Plumas Street pub set to open

Beer lovers will be able to "tap into" one of Plumas Street's newest businesses by next month.

The Happy Viking should have a soft opening some time around the second week of August, said Mattias Stenberg, owner/manager of the sports pub and eatery at 741 Plumas St. A grand opening would follow a couple of weeks later.

That's a bit later than the June opening date that was expected earlier this year. But it works out well since a section of Plumas Street under construction was just finished in front of the restaurant. That should mean easier access for customers when the pub opens.

"It worked out well," said Stenberg.

Plans for Yuba City's downtown have long envisioned a shopping and entertainment district for Plumas Street. The street could boast of a total of 14 restaurants and pubs serving food by the end of this year — double the number of five years ago.

The Happy Viking will be a 130-seat sports pub with 55 beers on tap and 20 high-definition television sets. Pizza will be the highlight of the pub's menu.

"That's our three things, pizza, beer and sports," said Stenberg.

Its Web site also said the restaurant also will feature pool tables, shuffle board, karaoke, live music and a kids area.

When it opens, the Happy Viking will join other new eating and drinking establishments on Plumas Street that have opened in recent months. Padre's Pub and Grill, a 105-seat sports pub serving American and Mexican food, opened Feb. 2 near the corner of Bridge and Plumas street. California Red's Cafe started serving American style cuisine on May 9 at the intersection of Colusa Avenue and Plumas.

Plumas Street is in the midst of a $13.4 million streetscape project that will replumb the street's aging utilities. When finished, wider sidewalks, ornamental planters and more trees will make street surface more inviting and hopefully attract more people to downtown Yuba City.

While some shops have shuttered, claiming slower business from the streetscape — and undoubtedly a slow economy — drinking and eating establishments have continued to open on the street.

Contact Appeal-Democrat reporter John Dickey at 749-4711 or jdickey@appealdemocrat.com.