Necesitarás el código secreto para entrar al bar Wilfred de Plano

The Wilfred, Ryan Oruch's classic bar, has opened its doors. The bar blends neighborhood cocktails with a speakeasy vibe, featuring sophisticated décor with spacious banquettes, comfortable sofas, chandeliers, and a custom-designed bar. To gain entry, patrons find a keypad in the Sea Breeze's waiting area. The code changes frequently and can be found on the bar's social media or at the bottom of Sea Breeze receipts.

“We wanted to offer our guests something modern and exciting without them having to go through I-635 to get there,” says Oruch. “It’s an evolution of our business and brings something of great quality to the Plano area. When I travel, I look for inspiration everywhere, so the design merges those experiences.”

Wilfred's offers pre-Prohibition cocktails, in collaboration with Ryan Payne of Tiny Victories and Gabe Sanchez, head bartender of Midnight Rambler. "We'll have straight spirits that might not look like what you're used to, but they'll surprise you with their originality and flavor," says Oruch. As a wine expert, he also features premium wines and a selection of wines by the glass, including reds and whites from Champagne and other regions of France.

The culinary concept focuses on small plates, with an opening menu that includes bite-sized cured salmon with pastrami, tuna tartare, and lobster fried rice. "We'll emphasize easy-to-eat dishes and different themed nights," says Oruch. "Caviar pearls are trendy, so they'll be a fun addition to champagne or cocktails."

The Freddy shot pays homage to Wilfred, Oruch's 11-year-old rescue dog, and $1 from each sale goes to new beneficiaries every quarter. "I want to leave him this legacy for everything he's given me," says Oruch. The first donation will go to the Team Izzy Foundation, which raises awareness about childhood cancer and is named after the granddaughter of regular Sea Breeze customers.

The music will be eclectic, and the volume will allow for conversation: “I don’t want it so loud you can’t talk, nor so dark you can’t see anything. I want people to come and enjoy an intimate experience.” There will be live music from local artists several nights a week, and the venue will host corporate meetings, bespoke dinners, and special occasions such as cocktail pairings.

Wilfred's is located at 4017 Preston Road, Suite 350, in Plano's Lakeside Market. The entrance is through the Sea Breeze Fish Market & Grill waiting area. It's open Tuesday through Thursday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Happy hour is from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.