Chappy’s Safari Lounge in Cedar Rapids to Reopen as a Restaurant

The former Chappy's Safari Lounge in Cedar Rapids is about to have a new future as a restaurant!

Home Grown Iowan reports that the building was first built in 1966 and was the longtime spot for The Safari Lounge, and eventually Chappy's Safari Lounge. It was a popular spot for homemade lunch specials and late-night karaoke. It closed its doors in May of 2023. Now, two experienced restauranteurs are taking over the location and hope to open a new restaurant soon!

Jimmy and Ally Ramirez own three Taco Depot restaurants in Cedar Rapids and one in Iowa City according to Home Grown Iowan. The couple is planning a new restaurant at the old Chappy's Safari Lounge location at 229 16th Ave. SW called Buchonas Sports Bar. Ally Ramirez says that the name refers to girls who ride bulls. The couple went on to say that no, this will not be another Mexican restaurant, but more of an American sports bar according to Home Grown Iowan.

The restaurant hopes to have an eclectic menu that includes burritos and other Mexican dishes, but also wraps, burgers, and the famous Safari tenderloin! Check out the size of that sandwich!

So when will this new restaurant be open? According to Home Grown Iowan, we won't have to wait much longer! Buchonas Sports Bar hopes to open sometime in March. The new owners say they love the location of the restaurant because it is close to both the Czech Village and the Newbo District in Cedar Rapids.

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