The Wicked Wolf, Long Beach’s favorite fantastical cocktail lounge, will soon expand its fairy tale world to caffeine and pastry lovers with a 21 and over cafe open during daytime hours.
Patrons who have grown to love The Wicked Wolf’s lush couches, antique glassware and cozy cottage ambiance will see it in a new light come November — a warm, afternoon light, to be exact. No one is more excited about this development than owner Thea Mercouffer, who said she envisioned sharing the warm, peaceful atmosphere of The Wolf during the day since they opened.
“I have always felt like I want people to like The Wolf as much as they like their living room,” Mercouffer said.
True to the DNA of the bar, which has become a haven for community group meet-ups and known for its lavish style, Tea Time Wolf will offer a different — hopefully better — experience than most cafes.
From “treats that treat you right” to drinks crafted with a bartender’s mentality (such as a mocha with orange bitters), they hope to continue their trend of offering something unique to the Wrigley neighborhood.
Before debuting their coffee menu they’ve been trying every option from Costco grounds to specialties from local shops, which are kept under wraps for the moment. Along with its bar-inspired coffees, patrons will also be able to enjoy a wide range of teas (three black, three green and three herbal), chai, matcha and house-made mocktails.
Those who show up hungry as a wolf will have their choice of healthy and filling, yet still decadent pastries, overnight oats, a freshly made soup of the day or sandwiches crafted with ingredients from local businesses.
“One of the things for me is I see all these things that are sugar and flour,” Mercouffer said. “I’m always looking for things that are protein-based and hearty so we’re looking to offer things that are more substantial.”
Mercouffer also teased at “traditional” sandwiches to create an old English tea experience, adding that she wants to honor the enchantment they’ve built at The Wicked Wolf.
Maria Abrahamian, the manager of Tea Time Wolf, has spent the last few weeks trying to craft a menu that lives up to the reputation The Wicked Wolf has earned, of creative concoctions and unique flavor pairings. Abrahamian has been visiting local coffee, pastry and bread shops to explore partnerships, though she was cautious of giving any hints at what those may be.
So far, building the menu has been a community effort. They’ve paid attention to what items have been asked for the most, and are letting their bartenders and kitchen have fun by mixing flavors. “Accessible” and “tasty” are some of the tenants they’re following as they experiment, Abrahamian said.
“My attraction to The Wicked Wolf was largely based on what I had observed of Thea [Mercouffer], where she created a space where a lot of creative voices can be heard behind the bar and out in the dining room,” Abrahamian said.
Much like their cocktail menu, Tea Time Wolf’s offerings will change with the seasons and based on customer feedback. The cafe is set to open on Oct. 31, with enough treats and drinks to make you feel like Hansel and Gretel.
Tea Time Wolf hours will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays. Reservations for the Oct. 31 grand opening can be made on The Wicked Wolf website.
The Wicked Wolf is located at 2332 Pacific Ave. and open Mondays through Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Sundays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
