Vegas Lounge & Bar planned for the former arcade site at Broad Ripple

Metallic gold paint on the walls and lobster rolls on the menu will replace classic arcade machines when Vegas Lounge & Bar debuts at 723 Broad Ripple Ave.

Described as a “high-end” nightclub by owner Tanya Davis, the Vegas Lounge & Bar is set to succeed One Up Arcade, which opened in November 2018 and closed permanently in July 2020.

Davis, a first-time restaurant or bar owner, said she wanted to bring a visual opulence associated with Las Vegas to Broad Ripple.

“It will be a sight to see,” she said. “When someone enters the living room, they will be overwhelmed. “

Davis said Vegas Lounge & Bar could welcome its first customers before the arrival of 2022.

“I would love to have a party for New Years Eve,” she said.

The nightclub, which is slated to host live music and spoken word performances, is designed to attract audiences interested in “going out, having fun and having fun,” Davis said.

Reflecting on his own visits to Las Vegas, Davis said the Vegas Lounge & Bar at Broad Ripple aspires to emulate Drai’s Beachclub and Nightclub which opened in 2012 as part of the former Bill’s Gamblin ‘Hall & Casino. Saloon. This month, Drai’s will host performances by rappers Nelly (December 11), 50 Cent (December 18) and Rick Ross (December 31) in Las Vegas.

The building where the Vegas Lounge & Bar will open near the intersection of College and Broad Ripple avenues is operated by Kosene and Kosene Inc.

Davis said she wasn’t necessarily looking to place Vegas Lounge & Bar on Broad Ripple, but the opportunity to purchase One Up Arcade’s full liquor license sealed the deal.

“When this happened on my desk, I thought, ‘Hey, I have to do this,’ said Davis, who predicts that a team of 10 employees will be working at the Vegas Lounge & Bar.

Chef Eric Harris is planning a menu that Davis says won’t include “typical burgers and cheeseburgers.”

“We’re going to do what’s nice and delicious,” Davis said of the food at Vegas Lounge & Bar.