RIP Ernie's on Banks

[Navin R Johnson]

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/eating/2010/07/the_once_and_future_ernies.php

[Ty in Tampa]

Never been but I love this:

"man this sucks.
yet another comfortable, legit, authentic neighborhood bar taken over by a bunch of pretentious "mixologist" jackasses.
I don't need to be told what to drink, I don't need a fucking "classic cocktail program," some fat ass chef from Beaver's rolling it to do a guest spot on the grill out back, endless "throwdowns," and a team of "popular" bartenders from several of Houston's biggest tool boxes.
thanks for ruining one of the few decent bars left in this town"

[Ron Brand]

I don't know anything about Ernie's, but this new place sounds sufficiently douchetastic.

[Bench]

I've been to Ernie's several times.  I'm not of fan due to a personal squabble with one of the bartenders (how DARE he cut me off!), but objectively it was a good neighborhood bar with a loyal community of regulars.  Ernie's has been ground zero for the Houston world cup scene. 

[chuck]

Ernie's was a totally low-key sort of place that was a great place to hang out if you wanted maybe to shoot some pool without having to fight for a table or deal with someone running over and putting 20 quarters on the table once you start to play. I guess that's a nice way of saying that there was never anyone in there. The site offers street parking only and maybe that intimidates or irritates some people, I don't know.

Big Star is a place I've never been but a buddy of mine has been and really liked it and recommends it. Needless to say I'd visit on the strength of the name alone.

And I had no idea that Mary's had closed. I'm shocked. I guess being totally out of the loop on these things is what I get for not hanging out with Bench as much as I'd like.

[HudsonHawk]

Eh...it was south of 59...not really in the Montrose.  It wasn't *that* good.  It was a little foo-foo for my tastes.  Still, sad to see anything with character be replaced by the same douchebags who use the term "midtown" and "mixology".

[Andyzipp]

In a way, this is like the "uproar" over KLOL changing formats several years back.  A station that was rating challenged, playing a format that was demographics challenged.  In the end, the station decided to do what it needed to to make the most money it could, and started playing Latino/Hip Hop.  And the wailing and gnashing of teeth began.  "How could they change?  They're stealing from the community."

When you asked when the last time most of these people actually listened to KLOL was, most couldn't tell you.  They were upset by the idea.

So when a bar that is in a fairly prime spot, real estate wise, and does a fairly limited business, they are vulnerable.  If the market will bear a Pearl Bar 2, or whatever the hell it's going to become, then so be it.

If people want their dive bars to stay open, they should support their dive bars with money, often.

[Bench]

And I had no idea that Mary's had closed. I'm shocked. I guess being totally out of the loop on these things is what I get for not hanging out with Bench as much as I'd like.

Indeed.  The loss of Mary's is a civic tragedy.

What's the reference to Sky Bar in that comment?  It looked pretty happening when I drove by Wednesday night for their usual happy hour crowd.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Yeah, Skybar's still there.  I don't know if they're referring to it changing to be more of a dance club than a chill club, but it's definitely still where it's always been.

[BudGirl]

I heard Skybar's was closing the other day.

[chuck]

KLOL is currently the best commercial radio station in Houston by a wide margin. Not that that's any sort of achievement.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

And for what it's worth, if Ernie's is made over in the image of Poison Girl (hate the name, love the bar) rather than Pearl Bar, it'll be a pretty decent place to just hang out without too much bullshit.

[Andyzipp]

Yeah, Skybar's still there.  I don't know if they're referring to it changing to be more of a dance club than a chill club, but it's definitely still where it's always been.

Skybar closes this Saturday.

The building was sold in auction, IIRC, last year, and they have declined to renew Gertner's lease.

[Andyzipp]

And for what it's worth, if Ernie's is made over in the image of Poison Girl (hate the name, love the bar) rather than Pearl Bar, it'll be a pretty decent place to just hang out without too much bullshit.

NO!!! CHANGE!!! BAD!!!

