July 11, 2023 – In July 2020, beloved Irish pub The Poet and The Patriot announced its permanent closure due to the economic impact of shelter-in-place. Known for attracting a true cross-section of the Santa Cruz community, the once lively Cedar Square establishment has sat vacant for more than three years.
Now, coming in early 2024, Santa Cruz locals and visitors will find in its place a new venture to be called The Alley Oop Cocktail Lounge—an exciting contribution to the Santa Cruz cocktail, dining and entertainment scene from Max Turigliatto, who also owns Mission West Bar.
“We’re in the early stages of an extensive redesign that includes a cocktail bar, a restaurant-grade kitchen, a private events space and stage,” Turigliatto explains.
With a full liquor license and kitchen, The Alley Oop will serve classic, signature, and seasonal cocktails, zero-proof beverages, wine, bubbles, beer, cider and coffee. A rare and fine spirits collection is also anticipated.
The kitchen will offer amuse-bouche-inspired hors d’oeuvres, bite-sized snacks and small plates.
“The traditional boundaries between the bar and the kitchen will be blurred, they’ll operate as one,” Turigliatto emphasizes.
The Poet and The Patriot was styled after a typical Irish pub and operated as a Santa Cruz institution for 38 years in the space next door to the Kuumbwa Jazz venue. About four months into the pandemic and with no end to the closures in sight, owners pulled the plug, posting on social media:
“We want to extend a huge thank you to our friends/family/patrons for supporting us through thick and thin. We know we won’t be the only business to reach this fate but it certainly puts a hole in our hearts.
Sláinte to the poets, to the patriots, to the weirdos, to the labor union workers, EVERYONE who felt at home in the Poet. Always remember the tiniest waves can still rock the boat.”
The vibe at Alley Oop Cocktail Lounge will be updated, with the mood of the room set by the music, dim theatrical lighting and subtle Art Deco design elements. It will be furnished with the bar, booths and stand-alone seating placed to ensure that every seat is the best seat in the house.
“More than just another bar,” says Turigliatto, “Alley Oop’s guests will experience the casually sophisticated air of jazz, blues and cocktails in a distinctively Santa Cruz atmosphere that redefines the meaning of ‘Dinner and a Show’”
The Alley Oop Cocktail Lounge • 320 Cedar Street, Suite E, Santa Cruz • jazzalleylounge.com
About the author
Jeff Bareilles is a Santa Cruz-based hospitality consultant, artist, photographer and writer who has overseen the beverage programs at some of the finest restaurants in California, including Manresa, Atelier Crenn, Commis and Mourad.
