What’s in a name? Everything—when it comes to the Linger Longer Lounge, 6522 N. 16th St.
“The concept behind the bar was to create a dark and cozy neighborhood tavern that would be a neighborhood go-to,” says Tucker Woodbury, majority owner of the business. The concept was “…a spot with such a fun, comfortable environment that people might come for a beer or a bite to eat, and end up sticking around or lingering a bit longer. Plus I love word play, alliteration and coming up with clever and memorable names for our projects. Linger Longer Lounge covered all those bases.”
Visitors to the Linger Longer Lounge can enjoy some game time with their food and drinks. No, not dozens of TVs showing local sports, but some real hands-on gaming, whether Jenga, Sorry, or other fun retro board games that fill the shelves in the game room (submitted photo).
Woodbury certainly has covered all the bases for a good local hangout. On each table is a Jenga game, in the back the shelves are filled with other board games and you can’t miss the huge collection of vinyl records that are put to use weekly by a DJ. That’s all just in the main room. There also is a patio for patrons and a separate game room that’s like a mini arcade.
“Beyond food, cocktails and conversation, people like something to do and games keep our guests lingering longer,” Woodbury explains.
When it comes to the food the Linger Longer Lounge has more than just burgers and wings. “I wish more people were aware of the fact that we serve really great food,” points out Woodbury. “Our pizza is seriously some of the best pies in town and our fried pickles are badass!”
The panko-crusted fried pickles are on the “Intros/Apps” menus as well as baked brie or the Big board loaded with cured meats, artisanal cheese, roasted vegetables, olives and fruit. The price range is $7 to $13.
One 12-inch pizza is named the “Leon Brussel” and features brussels sprouts, bacon, roasted garlic, extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest and an egg over easy for $13. “Bonus Tracks” are items you can add to your pie such as egg, chorizo, jalapenos, or bacon for $1.50 each. Salads and sandwiches are $13 or less.
The bar features craft cocktails starting at $8 and beer, a few from some local breweries, and wine. Non-alcoholic drinks such as Kaliber or Red Bull also are available from the bar.
“I think I realized in college that the kind of parties I liked to attend, no one was having,” recalls Woodbury. Today he and his partners are busy creating the kind of environment that makes people feel comfortable and relaxed. He opened his first bar/restaurant in 1991.
It’s definitely a fun atmosphere at the Linger Longer Lounge and it’s a brand Woodbury and his partners are building. “All of our locations are operated by Genuine Concepts, a hospitality management company we started a couple years ago to oversee not only our growth, but also the day-to-day management of each store. We’ll have 10 stores by year’s end and more on the drawing board.”
Logan Purser is the director of operations, Jorge Gomez is the executive che and Cesar Cramton is the event coordinator.
On Wednesday nights the record player is opened to Vinyl Valley where, as Woodbury puts it, “…the best local DJ’s spin nothing but wax.” The game room is available for private parties or to host a business meeting.
“I hope people know the Linger Longer is a ‘pretension-free zone,’” says Woodbury. He wants to stress that the atmosphere is casual, fun and approachable—no attitude—and that “we have a killer parquet wood dance floor, disco ball and dancing every Friday and Saturday night.”
You can see the full menu and a schedule of events at www.lingerlongeraz.com or call 602-264-4549. Linger Longer Lounge also is on Facebook and Instagram.