[strosrays]

In a way, this is like the "uproar" over KLOL changing formats several years back.  A station that was rating challenged, playing a format that was demographics challenged.  In the end, the station decided to do what it needed to to make the most money it could, and started playing Latino/Hip Hop.  And the wailing and gnashing of teeth began.  "How could they change?  They're stealing from the community."

When you asked when the last time most of these people actually listened to KLOL was, most couldn't tell you.  They were upset by the idea.

So when a bar that is in a fairly prime spot, real estate wise, and does a fairly limited business, they are vulnerable.  If the market will bear a Pearl Bar 2, or whatever the hell it's going to become, then so be it.

If people want their dive bars to stay open, they should support their dive bars with money, often.

They changed 101?  Bummer, man.

[Bench]

And for what it's worth, if Ernie's is made over in the image of Poison Girl (hate the name, love the bar) rather than Pearl Bar, it'll be a pretty decent place to just hang out without too much bullshit.

There's always room for another Poison Girl.  That's a great bar.

[Bench]

Skybar closes this Saturday.

The building was sold in auction, IIRC, last year, and they have declined to renew Gertner's lease.

Well I'll be damned.  I had no idea.

[austro]

They changed 101?  Bummer, man.

The 101 I knew (Crash, etc) changed long ago.

[Ty in Tampa]

The 101 I knew (Crash, etc) changed long ago.

"Crash in yer dash." That's about when I left the Houston area.

[Ron Brand]

The 101 I knew (Crash, etc) changed long ago.

KLOL was a great station. It was what I listened to when I lived in Houston (well, that and KTRU and KPFT) but it was always a signpost for me when I'd be driving up from Austin and I'd be able to pick up the signal just outside of Columbus. It was so much better than the radio in Austin, stations that would never touch what they were playing on KLOL.

The Wikipedia entry, with some nice items.

[Limey]

There's always room for another Poison Girl.  That's a great bar.

Oh yeah!

[strosrays]

KLOL was a great station. It was what I listened to when I lived in Houston (well, that and KTRU and KPFT) but it was always a signpost for me when I'd be driving up from Austin and I'd be able to pick up the signal just outside of Columbus. It was so much better than the radio in Austin, stations that would never touch what they were playing on KLOL.

The Wikipedia entry, with some nice items.

It only came in clearly from time to time in Beaumont, but one could listen to it clear as a bell whilst down on Crystal Beach.  The 'Stones A-Z weekends were fucking awesome.  I am pretty sure my nostalgia for the station in that era (1975-1980 or so) is all tied up in the beach experience and what that entailed.  I can smell the coconut oil right now.

[Ron Brand]

I fondly remember my first weekend in Houston, cooking by the pool, listening to a huge block of ZZ Top on KLOL. It still defines summer in Houston to me.

[94CougarGrad]

I spent many Sunday evenings at Ernie's in college, playing trivia and having beers with friends. Back then it was a low-key place to hang out with cool staff.

[roadrunner]

I liked Ernie's, but this new place actually sounds pretty cool, too. 

There's still Grif's, Kenneally's, and Kays, so it's not like Houston is lacking in casual neighborhood bars in the surrounding area.

[HudsonHawk]

I liked Ernie's, but this new place actually sounds pretty cool, too. 

There's still Grif's, Kenneally's, and Kays, so it's not like Houston is lacking in casual neighborhood bars in the surrounding area.

Well, none of those are in the *same* neighborhood, but you're right...it's not like there aren't other bars in Houston.

[Bench]

I just read that the Roll-N Saloon closed earlier this year.  Man, that place was such an awesome dive.  Lots of hazy good times were spent there.

[BudGirl]

I just read that the Roll-N Saloon closed earlier this year.  Man, that place was such an awesome dive.  Lots of hazy good times were spent there.

I always meant to go there cbut never made it.  They had tv there.

[Bench]

I always meant to go there cbut never made it.  They had tv there.

The sign wasn't lying.

