Tempe’s Yucca Tap Room lounge reopens after repairing storm damage

Yucca Tap Room in Tempe has had one hell of a week. On Monday, a violent microburst ripped through the city, toppling trees and damaging businesses at Danelle Plaza. Hurricane-force winds tore off large portions of Yucca Tap’s lounge roof, causing rain to pour through its ceiling.

“It was all really bad,” Yucca Tap co-owner Rodney Hu told Phoenix New Times by text on Monday.

After inspecting damage to the lounge, Yucca Tap employees reportedly went into repair mode. Co-owner Sean Downing stated on Facebook the staff began working nonstop “to get this place back to its Yucca self.” (Meanwhile, the beloved Tempe bar’s main room escaped damage, aside from a power outage that lasted until late Monday.)

As of Thursday, crews had finished most repairs, and Yucca Tap’s lounge had reopened, per Downing’s Facebook post.

There’s still some work left to do, though Downing didn’t specify what remains unfinished.

“We are proud to announce that both sides are open but a long way to being 100%,” he wrote. “Come stop by for drinks and entertainment. In this difficult time, community support means more than ever. Let’s prove nothing can tear down Yucca Tap Room.”

Yucca Tap’s lounge, which opened in 2010, doubled the bar’s overall size. The space features a second bar, kitchen, pool tables and extra seating for patrons. Over the past 15 years, it has hosted dance nights and a variety of other events.

‘We’d love your support’

Other Danelle Plaza businesses damaged by Monday’s microburst are also open for business. Next door, Main On Mill Smoke Shop, formerly known as Sky High, quickly cleaned up damage from the microburst within hours.

Photos posted to Facebook on Monday showed ceiling wreckage and debris scattered across the shop’s floor. A Main On Mill employee told New Times the store “never closed,” though it briefly lost phone service and Wi-Fi.

Electric Bat Arcade, which suffered only minor damage, has been open since Tuesday. Owner Rachel Bess echoed Downing’s message in a Facebook post on Friday, urging the public to visit Yucca Tap and her spot.

“We’d love your support,” Bess wrote. “Come have a drink, play some pinball and have a great time with a rad community.”