The Lost Inferno

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Growing up, The Alchemists chief executive officer Leonard Chan’s two favorite movies were The Goonies and E.T. So when he had the opportunity to collaborate with Bar Consultant Dominic Iapello to create a new speakeasy at the site of the former Taka-O Japanese Restaurant in San Clemente, he looked to bring the movie to life.

“The Goonies and E.T. both made such an impact on me growing up, I knew eventually I would want to theme out a concept based on one of the two,” Chan said. “Naturally, E.T. doesn’t translate to a bar very well, but The Goonies and Tiki are a natural match.”

In The Goonies, a group of kids sets out to find ‘One-Eyed Willy’s’ lost ship, The Inferno, in a hidden cave off the coast of Astoria, Oregon.

The Lost Inferno in San Clemente brings the shipwreck to life, creating a “moody and dark shipwreck into a cave grotto filled with a bunch of Easter Eggs from the movie,” Chan said.

The speakeasy offers a list of classic tiki cocktails and original creations by Iapello.

“Currently, we are still working our way up to running a full kitchen, so we are offering only cocktails at the moment here,” Chan said.

The Lost Inferno also offers a magic show called “Enchanted Escape,” run by Jeromy Chan and Derek “Hubb” Irwin on the first Sunday of every month.

Upstairs from The Lost Inferno, there’s a Japanese speakeasy, Momoku No Usagi, that offers unique, crafted cocktails and Temaki handrolls. The menu was created by Chef Jason Yamaguchi.

When Chan and Iapello first walked through the former Taka-O site, he envisioned splitting the space into four distinct dining experiences.

The team opened the first two concepts, The Lost Inferno and Momoku No Usagi, during Labor Day Weekend in 2022 with the hopes of opening the final concepts, a Shabu Shabu by the end of summer at the original sushi bar and a Yakiniku dining experience by the end of the year.

“We wanted to honor the original space and thought bringing the old lit-up sign from the front of the building inside and creating a more intimate sushi experience upstairs,” Chan said. “My love of all Japanese whiskey and all of the super fun tiny bars—there are over 200 in a small, six-alley area in Shinjuku—in Golden Gai really gave me the inspiration for Momoku No Usagi.”

The two speakeasies have their own distinct entrances and offer unmistakably different experiences, Chan explained.

“At our sister bar, The Blind Rabbit in Anaheim, we created a hidden entry and wanted to make sure we would bring some of that magic and love to San Clemente,” Chan said. “We are hoping it’s a bit of an adventure in just seeing the space once the entrances are revealed.”

Chan noted that he’s been asked over and over why the two speakeasies don’t have signs, explaining that it’s a deliberate move.

“We love the old sign left by the Sugano family and believe that it should always remain,” Chan said. “Part of the adventure is just finding us, and we want to keep it that way. We’ve been fortunate that we’ve been given a big hug by most of the community in San Clemente and are happy to let the good juju flow by word-of-mouth and people seeking us out.”

When customers walk into the speakeasies tucked away off the I-5 freeway, Chan said he hoped people take in a new experience each time they stop by.

“Our goal is to create a new experience every time you come, whether it’s something new on the walls, a couple new cocktails, or simply coming in with different friends for a new vibe,” Chan said. “Most of all, have fun and escape from all the noise that life sometimes creates.”

No longer a Prohibition-era spot to enjoy illegal libations, speakeasies seem to be having a resurgence. Chan explained that “as people’s tastes are evolving and becoming more refined, they are seeking out more engaging escapades.”

“Thankfully, I don’t have to always travel to more metropolitan areas to get my speakeasy or craft cocktail fix; the demand for these experiences has grown to surrounding areas and beyond,” Chan continued.

Though Chan said he enjoys a dive bar,

“sometimes I want to be wrapped up in a spot and let the time melt away”—a unique experience that speakeasies can offer.

“We’re hoping that guests have a good time simply finding us,” Chan said. “From there, we want everyone’s experiences to be warm, inviting, and, most of all, fun.”

“We are hoping that once you walk through our doors, you can leave the daily grind behind you and embrace escapism,” Chan continued. “We’re a big hugs over handshakes kind of people, so get to know your neighbors.”