Ex-Playboy Playmate Tries On Restaurant Ownership

Coming in mid-to-late June, to the historic 10000-square-foot San Diego Hardware building last occupied by Cremolose, is the new Lucky Bastard Saloon.

The rock and roll saloon will feature reclaimed oak walls, plush seating, a 50-foot bar, over 38 TVs and a huge outdoor patio; Lucky Bastard's seating capacity should approach 200.

Former Playboy Playmate Nicole Dahm, the majority owner and operator, is getting pointers from her husband, local investor Michael Kelly, whose nightlife background includes building and running The Bitter End (now The Tipsy Crow) and The Ivy Hotel (now Andaz San Diego). Casey Jones, former food and beverage director at Andaz, will be the general manager.

Expect a biker chick vibe; Dahm and Kelly ride their Harley Davidson motorcycles when they're not taking care of their two youngsters.

Dahm, an identical triplet whose Playboy glory days harken back to the 1990s, has since traded in her skimpy sister centerfolds for an apron. "Nicole loves to cook and bake and I have always told her she should take her talents public," said Kelly. "She always wanted to build a bar where [we] could hang out with friends."

Their partner in the project is Dr. Mike Moreno, author of "The 17 Day Diet", a longtime family friend who was Kelly's best man.

Just because a diet doctor is on board, don't expect tons of low-cal options. Dahm's comfort food menu will offer burgers and wood fired pizzas.

The saloon will also boast two pool tables, a beer pong table and shuffleboard; a full bar includes 20 beers on tap, many of them local.
· Lucky Bastard Saloon [Official Site]
· All Coming Soon Coverage on Eater [~ESD~]
-Tierney Plumb