The Dayrock goes Underground
WALLACE – Over a year has passed since a drink has been served at The Dayrock — one of the several long-established bars of downtown Wallace.
This dry streak is set to end on Thursday though when the watering hole reopens as The Dayrock Underground.
Owner David DeRoos initially opened The Dayrock back in 2010 and oversaw it until 2019 when he leased the space out.
"They (the former lessees) were going to try and turn it back into the Liberty Theater- That's what it was in the '50s," DeRoos explained. "Therefore, they made it dark in here to be a theater. When they changed plans, we took it back."
With the new dark theme that includes higher black ceilings (formerly, the Dayrock had a lower, false ceiling) and dark blue walls, DeRoos got the idea to give the newly revamped Dayrock a 'down-in-the-mine' feel.
"I came in here one day and saw how dark it was and I thought, 'Oh! Underground!"
Since the Dayrock's original liquor license went to Albi's Steakhouse when the lease agreement occurred, DeRoos had to acquire a new one. Thanks to the The Healthy Hippie Juicery and Wellness Cafe going into the former Horseshoe Bar, it just so happened that one was available. Liquor license in hand, renovations to turn the Dayrock into a neon-lit entertainment venue began.
"That's like Dave's special style is neon,” Bartender Siobhan Curet (who also poured at the old Dayrock) said. "You know it's Dave DeRoos' establishment if it's primarily illuminated by neon."
Driving home the underground feel of the place is a large mural of miners walking down a stope. The mural, painted by Derek Munson, graces the wall right behind the stage where live music could be performed.
Curet said the reason for bringing the place back to life was simply, "well, we missed it!"
"There's a lot of nostalgia for The Dayrock and Dayrock-related shenanigans," she added. "I definitely missed the people."
One of the biggest differences from The Dayrock to The Dayrock Underground actually isn't around or above customers — it's below their feet.
"I think the biggest change is that there is no more carpet," Curet said. "That's what I'm probably most excited about."
Kicking off the grand opening on May 13 at 6 p.m., the Dayrock Underground will offer both a liquor and beer/cider/seltzer selection.
Live entertainment is also on the docket when they are open on Friday and Saturday nights from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. On top of darts and a jukebox, Curet promises a return of "Siobhananigans" to liven things up even more.
"Stay tuned for all of those," she said with a laugh.
The Dayrock space itself has been the home of many different establishments over the years including a youth center, movie theater, and even the Metals Bar (which currently resides across the street).
