黑料福利社

A new cocktail bar in downtown Yakima will celebrate its grand opening Saturday in one of the city鈥檚 oldest commercial districts.

Once or Twice Bar, located at 31 N. Front St. in the Old North Yakima Historic District, opened recently and will host a grand opening party from 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday, July 11. The celebration will feature a DJ set by The Country Co-Op beginning at 8 p.m.

The bar is owned by Will Kostas, Lauren Bailey, Nathaniel Seeger and Garrett Remy, who bring more than 40 years of combined hospitality experience to the business.

Seeger and Remy moved to Yakima from Long Beach, California, more than six years ago, while Kostas and Bailey relocated from New York City in 2019. According to information provided by the owners, the four decided to partner on the business after discussing the idea three years ago.

Bailey said the owners were immediately drawn to the building and the history surrounding Front Street.

鈥淲e fell in love with the space as soon as we saw it,鈥� Bailey said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e had such nostalgic and warm responses to opening a bar on this street. Many locals who grew up here have shared their stories of great establishments that were once here on Front Street. We want to bring that energy back.鈥�

While researching the property, the owners learned the building originally housed the Sydney Hotel, built in 1909 for Julia Hess Miller, a hotel and saloon proprietor. The neighborhood once served as a bustling hub that included City Hall, hotels, saloons and gambling halls.聽The business is across from the former Northern Pacific Railway depot.

The building鈥檚 history helped shape the design of the space, which was conceived by Kostas and built largely by the owners. A custom walnut bar top and 10-foot arched back bar, crafted with help from local fabricator Nate Monick of Atlas and Cedar, anchor the interior.

The menu features house and classic cocktails, draft and packaged beer, wine, nonalcoholic beverages and an extensive selection of whiskey and mezcal. A limited food menu also is available.

鈥淲e just want to provide a great experience in the form of a really great bar and give Yakima one more reason to come and frequent downtown,鈥� Bailey said.

Once or Twice Bar is open from 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 4 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. The bar is open to guests 21 and older.聽Follow on Instagram @onceortwicebar for more information.聽

The grand opening party is free to attend and runs from 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday.