Wicked Wolf Verified listing

The Wicked Wolf, continually home to Wrigley’s most impressive cocktail program, has become a neighborhood staple. And that development has been in a way that is desperately needed for the neighborhood itself. Perpetually supported by and supportive of surrounding businesses, the waltz-into-the-woods space has been a stalwart figure for a part of Long Beach often insular in itself and ignored by outsiders.

The thing with Wicked Wolf is that it goes beyond the cocktails In the world of cocktails, Long Beach lacks not—particularly as of recently.

You have Gianna Johns over at Baby Gee Bar—they’ve been recognized not just once but twice by the coveted and prestigious Spirited Awards—with their team releasing their own summer cocktail menu for 2024. David Castillo over at Marlena and Jocelyn Jolley at Michael’s on Naples, both in Naples, serving up some of the best in the game. There’s Erick Rios-Wentzky at both Lola’s and The Social List. You have Mike Borowski at Selva. You got Kayla Bohner holdin’ down the fort at The Ordinarie. You’ve got Tiquio Serratos at Viaje. This certainly includes The Wicked Wolf, which has seen everything from supporting National Parks to returning to classic cocktails.

But beyond this, the space has become truly communal. And actually, that very tense—”become”—is false because it’s been there since day one. Thea Mercouffer—who co-owns the space with her husband George Wolfe—has been incredibly idea driven when it comes to community. Constant collaborations. Regularly reaching out. Persistent planning. And the result has been awesome: Themed parties and industry-specific gatherings are paired with cultural niche nights and a seemingly constant array of specials.

For Brian Addison's latest feature on The Wicked Wolf, click here.