keep an open mind about The Big Whisky.
L LL April 28, 2010
All the negative reactions concern me a bit. It seems like the generaly theme of 94% of conversations is around how can we bring more life to our beloved Downtown Tacoma. This is a great opportunity to appeal to a broad cross section of music lovers who will hopefully bring some much needed love downtown. Ignorant stereotypes be damned; Get out of my way boys, I’m goin’ boot-scootin’!
B Bill Barnett April 28, 2010
I hope they have swinging saloon doors so I can bust through and yell: “gimme a whisky – Glenmorangie, neat”
C CA April 28, 2010
“This is a great opportunity to appeal to a broad cross section of music lovers who will hopefully bring some much needed love downtown. Ignorant stereotypes be damned; Get out of my way boys, I’m goin’ boot-scootin’!”
Agreed.
Unfortunately, many of the “hipsters” in Tacoma see anything not of their hipster-alternative subculture as “hillbillyish,“trailer trashy,” or “crackerish.” They are free to feel this way, but I still think it’s “unpleasant.” :)
J Jesse April 28, 2010
Did someone really just say “boot-scootin’” ???
C crenshaw sepulveda April 29, 2010
I really don’t have anything against the clientele of the former McCabe’s or the soon to be open Big Whisky Saloon. I just think they’d be happier with their own kind out in Spanaway or even further south. Unincorporated Pierce County is the place for these sorts of people. Let them venture downtown only when necessary for like the Monster Trucks or the Professional Wrestling at the Tacoma Dome. For sure we need to have more people taking part in what downtown has to offer but you have to draw the line somewhere. Some sorts of people we just don’t want to encourage into downtown.
C CA April 29, 2010
“I just think they’d be happier with their own kind….”
“Some sorts of people we just don’t want to encourage into downtown.”
Why? What’s wrong with “their kind?”
Y You're Welcome April 29, 2010
The thing I love most about Tacoma is our grittiness and our unpretentious attitude that welcomes all types. All of them! “Those types” spend $$$. I can’t even shout out a welcome, because “they” have always been here.
Looking forward to the grand-opening!
J Jesse April 29, 2010
Rednecks are better than bums, druggies, hookers, recently released criminals from the county jail. I’d say that if they want to come downtown and SPEND MONEY, then they are the best type of person to have there. Therefore, I love rednecks… or anyone else helping the downtown economy. Besides, adding all types of people make downtown interesting and dynamic.
R Razorhoof April 29, 2010
How many Hipsters does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
Some obscure number you’ve never heard of.
G gritcitygirl April 29, 2010
Um I’m a young professional Downtown resident Tacoma lover.
But I grew up in the country. It’ll be nice to have somewhere to go occasionally where I can listen to the music I grew up with.
And no I’m not more comfortable out in Spanaway. I guess if that makes me some “kind” that doesn’t belong in Tacoma so be it.
T Thorax O'Tool April 29, 2010
Forget country. That’ a washed-up old hat.
We need a club that has a DJ spinning Dub-Step. That’s the future of music!
B Bill Barnett April 29, 2010
Thorax – I don’t know what it is and I don’t think that kind of person is the kind we want to attract downtown.
6 6ther April 29, 2010
Crenshaw’s “type of people” are the reason downtown sucks.
C Culver April 29, 2010
and then in another year it’ll be a metal bar. And then six monthes later it will be a throw back 70s disco. Then two monthes from then it will be a gay bar. Leave the night life to 6th Ave where it belongs.
A Andrew April 30, 2010
Thorax:
Dubstep’s actually the 2006-2009 of music, but it’s still a great suggestion nonetheless.
J Jeremy Z April 30, 2010
Culver:
Why can’t Tacoma have a couple of nice districts for entertainment and night life? I’m a strong supporter of 6th Ave myself, but I’m all for a thriving downtown as well. Here’s to success, Big Whisky!
S Squid April 30, 2010
Clearly, Crenshaw is EMPLOYED by Big W as Chief Pot-Stirrer. No WAY this thread has 27/8 comments without his missives.
Just keep the Faith and Shania videos on heavy rotation fellas, that’s all I ask.
S Steven April 30, 2010
Did someone just say 70’s Disco? I’m in.
T two steppin' trailer trash mama April 30, 2010
Looking forward to seeing my old trailer trash, hillbilly, cracker friends from McCabe’s !!!!
C CityGirlWhoLovesCountryMusic April 30, 2010
I love how it’s just automatically assumed that those who like country music are “hillbillies, crackers, and trailer trash.” I happen to be a college graduate with a corporate position in the city. I love country music and two-stepping but I also love classical music, rock and jazz.