[roadrunner]

Well, none of those are in the *same* neighborhood, but you're right...it's not like there aren't other bars in Houston.

Grif's is literally right down the street. 

[Bench]

Grif's is literally right down the street.  

The Harp is closer. It's also a good casual neighborhood bar.

And if you happen to be with Chuck you can drop by Decades and Michael's Outpost along the way to remind him of the real Montrose experience.

[HudsonHawk]

Grif's is literally right down the street. 

Do you even know where GrifF's is?

[Bench]

Do you even know where GrifF's is?

Definitely not the same neighborhood, but Griff's is less than a mile up Montrose from Ernie's.   Oddly, other than the exodus of the rugby club to Ernie's, there's not a whole lot of clientele cross-over between the two despite their proximity.

[HudsonHawk]

Definitely not the same neighborhood, but Griff's is less than a mile up Montrose from Ernie's.

Right.  But you have cross 59, Richmond and W. Alabama to get to Griff's.  I don't really consider that to be in the same neighborhood, especially in the context of a "neighborhood bar". 

[Bench]

Right.  But you have cross 59, Richmond and W. Alabama to get to Griff's.  I don't really consider that to be in the same neighborhood, especially in the context of a "neighborhood bar". 

Nor do I.  The other side of the highway is not my hood at all.

[Limey]

Right.  But you have cross 59, Richmond and W. Alabama to get to Griff's.  I don't really consider that to be in the same neighborhood, especially in the context of a "neighborhood bar". 

Drunk Frogger.  Awesome.  I'll bring popcorn.

[roadrunner]

Do you even know where GrifF's is?

Since we're nitpicking, the sign outside of Grif's actually only has one F. 

But this is all silly

[HudsonHawk]

Since we're nitpicking, the sign outside of Grif's actually only has one F. 

It's spelled with two "F"s.  And unless they recently got a new sign, the sign has two "F"s too.

But this is all silly

What around here isn't?

[Bench]

The sign does have only one f, and it's been there for decades.  It's supposed to have two f's, (the original owner, Griff, is Michael Griffin) but the signmaker screwed up and offered it to Griff for half price.  Griff has never missed an opportunity to spend less money.    

[roadrunner]

It's spelled with two "F"s.  And unless they recently got a new sign, the sign has two "F"s too.

I don't know, I'll check it out on my way to work tomorrow morning because now I care.  I'm 90% sure I'm right.

What around here isn't?

touche

[HudsonHawk]

The sign does have only one f, and it's been there for decades.  It's supposed to have two f's, (the original owner, Griff, is Michael Griffin) but the signmaker screwed up and offered it to Griff for half price.  Griff has never missed an opportunity to spend less money.    

I'm refering to the big sign.

The one that's shown here:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=235209522787&v=wall

And it's spelled with two "F"s.  It's always been spelled with two "F"s.  Old Griff himself spells his name with two "F"s.

[Bench]

I'm refering to the big sign.

The one that's shown here:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=235209522787&v=wall

And it's spelled with two "F"s.  It's always been spelled with two "F"s.  Old Griff himself spells his name with two "F"s.

Yes he does and yes it is, but if you look at the sign on top of the building (the "Grif's Inn" sign), which is shown in that same picture, you'll see only one f.

[BudGirl]

Yes he does and yes it is, but if you look at the sign on top of the building (the "Grif's Inn" sign), which is shown in that same picture, you'll see only one f.

True, but does that does not matter apparently.

[chuck]

The Harp is closer. It's also a good casual neighborhood bar.

And if you happen to be with Chuck you can drop by Decades and Michael's Outpost along the way to remind him of the real Montrose experience.

I'm usually at South Beach, thank you.

[HudsonHawk]

I'm usually at South Beach, thank you.

The think I liked best about South Beach was that it only took two drinks to get you absolutely blasted.  Less time waiting at the bar for a drink.

[Bench]

I'm usually at South Beach, thank you.

Huh.  I figured you for a Ripcord guy.

[chuck]

Huh.  I figured you for a Ripcord guy.

