The Hideaway Lounge offers place to rest, relax
“Come Hideaway with us!”
That’s the genuine and friendly welcome that Bobby and Carolyn Williams extend to those who are looking for a semi-private, but convenient and affordable, place to steal away for a while to relax and unwind either during or after business hours.
The Hideaway Lounge and Package Store is conveniently located at 2906 Avalon Blvd. on the east side of the road between San Blas and Santa Monica, streets that lay between the bowling alley and the Interstate. It sets slightly off the street, so if you don’t see it right away, look for a blinking neon sign that spells out some of the bargains you’ll find when you get there!
Customers will immediately delight in the warm, comfortable, and inviting atmosphere that Bobby and Carolyn have worked hard to create in the lounge. The long, custom fashioned bar adds a dash of elegance to an environment that’s made for recreational relaxation. The lounge also has tables and chairs that will seat most any sized party and a dance floor that will accommodate several couples. Two large screen TVs, a juke box, pool tables, and a bandstand also contribute to the carnival spirit and ambience that patrons have come to expect and enjoy.
The bandstand rocks with live music every Friday and Saturday night from 8 p.m. to midnight with a variety of bands, but there’s never a cover charge to the customer. “We believe in making something available to our customers either free for their enjoyment, or at bargain prices to show them how much we appreciate their patronage,” Bobby said. And “Bucket Beer” is a fine example of one of those bargains. Five beers are packed in a bucket of ice and served for the price of four. “It’s one of our most popular orders,” Bobby said.
On Saturdays at 2 p.m. customers can enjoy an 8-Ball pool tournament, and Mondays are all-day sports days with free fees for pool tables.
The Hideaway Package Store is also available for those who wish to continue their “after hours” partying with take-outs of their choice. In addition to its walk-in convenience, the package store is also fitted with a drive-up window for those who wish to make purchases from the comfort of their automobiles, or whatever vehicles they may be driving on any particular day. Just as the Hideaway street sign advertises, there’s always plenty of cold beer, wine, and liquors.
Bargains like an 8-pound bag of ice for $1.69 or a 24-Pack of Premium Beer for $17.99 are few and far between, but these are the usual at the Hideaway Lounge and Package facilities. Couple these bargains with the comfort and convenience of a landscaped parking area that can accommodate a lot of cars and an ATM, VISA and MasterCard for those who don’t wish to carry a lot of cash on their person, and you have not only premium bargains and premium beer, wine, and other items, you have premium facilities to boot!
The Hideaway is just about a household word. Although the bar has been in existence for more than 25 years, it was in January of 2007 that Bill and Carolyn decided to purchase the property, remodel and renovate it, and personally assume its management. Having retired in 1994, Bobby is a 29-year coach and physical education teaching veteran of the Escambia County School System. He admitted that remodeling and redecorating a bar was a challenge to face. “But with Carolyn, and the help of two barmaids who know and appreciate the business, we have been blessed with a level of success that has kept us going!” Bobby said. “We’re in our fourth year now and continue to do whatever we can to show our customers that we appreciate them.”
On any given night customers will be greeted and promptly served by either Stacy or Lisa, barmaids who are always friendly and helpful in addition to offering prompt and courteous service.
“Smokers are welcome to the Hideaway, too,” Bobby said, pointing out that there were ashtrays on every table and all along the bar.
The Package Store opens at 10 a.m. and the Lounge opens an hour later at 11 a.m. each day except Sunday. Both remain open until midnight which is the legal closing hour set by county ordinance.
Bobby and Carolyn invite you to come by for a beer, a mixed drink, or just a casual soft drink. There’s no charge for the atmosphere, the camaraderie, or the ambience that you’re bound to encounter.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to hear someone say, “This Bucket’s for you!” It could happen because you never know who you’ll meet there. It could be a friend, a neighbor, or a co-worker. Word is getting around!
