Arcadia has always been more than a neighborhood. It is a culture, a place where sophistication meets ease, where neighbors gather with the unspoken agreement that good food and cold drinks taste better when shared. Back in 2009, when Arcadia Tavern first opened its doors, the place immediately became a local institution. After a long pause, The Original Arcadia Tavern has returned, refreshed, reimagined, and ready for its next chapter.
“There were many people who championed the original concept when it opened in 2009, including a handful of local friends who were residents that invested in the idea,” recalls S. Barrett Rinzler, Founder & CEO of Square One Concepts. “My group comprised the operations team and, honestly, we pulled off a small miracle that it worked as well as it did in that small of a space. It was a hit from the start with the clientele from Arcadia and beyond... it became the place to be, to see friends and to hang out.”
That magic was never just about food and drink. It was about community. And while the team went on to launch Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers in 2011, Arcadia Tavern never left Rinzler’s mind.
“We had so much initial success with Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers that we sold our stake in the Tavern to the other investors to concentrate on that brand, but I’ve always regretted doing that. Now, we are bringing back the inspiration that started all of it.”
For Rinzler, reviving Arcadia Tavern is about more than nostalgia.
“What makes it special is that it was created by people who live in the community. That’s how it all began. There is a comfort in that, that local ‘everybody knows your name’ vibe, and now we’re elevating that.”
And the timing felt right.
“For years, we considered reconstituting it, so here we are. The neighborhood loved it then and we’re bringing back that energy with a refreshed look for folks to enjoy for years to come.”
The new Arcadia Tavern is designed to feel familiar yet elevated.
“Short answer: We want people to enjoy it, to be welcomed anytime, and crave the great food, the cocktails and the people. We want folks to realize, hey, ‘It’s All Good In The Hood’ and come back for more.”
That neighborly charm extends to how the Tavern fits into Arcadia today.
“The neighborhood identity is friendly, inviting and also quite sophisticated. Unpretentious. Welcoming, but sparing no turn to deliver good, friendly service, delicious cuisine and lots of cold beverages.”
Executive Chef Robert Wagner is no stranger to the Tavern or to Square One Concepts.
“I was the chef at Arcadia Tavern in 2009, working closely with Barrett, our founder, and also Tracy Frazier, our COO. We have a long track record working together."
His philosophy for the menu is a balance between comfort and quality.
“Elevated because it’s quality and prepared with the best ingredients. Comfort-driven because it’s not caviar every night.”
When asked about defining dishes, Wagner points to the kind of food that draws people back again and again.
“I would have to say the Western Prime Dip sandwich, The Southern Fried Chicken or the ribs. But let’s face it, a great menu item is also in the eyes of the beholder. Many prefer a delicious salad. Me too. Salad doesn’t necessarily mean without flavor. In fact, we pack a punch with our salads, like with our Steak Salad."
And while nostalgia matters, Wagner’s approach blends past with present.
“Well, I’m lucky because I created with Barrett and team those items that were hits for the Tavern."
There is also a deeper purpose woven into the new menu. The Thunderbird Hot Chicken Sandwich and the Charro Chicken Sandwich each generate donations for local charities with every order.
“We hope that this version is as well accepted as the previous one. We aim to make sure this one is done right," says Rinzler.