Bar Opening in Saratoga Village Causes Controversy

Some Oak Street residents are upset, while those who work just a few blocks away in Saratoga Village are excited about a new bar opening soon on Big Basin Way.

Sunday evening, on a quiet stroll down the small downtown shopping area, we found a couple of people talking about Meza Bar's plans to open at 14486 Big Basin Way, next to Little Amsterdam and Yolatea.

A large sign of the business' Department of Alcoholic Beverage and Control application to sell alcoholic beverages is taped to the inside of a large glass window, along with its menu of small platillos, also known as tapas.

The applicant is Saratoga resident Ante Bilic, who owns Sporty's Bikini Bar in Sunnyvale and operated the now-closed Kit Kat Club.

"Small plates and drinks, somewhere you can feel comfortable to visit with friends while you relax in our old world but new country style," another small sign on the window says.

Its menu will include mixed olives, pickled veggies, toasted almonds and trio dip with crostini, among other small plates.

Down the street at The Bank bar, which has been in town since 1972, owner Jim Sullivan said any kind of new business in downtown Saratoga "that's not selling weapons," is a good idea.

"I welcome another bar in town," Sullivan said, adding there have been other bars on the strip before, which have closed.

However, he said, he welcomes bar patrons going back and forth between both establishments and thinks it's a plus that the bar will sell food because right now his patrons have him order food from the Asian fusion restaurant Mint Leaf across the street, which delivers.

There are other establishments in the Village that have small bars inside like the Michelin-starred Plumed Horse and The Basin restaurants, but they close at 10 p.m.

However, there's no place in the downtown area playing live music late at night and there's a real need, Sullivan said.

The Mountain Winery concert venue sends a large crowd to The Bank bar after shows, he said, so having another establishment can help recreate those customers, including the important entertainers.

The Bank usually opens between 3 and 4 p.m. and closes at 2 a.m. if it's busy, Sullivan said.

On Sunday night, Sullivan was closing his doors at midnight due to the thin crowd.

Bobby Daglio, an employee in the Village, said having another bar is a good thing for the downtown. "It creates more options," he said, while finishing a beer at The Bank. "I work up the street and I don't see a problem."

A gas station employee in the Village described opponents as older townsfolk who oppose change and worry about noise.

"They want to keep Saratoga the way it used to be. They're full of s--- . There used to be department stores like Woolworth and Sears on this street and Ace Hardware ... Now they're gone. Change is happening and it's good," he said.