Barbie Mania Brings Pink Power to Pacific Highway

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

Fans of the fashion doll, Barbie, which was introduced by Mattel in 1959, are reveling in a slice of her fictional, glamorous life at the Barbie Cafe. The themed pop-up is being hosted by downtown’s Bayside Restaurant and Bar. It also features a small roller rink that beckons to the beach-side days of Malibu—back when that version of Barbie sprung onto the market in the 1970s.

The flashy attraction runs until late October. It materialized through a partnership between Mattel and the “media experience” company, Bucket Listers. Both the cafe and its inventory of related merch have already sashayed through cities such as New York, Miami, Chicago and Houston.

The menu was created by chef Becky Brown, a champion of Food Network’s Chopped show. Dishes include everything from salads and avocado toast, to burgers, dips, fruit skewers and a deluxe “Live Your Dream” grilled cheese sandwich. There are also libations for the legal-age party-minded fans of Barbie.

Tickets to the cafe are $25, which include credits on food and merchandise.