When Laurie Causey relocated from Portland, Oregon, 18 months ago to the valley, she expected to retire. She didn’t expect to begin a saloon career.
But when her favorite Palm Springs martini bar closed, Causey bought the location formerly known as Legends of Palm Springs, decked the room with vinyl, and gave the space new life.
“It was a place I liked to frequent and I found out it was for sale,” Causey explains. “The previous owner [showman Gregg Robblee, who passed away] was a really nice person. I had been retired, so I thought I’d give it a whirl.”
PHOTOS BY NEIL HUSVAR
Vinyl record-covered walls share space with mirror balls and intimate lighting.
Tiny fragments of oscillating red light illuminate the vinyl record-covered walls at what is now called RetroRoom Lounge, an intimate gay bar open to everyone. There are disco balls and portraits of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, setting the mood for a cocktail-fueled night of throwback karaoke in drag.
The staff hasn’t changed, and Causey says she plans to retain the existing atmosphere and some of Robblee’s retro decor. “We’ll be keeping the lounge entertainment on the weekends,” she adds. “And then some new things: We’re offering more drag performances and karaoke.”
Enter Pinkie Meringue Shimmer, RetroRoom’s resident Saturday night drag queen known for wearing outrageous homemade headdresses. “They kind of bump into the ceiling, and it’s funny to see her maneuver around the room,” Causey laughs. “I’ve never seen the same one twice — feathers, flowers, flamingos — I don’t know how she does it.”
RetroRoom offers nightly entertainment with happy hour every day until 7 p.m. and after dark from 9 p.m. to midnight. Performers rotate, so visit the bar’s Facebook page to check out the lineup before you arrive.
The drink menu offers classic recipes stamped with celebrity names: the Amy Winehouse Cosmo, the Doris Day Lemon Drop … If you’re feeling fancy, the Michael Jackson martini’s served up with a smoky flash — Stoli, dirty, prepared with dry ice.
Causey recommends Cowboy’s Award Winning Chocolate Martini, crafted by one of her employees, with flavors of vanilla, chocolate, and blackcurrant.
The drink menu offers classic recipes stamped with celebrity names.
Although the bar doesn’t have a kitchen, it’s conveniently located next to several spots where patrons can grab a quick bite.
“It’s kind of Cheers-like,” Causey says, referring to the 1980s sitcom. “Everybody’s really friendly and everyone remembers your name.”
RetroRoom Lounge, 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, 760-656-8680; www.retroroomlounge.com