That place is SOOOO 2009, pleeease.

[chuck]

The think I liked best about South Beach was that it only took two drinks to get you absolutely blasted.  Less time waiting at the bar for a drink.

I usually get my appletinis without the ketamine, at least at first.

[HudsonHawk]

I usually get my appletinis without the ketamine, at least at first.

Turns out I'm quite the mojito guy.  Not sure about the Special K.

[Andyzipp]

Turns out I'm quite the mojito guy.  Not sure about the Special K.

How the worm turns...I though Mojitos were your grandmother's drink of choice.

[HudsonHawk]

How the worm turns...I though Mojitos were your grandmother's drink of choice.

Actually, I think martinis were the hip drink of her generation.  Though my grandmother only kept the whiskey around for "medicinal purposes".

[Limey]

Do you know how I know you're all gay?

[HudsonHawk]

Do you know how I know you're all gay?

We've been watching the World Cup?

[Noe]

Do you know how I know you're all gay?

We were watching some classic black and white movies this weekend (the missus and me) when my son walks by (the oldest, smart-alec, worldly man about town 16 year old).  He notices that we're watching a James Gagney film ("City for Conquest" - nice film, I'd recommend it) and he sits down to watch for a while.  We're a bit stunned at this but welcome the addition to our watching party.  So they have a scene in the movie that begins outside a nightclub that has a huge neon sign that says "The Gayest Club in Town!".

We pause.  We wait.  Silence.  Nothing.

Then, not being able to control himself, my son breaks out with a string of "you know how I know..." statements.  I laugh, the missus doesn't and my son recovers by saying "It's good to know that that word was used quite often in a good way at one time".

[Bench]

Then, not being able to control himself, my son breaks out with a string of "you know how I know..." statements.  I laugh, the missus doesn't and my son recovers by saying "It's good to know that that word was used quite often in a good way at one time".

I don't see what's "bad" about the word gay in it's current connotation.

[HudsonHawk]

I don't see what's "bad" about the word gay in it's current connotation.

You're obviously not 16 years old.

[Noe]

You're obviously not 16 years old.

*ding, ding, ding*

[Bench]

You're obviously not 16 years old.

Here's one you don't have to be 16 years old to appreciate.

[Bench]

And the 'Trose hits keep on coming. Now Chances herself is on the market. Interesting that the owner cites increased competition. I didn't know there were any other lesbian bars on town.

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2010/07/chances_bar_longtime_lesbian_b.php

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

And the 'Trose hits keep on coming. Now Chances herself is on the market. Interesting that the owner cites increased competition. I didn't know there were any other lesbian bars on town.

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2010/07/chances_bar_longtime_lesbian_b.php

Chances has seemed to be teetering for the past couple of years at least.  Every so often, I'd be driving by on a weekend night and the lights would be off, and the parking lot empty.  I wonder if the rise of Anvil, Poison Girl, etc. to the west and the restaurants to the east means that some of the dive-y places on Westheimer are going the way of the buffalo.

[HudsonHawk]

And the 'Trose hits keep on coming. Now Chances herself is on the market. Interesting that the owner cites increased competition. I didn't know there were any other lesbian bars on town.

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2010/07/chances_bar_longtime_lesbian_b.php

There used to be several.  Chances, Lola's, that piano bar place that used to be on W. Alabama/can't remember the name of it...

[roadrunner]

Sammy's on Main is also closing.  They claim it's a 6 month hiatus or something, but I find it hard to believe that place is coming back.

Maybe the nightlife bubble is bursting?

[Bench]

There used to be several.  Chances, Lola's, that piano bar place that used to be on W. Alabama/can't remember the name of it...

Lola's is still around. I never thought of it as a lesbian bar, more of an equal-opportunity establishment for degenerates. The cockroaches will be bellying up to Lola's for $2 Tuesdays after the nuclear holocaust.