People don’t fit in boxes, as you feel, just because of one like or dislike. McCabes was a fun, safe and friendly place to hang out on the weekends…and I hope that Big Whisky will be the same.
C crenshaw sepulveda April 30, 2010
I guess I better stop shilling for Big Whisky Saloon before people catch on.
R redneckgirl April 30, 2010
“Us Type” of people like all sorts of things. We aren’t as narrow minded as you. We are much more well rounded and diverse and don’t spend our time bad mouthing other people for something they like. We may not like it, so we just don’t go to it. If you recall all the bad stuff that happened at McCabes only happened on hip hop night when the THUGS came out. One of the shootings was from a guy who had left the Swiss. Oh yeah, lets knock country when in fact it’s the thug bars that make take Tacoma so great. I’m sure all “those kinds” of people can spend some real money after they sell a few more rocks in the neighborhood or get their ho’s to turn a few more tricks. Yes Tacoma that’s where the real money is. By the way, I would love a bar to open further South so we could keep people like YOU out of it so it could stay open. People like YOU are what caused McCabes to close not the Country people.
A Andrew April 30, 2010
CityGirl:
I’ll give you “fun” and maybe even “friendly” for McCabe’s. Not too sure on the “safe” part, though…
B Bill Barnett April 30, 2010
Forget the country. Will there be some kind of plaque for special patrons that drink 1 shot of all 50 Whiskys?
Y You're Welcome April 30, 2010
Yup! It’s no accident that the T-dome has always welcomed big country acts. Big selling bands that hardly ever set foot in CA or OR. Tacoma peeps loves some country.
Let’s face it, Cans was a wreck. Cops being called. Puke in the streets. Over serving!!! That’s not good for us, we can do better.
I really wish Big Whisky tons of luck and I hope they get a big new crowd to come back to downtown.
J jdub April 30, 2010
Johnny Cash was country, and an original American voice, like What Whitman. He put out a great statement when the musics awards overlooked “real” country, and he gave Bob Dylan a place at his table when Bob went electric and was vilified. I’ve been to honky tonks in Texas that kicked ass on the dance floor as hard as the best octoberfests, and if you don’t know how to do the two step, the good ones will show you.
Bring it on, have fun. And please give some airtime to Paycheck, Haggard, Cash, Bandy, and Hank (I’d go just to hear some Prine at happy hour!)
J jdub April 30, 2010
oh, let’s not forget Tammy and Loretta with that kick album a few years back.
T Thorax O'Tool April 30, 2010
To each their own, especially in terms of music. It’s one of those subjects that few will ever agree 100% on.
Personally, I don’t care too much for country. There are songs/artists I DO like though. Brooks & Dunn, Faith Hill, Gary Allen, Allison Krauss (she’s Bluegrass, I know).
A club for Country only is a problem for me if that’s the ONLY kind of club in town. If we had Jazz, Country, Rap, Classic Rock and Techno clubs in downtown, I’d be quite pleased.
H hillbillycrackerlover April 30, 2010
jdub, if they had that old school stuff playing, i’d be there for happy hour several times a week, and i’d learn to like whiskey even! Cannot forget Waylon and Willie and the boys.
This successful life we’re living’s got us feuding like the Hatfields and McCoys…
B Bill Barnett April 30, 2010
How old school crossover stuff like:
Lynerd Skynard (sp??)
ZZ Top
Allman Brothers.
Classic Southern Rock. Remember that genre? It was great music.
I’d drink a lot of whisky or whiskey there if they mixed in that sort of music.
S Squid April 30, 2010
Dare I say it? Mechanical bull.
D dolly varden April 30, 2010
I’d love to see Tacoma get a venue for bluegrass and alt country — outside of the Tractor and Conor Byrne in Ballard, there aren’t a lot of good venues for that kind of music in the Puget Sound area. The kind of “country” music that it sounds like the Big Whisky will promote is basically twanged out hair metal power ballads — commercial country music quit being real country years ago. It actually has quite a bit of ironic kitsch in it — maybe the BW will be a hipster bar after all.
M Mofo from the Hood April 30, 2010
If I had my way I’d pattern this place after L.A.‘s 1960’s-70’s famed Sunset Boulevard “Whiskey A Go-Go.”—-New and established music acts and caged Go-Go Girls.
B bluecollar April 30, 2010
Well let me just say this, I am one of “those people” as some of these posts have put it. I am a military man, and I worked at the old McCabes. With that said, for the most part, country people don’t judge other people by what they wear, or how they look. We work hard, and we like to play hard. We had more issues with people on non country nights. So for all of you who might be shall I say scared of the country crowd, GET OVER it. McCabes was downtown before some of the bars were even thought of. I will be there standing tall and proud! Country music for a great country.
