Old Annex Lounge space getting a new bar inspired by a ‘seductive’ lady who loves pickles
There’s a new bar taking over the old Annex Lounge space at 6305 E. Harry, and it’s named for a “seductive” woman who loves pickles.
Shane Smith, a recent California transplant who made his career in the bar industry, says he plans to open Ruby Q’s Bar in the space that was vacated by 60-year tenant Annex Lounge in January 2018 and has been home to two short-lived businesses since: The Foxhole, which operated from July 2019 until February 2020 and An-Ex Bar N Grill, which opened in August 2020 and closed less than a year later.
Smith said he’s naming the bar for a woman from his past who was “very seductive” and that he plans for the bar to have a “pinup, retro sexy kind of girl theme.” The bar will have two pool tables, two dart boards, a foosball table, a jukebox and a covered patio. It’ll have a full bar that serves lots of unique drinks that are ruby inspired: Many will be red in color, and many will be made with grapefruit juice.
Though Ruby Q’s will be mostly a bar, he said, it will also offer a food menu that Smith describes as unique. It will feature many items made with pickles — a food loved by the mysterious real-life Ruby — and the kitchen will put out items like pickle grilled cheese sandwiches, pickle salsa and pickle pizza. He’ll also serve a pickle martini.
The food menu will include typical bar staples like stuffed jalapeno poppers, fries and onion rings, but Smith said those will be prepared in an air fryer so they’re a bit healthier.
Though the temporary sign he put up promised a December opening, the bar will actually open on Jan. 6, Smith said. Its hours will be noon to 2 a.m. daily.
Smith said he’s still working to hire staff members. Anyone looking for a job, he says, should call him at 316-500-3310.
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