There are certainly plenty of lesbian friendly bars, Lola's Griff's and Next Door Bar to name a few, but Chances was the only lesbian-dedicated bar that I knew of. 

[Bench]

Sammy's on Main is also closing.  They claim it's a 6 month hiatus or something, but I find it hard to believe that place is coming back.

Maybe the nightlife bubble is bursting?

That's a shame, that was one of the few "midtown" places I enjoyed going to.  After Katrina Kermit Ruffins played there a few times a week until he could move back to New Orleans.

[HudsonHawk]

Lola's is still around. I never thought of it as a lesbian bar, more of an equal-opportunity establishment for degenerates. The cockroaches will be bellying up to Lola's for $2 Tuesdays after the nuclear holocaust.

There are certainly plenty of lesbian friendly bars, Lola's Griff's and Next Door Bar to name a few, but Chances was the only lesbian-dedicated bar that I knew of.  

Well, I'm not sure if Lola's ever advertised itself as "lesbian-dedicated", but it certainly was lesbian-dominated, even if it wasn't formally advertised that way.  At least back in the day.  I haven't been there in 20 years, so like everything, I'm sure it's changed.

[HudsonHawk]

That's a shame, that was one of the few "midtown" places I enjoyed going to. 

You really hate me, don't you.

[Bench]

You really hate me, don't you.

I forgot what your stance on that term was. An exciting moment of geographic innovation, right?

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Onion Creek can be lesbian friendly (I almost wrote "lesbian heavy".  ahem.) on some nights, Mondays in particular.

[Bench]

Well, I'm not sure if Lola's ever advertised itself as "lesbian-dedicated", but it certainly was lesbian-dominated, even if it wasn't formally advertised that way.  At least back in the day.  I haven't been there in 20 years, so like everything, I'm sure it's changed.

my favorite description of Lola's is the one currently in the Houston Press's blurb which described Lola's in terms of the Nick Cage movie 8MM. It's just a really creepy place these days.

[WakePhil]

Maybe the nightlife bubble is bursting?

Washington disagrees, though I imagine that bubble will burst too. Crazy expansion these last few years.

[Bench]

Washington disagrees, though I imagine that bubble will burst too. Crazy expansion these last few years.

It just moves around, see the Richmond strip of the 90s. EaDo will be next once Washington fizzles, which on turn replaced "Midtown."

[MusicMan]

my favorite description of Lola's is the one currently in the Houston Press's blurb which described Lola's in terms of the Nick Cage movie 8MM. It's just a really creepy place these days.

I assume this is differnt than the restaurant of the same name on Yale.

[HudsonHawk]

my favorite description of Lola's is the one currently in the Houston Press's blurb which described Lola's in terms of the Nick Cage movie 8MM. It's just a really creepy place these days.

It was creepy back in the day too.  Those weren't your average, run of the mill, lipstick-wearing lesbians.

[HudsonHawk]

I assume this is differnt than the restaurant of the same name on Yale.

Much.

[Bench]

I assume this is differnt than the restaurant of the same name on Yale.

Rarely could there be two more different establishments with similar names. Though for full accuracy the restaurant on Yale is Lola while the dive on fairview is Lola's Depot.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Just wait til I open an all-ages bar called The Junior League.

[HudsonHawk]

Just wait til I open an all-ages bar called The Junior League.

Will it be an all-ages gay/lesbian bar?  Because they already have those.

[hostros7]

And the 'Trose hits keep on coming. Now Chances herself is on the market. Interesting that the owner cites increased competition. I didn't know there were any other lesbian bars on town.

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2010/07/chances_bar_longtime_lesbian_b.php

Have you ever been to Roeder's after 10 pm?

[Limey]

Have you ever been to Roeder's after 10 pm?

Not since they ran out of Shiner and cost the Astros the World Series.

[BatGirl]

has anyone heard the rumor about a club 6400 reunion?

[Bench]

has anyone heard the rumor about a club 6400 reunion?

Yep

[HudsonHawk]

has anyone heard the rumor about a club 6400 reunion?

