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| Escape to Wrigely and Beyond at Puka Bar By Barbara Holbrook, Signal Tribune Design Editor
So it was that when I heard about the opening of Puka Bar, a tiki-themed escape in Wrigley, I couldn't wait to visit. Owners Byron Mathis and Larry Settle leased the location earlier this year after The KB Club closed. The intention was not to just revive the neighborhood watering hole but to turn it into something more. With the help of family and friends, it took a mere five weeks to prepare the interior, complete with a hand-carved bar by tiki artist Crazy Al Evan. The décor at Puka Bar is just right -- dim enough to set the mood with enough light to show off the amazing design details. Bamboo walls create an attractive stage for hula girls on velvet by Nina Mathis, while overhead puffer-fish lamps dance among blown glass lanterns with bamboo shades by Demian DeForest. Patrons can also step away from the bar to relax in the Volcano Room, which boasts a mural by Long Beach artist Ashlee Collins. "I've never had a bad time at a tiki bar," said Mathis about choosing a look for the bar. "It's an escape." Patrons control the music at Puka Bar by taking turns at a jukebox filled with an eclectic mix of tropical favorites, reggae, 80's, classic and indie rock and old-school country -- think The Stray Cats, Rolling Stones, Elvis and Johnny Cash. Not feeling the groove? Tune into the tube. You're as likely to find old-time kung-fu movies as a marathon showing of the Muppet Show. It's usually "whatever kind of strangeness we can find," said Mathis. "Everything from Evil Knievel to Gilligan's Island." But as good as it looks, the décor said Mathis "is secondary compared to why we're really here-good service and an excellent drink." And, drinks are another example of how Puka Bar gets it just right. The tropical theme is carried out on the drink menu with the same careful balance of historical accuracy and modern flare that permeates the décor. Try any of the specialty drinks and prepare to be whisked away into a tiki wonderland of days gone by complete with paper umbrella and fruit garnish. My personal favorite is the Witch Doctor. A recipe brewed up by Mathis, it's a green concoction of "jungle juice" and "special potions" that packs quite a punch. Another bar favorite, which comes highly recommended by customers, is the Mai Tai. Mathis describes it as an old standby "served in its traditional form. Done the way it was done many, many years ago." Not on the menu yet, but definitely worth asking about are the whisky-based Land Pirate and fiery Café Diablo, two more drinks direct from Mathis. The Café Diablo is a special treat laced with coffee in a sugar-rimmed glass set aflame just before serving. "I've been to bars around the world," said Puka fan Ken Rawens. "The Cafe Diablo is the most interesting thing I've ever seen." Rawens and bar-mate Eric Simmons were among the first "Puka Fans." The former KB Club regulars had to investigate what had become of their neghborhood hang-out. "We walked in the first time and were extremely happy," said Simmons. "It's more upscale, upbeat," Rawens added. With a "positve atmosphere and ambiance." Puka Bar, located at 710 West Willow Street, is open from 4 p.m. till 2 a.m. daily. Stop by between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. to partake of happy hour specials. Call (562) 997-6896 for additional information.. |
For as long as I've been of legal drinking age, I've been searching for the "perfect" bar. Too dark, too light, too far, too crowded, too loud, like Goldilocks stuck in a time loop, the search has gone on and on.