In 1997, Red Ribbon raised enough money to cover its rent and monthly expenses and startup costs. The shop's year end financial statement is available to the public. After years of thumb-twiddling, Santa Cruz finally has its second gay bar. Owners Stefan Hanegan and Geoffrey Stout, both of Santa Cruz, renovated the former pawnshop into a sophisticated, San Francisco-style nightclub with a large bar, table seating, and a dancefloor. A place where we can hear each other talk.
DJs spin seven nights a week, the music changing accordingly.
The bar serves food from the Pearl Alley Bistro, located on the second floor of the same building. The appetizer menu is available at the bar, and the entire menu is available to go. Contrary to rumors circulating that the Dakota would follow the Blue Lagoon and start catering to straight patrons, the owners are definite about what kind of bar they are running. The Dakota is one of the few bars in the area to allow smoking in the bar. There is a coat check at the front of the bar and a handicapped accessible restroom at the back of the dancefloor.