News Summary
West Columbia, SC, is excited to welcome the Ikie Lu Record Club, a unique jazz-inspired wine and cocktail bar. Set to open its doors in late May, this venue aims to create a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of traditional Japanese jazz cafes. Offering a balance of wine, cocktails, and seafood-focused food options, it seeks to fill a gap in the local dining scene. With mid-century decor and live music playlists, Ikie Lu promises to be a communal space where patrons can enjoy drinks, food, and engage in conversation, setting a new standard in West Columbia’s hospitality landscape.
West Columbia Welcomes New Jazz-Inspired Wine and Cocktail Bar
West Columbia, SC, is set to welcome the Ikie Lu Record Club, a new wine and cocktail bar aimed at delivering an inviting atmosphere reminiscent of traditional jazz cafes found in Japan. Scheduled for a soft opening in late May, followed by a fuller launch in the summer, the venue promises to be a unique addition to the local dining scene.
Location and Concept
Located at 601 N. Lucas St., in a repurposed building that previously served as a Spanish-language Pentecostal church, Ikie Lu Record Club is designed to evoke comfort and conversation. Owner Matt Catchpole, a seasoned professional in the restaurant industry and former general manager of West Columbia’s fine dining establishment, Terra, aspires to create a welcoming environment. The interiors will feature mid-century decor, low leather seating, coffee tables, and bookshelves, all contributing to an immersive communal experience akin to a spacious living room.
Menu Highlights
The Ikie Lu Record Club aims to incorporate a balanced wine and cocktail culture, with a food menu primarily centered around seafood. Anticipated menu items include shrimp rolls and seafood boards, which will consist of an assortment of meats and cheeses. The bar plans to place a strong emphasis on champagne while also serving an array of classic cocktails. Proposed drink prices are expected to range from $12 to $15, with an emphasis on keeping wine options affordable.
Musical Ambiance
Music will play a central role at the Ikie Lu Record Club, featuring a high-fidelity record player as a focal point of the establishment’s ambiance. The sound system has been developed in collaboration with Chris Wenner of Seaboard Recording Studio, ensuring a quality auditory experience. The soundtrack will encompass a mix of jazz, blues, and various other music genres, creating an engaging atmosphere for patrons to enjoy.
Additional Features and Community Engagement
The venue is not just about drinks and food; it also plans to operate a retail section where customers can purchase cookbooks, wine, and potentially vinyl records. Catchpole aims to streamline staffing requirements and emphasize efficient service with a minimalistic approach, which will help maintain a relaxed yet sophisticated environment.
In preparation for its opening, Ikie Lu hosted a collaborative kitchen event during the Columbia Food and Wine Festival on April 24, which featured an array of champagne and cocktails. This event served to introduce the concept to the community and generate excitement ahead of the opening.
Operating Schedule
Ikie Lu Record Club is expected to serve patrons on Thursday and Friday evenings, all day Saturday, and for Sunday brunch, with plans for both indoor and outdoor dining options. Inside, there will be counter service, complemented by a window for orders from the patio.
Community Impact and Future Plans
Catchpole believes there is a significant gap in West Columbia’s market between fast food and fine dining options, and he is enthusiastic about addressing this with the Ikie Lu Record Club’s unique offerings. The establishment is poised to fill a crucial niche in the area, contributing to the local dining landscape with a blend of casual sophistication and community-focused experiences.
As excitement builds towards the opening, the Ikie Lu Record Club is set to become a notable destination for wine and cocktail enthusiasts, as well as music lovers, in West Columbia.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Ikie Lu Record Club in West Columbia
- The State: New Food and Drink Insights
- Cola Today: Columbia Food and Wine Festival
- Eater Carolinas: Best Cocktail Bars in Columbia
- WLTX: 2024 James Beard Award Finalists
- Wikipedia: Restaurant
- Google Search: Columbia Food and Wine Festival
- Google Scholar: Wine bars in Columbia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wine and cocktail bars
- Google News: Food and Drink News Columbia
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