Good Gravy!  Now there's a blast from the past.  No bar had more hype in six short months.

[Andyzipp]

I remember the name.  What did 6400 music consist of?

[HudsonHawk]

I remember the name.  What did 6400 music consist of?

Ministry, Depeche Mode, Cabaret Voltaire, Thrill Kill Kult, New Order, Front 242...etc, etc.  It was a dance club.

[Andyzipp]

Ministry, Depeche Mode, Cabaret Voltaire, Thrill Kill Kult, New Order, Front 242...etc, etc.  It was a dance club.

Ah.  The AMC for the non-clove smokers.

[Navin R Johnson]

Looks like Bubba's Sports Bar on Wescott is done too.   They have had a "closed for kitchen remodeling" sign up on the door for a month now.   Well either that or they are getting one heck of a kitchen makeover.   Rumors abound about the IRS and TABC....neither are good.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

I thought Bubba's on Westcott became the newest Creek incarnation.  Nickel Creek?  Canyon Creek?  Something Creek.

So long as Bubba's under the Westpark doesn't go anywhere, I'm okay.

[BudGirl]

I thought Bubba's on Westcott became the newest Creek incarnation.  Nickel Creek?  Canyon Creek?  Something Creek.

So long as Bubba's under the Westpark doesn't go anywhere, I'm okay.

Canyon Creek is across the street.

[Navin R Johnson]

I thought Bubba's on Westcott became the newest Creek incarnation.  Nickel Creek?  Canyon Creek?  Something Creek.

So long as Bubba's under the Westpark doesn't go anywhere, I'm okay.

Canyon Creek is where the old Westcott Ice House used to be.    I was actually at Canyon Creek last night and got some info on Bubba's, as the owner had left just before I arrived.    Sounds like the TABC is behind the Bubbas closing, but they are expecting to reopen in August once a few things get sorted out.

[JackAstro]

Ministry, Depeche Mode, Cabaret Voltaire, Thrill Kill Kult, New Order, Front 242...etc, etc.  It was a dance club.

Gah. Reads like the lyrics to a Dead Milkmen song.

[Bench]

I wonder if the rise of Anvil,

Speaking of Anvil, they are currently serving mayhaw cocktails.

[Bench]

Ah, and Ernie's has already risen from the ashes.  It's now Grand Prize!

[Gizzmonic]

Gah. Reads like the lyrics to a Dead Milkmen song.

You'll dance to anything!

[94CougarGrad]

Ah, and Ernie's has already risen from the ashes.  It's now Grand Prize!

Damn, that was fast.

[Bench]

And now the Angelika has closed.

Far and away my favorite theater in town.  Convenient downtown location, free and readily available parking, plenty of places to grab a drink and a bite before or after the show and, of course, movies actually worth watching.  'Tis a shame.

[Limey]

And now the Angelika has closed.

Far and away my favorite theater in town.  Convenient downtown location, free and readily available parking, plenty of places to grab a drink and a bite before or after the show and, of course, movies actually worth watching.  'Tis a shame.

WTF?!!!!  That's bullshit.  

[Lefty]

And now the Angelika has closed.

Angelika's owners:

Los Angeles, California, - (BUSINESS WIRE) – July 16, 2010 – Reading International, Inc. (Reading) (NASDAQ:RDI) announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Craig Corporation (Craig), has reached an agreement in principle to settle its tax dispute with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) related to Craig’s tax year ended June 30, 1997. Craig and the IRS are currently in the process of documenting this settlement. The settlement resulted in a 70% concession by the government and will lead to the previously issued IRS Notice of Deficiency, dated June 29, 2006, in the amount of $20.9 million, $47.2 million inclusive of interest, being set aside by agreement of the parties. Reading estimates that, as of the date of this release, Craig’s liability under this settlement is approximately $15.0 million inclusive of interest, although final calculations have yet to be agreed. As of March 31, 2010, Craig had reserved $4.5 million against this liability.

I always knew that guy was an asshole.