This Meridian smoking bar closed 4 years ago. It’s back, reinvented — and ‘wall to wall’
When the 127 Club closed in late 2019, it was the end of an era that stretched back for decades.
Or so it seemed.
One of Meridian’s scarce remaining bars that allowed smoking, it was on track to become office space. Originally built in 1905, the structure was gutted “to the studs,” Ryan Steinbroner says.
But when plans changed, he couldn’t resist. Steinbroner, who owns multiple Treasure Valley drinking establishments, bought the building in 2021 — based partly on its “cool bones.”
“I thought it looked like a country bar,” he says.
Now the 127 is back. It soft-opened May 4. Same address: 127 E. Ave. Same name, too — almost.
Country bar
After extensive remodeling, the 127 Saloon is a whole new operation.
It’s got one pool table. And a dart board. And tough news for the Marlboro man.
Smoking is not allowed at this 127. Not even on the patio.
“We’re a restaurant,” Steinbroner explains.
The 127 Saloon definitely is cowboy-friendly, though.
“We do country DJs every weekend,” Steinbroner says. “Country dancing. It’s a country bar ... 100%.”
A grand opening celebration is planned Saturday, June 3. But the party already has started.
The big draw? DJs cranking until 2 a.m. three nights a week.
“So far on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, we’ve been wall to wall at night with dancing and mechanical bull riding,” Steinbroner says. “And we’re just getting the word out that we’re open for lunches throughout the week.”
The 127 Saloon, which opens at 11 a.m., also welcomes customers on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday — until midnight. It’s closed Mondays.
Restaurant menu
Unlike its predecessor when it shuttered, the 127 Saloon offers a full kitchen. Hungry patrons can order food from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Kids are allowed inside until 9 p.m.
The menu is relatively narrow, with a focus on pub fare — a handful of burgers and sandwiches. “We’re just trying to execute properly,” Steinbroner says. “We’ll expand it as we get our systems down.”
A big seller so far is the Backyard Burger ($14.95), an 8-ounce patty on a toasted brioche bun with grilled onions, cheddar, lettuce, pickle and tomato. (Cowboy up and upgrade to elk meat from Black Canyon Elk Ranch in Emmett for $2.50.)
Another favorite? The Spicy Hen Honcho sandwich ($15.95), buttermilk-brined chicken breast, spicy Nashville sauce, pepperjack cheese, house slaw and pickles.
Entrees come with a side of fries, onion rings or salad.
“We are going to start a Thursday prime-rib special, too,” Steinbroner promises.
Since this is a modern-day bar, you’ll find signature liquor drinks at the 127 Saloon, too: $12 cocktails such as The Stone Fence (rye whiskey, apple cider, bitters), Paloma (El Jimador tequila, fresh lime juice, grapefruit soda) and Peach Palmer (peach whiskey, house lemonade, fresh iced tea).
Bougey stuff compared to decades ago at the 127, right?
Apparently, Meridian is ready.
“The response has been fantastic,” Steinbroner says. “Everybody — even the people that hung out at the 127 just like that 127 is still in the name. They still enjoy the fact that there’s a place to come party at.”
This story was originally published May 25, 2023 at 9:27 AM.