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Just weeks away from the opening of The Red Door in the Versalles neighborhood, young gay entrepreneur Kor Prieur Caille invited us into the space that will house the bar, currently undergoing renovation works. Amidst the sounds of construction, he shared his vision for what will become the area’s first LGBTQ+ bar—a concept defined by inclusivity, where everyone is welcome.
A Strategic Location in a Growing Hub
The Red Door will be located at the intersection of Hamburgo and España streets, taking over the space formerly occupied by La Bodega de Tony. In recent years, Versalles has evolved into a vibrant culinary hub, boasting a high density of breakfast spots, dinner restaurants, cafés, and bars that draw crowds from across the northern part of the city.
At 29, this is Kor’s first venture as a solo owner, but he is far from a novice. Originally from Normandy, France, Kor has extensive experience as both a barista and bar manager. Despite holding a Law degree and a Master’s in Political Science, he spent his university years working in hospitality to fund his education. Since leaving France at 19, his journey has taken him through Portugal, Italy, Brazil, and Switzerland, before he finally settled in Mexico nearly four years ago.
“Opening my own bar has been my dream since I arrived in Vallarta,” Kor shares. “I’ve always been fascinated by the world behind the bar—the craft of cocktails and the social aspect of connecting with people.”
Kor initially tested the waters with his mobile mixology business, also named The Red Door Bar. Now, he is ready for a permanent location.
“I’m excited to be in this area and to contribute to the growth of Versalles. People already know it for its restaurants, but we want it to become a place where you can enjoy a cocktail before dinner—essentially developing a new ‘gayborhood,” he explained.
Atmosphere and Experience
Kor describes the interior of The Red Door as an intimate space, featuring a large bar designed for conversation. The soundtrack will transition smoothly throughout the evening, moving from lounge and jazz to upbeat pop as the night progresses. The bar will operate daily from 5:00 p.m. to midnight.
The exterior will feature polished cement walls and an industrial aesthetic, centered around the signature red door that gives the bar its name—a detail Kor says was revealed to him in a dream. The venue will lean into a speakeasy vibe: “Find the red door in Versalles and step into a new world.”
The cocktail menu will be robust, featuring approximately 30 cocktails and five mocktails. To complement the drinks, Kor is collaborating with neighboring restaurants to provide food options, reinforcing his commitment to local partnership.
“I want to collaborate with other businesses and continue building community,” he explains.
Prior to this venture, Kor organized “Tuesgays in Versalles” on the first Tuesday of every month at The Office, a gay-friendly local bar.
“The more options there are in the area, and the more we work together, the more we can solidify Versalles as an attractive alternative for locals and tourists who want something different from the more crowded zones,” he said.
Kor is aiming for a grand opening in February 2026, a date that coincides with his 30th birthday—marking a major personal and professional milestone.
For updates on the grand opening and further details, you can follow The Red Door on their official Facebook page.
Esta publicación también está disponible en: English Español