If you don’t stand behind out troops, then please feel free to stand in front of us!
J Jesse April 30, 2010
@42: In Tacoma it’d be a mechanical Pit-Bull.
C crenshaw sepulveda April 30, 2010
Mofo, we already had that when Esmeralda’s was down on Pacific.
A Altered Chords April 30, 2010
Walked by today. It will be ready for opening tonight.
Walked by Surreal. There was no sign of human life. Will they hit their opening target date? Anyone know?
G gritcitygirl May 1, 2010
@42 Squid
I am so in.
L LoveAllTypesOfMusic May 1, 2010
Thorax couldn’t have said it better in post #39. And crenshaw sepulveda needs to take his wanna be L.A. ass outta here…
G G May 1, 2010
Yea we need to keep an eye on those country folk… can’t allow Downtown Tacoma to be ruined by all that great work ethic, high family values and and love for the good ole USA… Lord only knows what will happen… YEEHAW!!
C captiveyak May 1, 2010
I’ve always wondered how to get living, breathing human beings to turn into painfully predictable caricatures, complete with bumper-stickerable sentiments.
Now, I know the answer is to open a country music theme bar.
A Altered Chords May 1, 2010
I plan to check out this place tonight and I plan to check out surreal too. I’m wearing the same stuff that I always wear – I don’t own cowboy boots and I’m sure that I’ll be accepted at Big Whiskey nevertheless.
I doubtt that visits to either will turn me into a caricature. Unless RR sees me and pulls a quick draw on me.
B Black Cowboy May 1, 2010
I agree with redneck girl and yes do not adjust your screen I am black and love country music. The only time we have problems are when the hoods come out, I use to go to McCabes and the people there were great except, when the Knuckle heads came in, so please don’t knock it till you try it. Country music is great and the people are good. I will go to big Whisky and contribute to the economy good luck.
Black Neck Cowboy
C captiveyak May 1, 2010
AC:
I didn’t mean to say the patrons of Big Whisky were caricatures. I just think nearly every comment in this thread is amazing. It’s as if country music is some kind of dog whistle for competing forms of populism. heck, i’ll probably go to Big Whisky to check out the liquids. And if there’s some Gram Parsons or Patsy Cline playing, I’ll stick around happily.
P Paul Muller May 3, 2010
Crenshaw, It’s unfortunate you feel that way about country music and the folks who patron our bar. I personally invite you to come down and have a look around. I promise to show you that Big Whiskey can be a good, safe time!
C crenshaw sepulveda May 4, 2010
Paul, sign me up for Dixie Chicks night at the Big Whisky Saloon.
J JAS May 4, 2010
“How many Hipsters does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
Some obscure number you’ve never heard of.”
In Crenshaw’s biggoted case the answer is:
One.
Crenshaw thinks he’s so much better than the others that he just stands there and expect the world to turn for him.
S Squid May 5, 2010
See, I told you guys. Dixie Chix. He’s SHILLING.
C crenshaw sepulveda May 5, 2010
We listen to the radio to hear what’s cookin’
But the music ain’t got no soul
Now they sound tired but they don’t sound Haggard
They’ve got money but they don’t have Cash
They got Junior but they don’t have Hank
I think, I think, I think
The rest is a long time gone
No, I ain’t hit the roof since I don’t know when
Long time gone
And it ain’t coming back
R Razorhoof May 5, 2010
“Well we’re losing all the outlaws
that had to stand their ground.
and they’re being replaced by these kids from a manufactured town.
And they don’t have no idea
about sorrow and woe.
‘Cause they’re all just too damn busy
kissin’ ass on Music Row.
So I’m here to put the dick in Dixie and the cunt back in country,
‘Cause the kind of country I hear nowadays is a bunch of fuckin’ shit to me.” – Hank III
A Altered Chords May 5, 2010
Any original material out there?
A Altered Chords May 6, 2010
Who put the ass in crass?
J joeski May 6, 2010
Hank III > any country music on the radio today
M Mofo from the Hood May 6, 2010
Hank III? What? Are these lyrics some kind of Ghetto Rap crossover?
Just about flipped my dew rag.
A Angela May 6, 2010
Soooo excited for this! Welcome Big Whisky, I am sure we will be great friends!!!!!
S Selena May 9, 2010
Not everyone who likes country dancing is a back woods hillbilly. I am a liberal, cultured democrat who prefers to dance with a friendly, well-mannered cowboy at a country bar than a over-friendly playa’ at the hip-hop club. I am very glad I will have a place I can go and dance again. We should all be happy to have people coming downtown again.
S Squid May 10, 2010
New Business idea for C. Sepulveda – Flame On!: Strategic Interweb Public Relations for a New Age.