When local developer Rocco Termini announced his Signature Development company would be plunking down tens of millions to pump up a disused stretch of Chandler Street in Black Rock, we all expected to be wowed.
Well, with the opening of the new Tappo Day Club — the wow factor is here.
Part community pool, part night club, part restaurant and part concert venue, Tappo Day Club promises to be family friendly during the day and adult frisky at night. It’s the sparklingly fabulous crown jewel of the dining and entertainment district of Chandler Street in Black Rock.
With an acre of open space and a few silvers of shade, Tappo Day Club has lots of different areas to see, and to be seen in. Low-slung terraces offer rows of deck chairs for sunning and canoodling. The massive rectangle bar has enough room for dozens of thirsty swimmers. The 150-seat rooftop seating area is an ideal perch for people watching.
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In the heart of it all is a 1,600-square foot pool. Encircled by a lounge area, the pool is 3 feet deep at one end and 5 feet deep at the other. At one end, a shipping container bedecked with a massive mural from street art ace Chuck Tingley will serve as a stage for DJs and bands.
Over email, events coordinator Elias Benavides told us the live music approach should accommodate all age groups: “At 2 p.m., DJs will provide a chill, relaxing, fun-in-the-sun atmosphere. At 5 p.m., bands will kick up the energy, and under normal (non-COVID) circumstances, will keep them dancing. At 8 p.m., DJs will play as the sun goes down, and the party kicks into high gear.
“We are looking to try all types of styles. We have a couple of guys from the wedding circuit. We have some of the city’s DJ circuit staples like DJ MILK and DJ CrespoBeats. We have a couple of dates with DJs who specialize in trance, house, techno, EDM, and more on the way.”
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While swimming, sunning, partying and performance may be the main draws, there’s also food and drinks available. The rooftop dining menu has a number of different delectables, including shareable plates of oysters, gazpacho, Korean-style spicy tofu, poke, various rice bowls, salads, sandwiches and desserts. There’s also a menu specifically for poolside and a kids’ menu with chicken fingers, grilled cheese and hot dogs.
The drink menu includes a number of quenching cocktails that are perfect for poolside pros: a peach vodka mule, a champagne spritz and classic tiki drinks. This being Buffalo, the #BillsMafia friendly bar also has Labatt Blue Light, various White Claws, Bud Light and High Noon in cans. The draft beer options include a number of Thin Man brews and there is a short list of red, white, rose and bubbly wines available.
According to an FAQ on the official website, a $25 day pass is required to use the pool, surrounding lounge area, terraced seating, changing rooms and outdoor shower area. The day pass does come with free towel service, so you can leave that ratty old beach towel in the hamper at home.
A day pass isn’t necessary for dining and drinks in the rooftop bar area. Tappo Day Club is completely all-ages until 6 p.m. on weekends, at which point the pool and surrounding areas are only available to those 21 years old and older. The Grand Opening Party this Saturday is a closed, ticketed, 21+ event.
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On our midday press event visit, the empty pool club had a beach-in-the-city look to it and it’s easy to envision the old Mickey Rats crowd transplanting themselves to the new sun and swim spot. Whether it’s for an #AfternoonSwim with the kiddos, #HappyHour, #RoseAllDay or #SundayFunday, Tappo Day Club is owning #AllTheHashtags this summer.
Opening to public: Sunday, May 23, 2021
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Monday and Tuesday CLOSED
