Kokovoko is preparing to open at 102 N. G St., Unit G116, in Tacoma’s Stadium District. Owner Christopher Keil told What Now Seattle that the team is trying to open later this month, though an exact date has not been set.
During the day, Kokovoko will operate as a cafe serving coffee and sandwiches. At night, the space will shift into a craft cocktail bar.
The name Kokovoko comes from Moby-Dick, where it refers to the fictional island associated with Queequeg. Keil is carrying that imaginary-island idea into the bar with a beach-inspired theme and drinks.
Food will include tacos and other Latin American-inspired street food with Northwest touches. The cocktail program will get just as much attention.
“We’re pretty nerdy about cocktails, but it’s gonna be unpretentious and delicious,” Keil told What Now Seattle.
Kokovoko is not Keil’s first bar project. He also operates Proof, a neighborhood cocktail bar in Old Town Tacoma.
The Stadium District space previously housed food-service businesses, so the work needed to turn it into Kokovoko has been relatively light. Keil said the project is now in the final stages of permitting.
For now, there are no plans for a grand-opening event. The focus is on getting the doors open and introducing Kokovoko as a neighborhood spot.
Follow Kokovoko on Instagram for updates as the opening gets closer.
