PUYALLUP, Wash. — They haven't even been open a a full year yet, but co-owners Rachel Vincent and Sandi Whitmore are about to get a surprise every bit as fun as as their fair-themed bar, The Coaster.
We asked Whitmore to stand up on a couch in front of the Sunday crowd and handed her something in a frame which she held behind her back. Then we told her to tell everybody what she was hiding.
Whitmore revealed a framed certificate announcing The Coaster's win for Best Cocktail Lounge. Speechless, she just held it up for everyone to see. And the entire bar cheered.
The Coaster's inspiration is the Washington State Fair which takes place just a few blocks up the street. There are old photographs of fairgoers and rides and fun memorabilia. But the theme can be found in more than just the décor.
Whitmore, and especially Vincent, have had a lot of fun with their cocktails.
"We have a cocktail called 'See You At The Fair' that we serve with cotton candy on the side," Whitmore said.
The Coaster's version of a Blue Hawaiian is called Ducks In a Row. It's served with a tiny plastic duck floating on ice.
"And yes you get to keep the duck," laughed Whitmore. "And that's a super popular one."
The Matterhorn is like a peach Mint Julep, but with one icy cold added attraction.
"We make our own snow cone ice to order and it is great," said Whitmore. "Like a sweet boozy snow cone."
And Rachel's most complemented cocktail is called Smoke And Mirrors and it is a smoked Old Fashioned with Maple Syrup and it is Fabulous.
They may be two of the hardest working women in Puyallup, coming in early and working late. All to make their customers feel at home.
"We have relied on each other so much and have been there for each other to make this a great place because we both want it," said Whitmore, "and we want it to be great."
The Coaster is open every day of the week except Tuesday. It's located at 120 South Meridian in Puyallup
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