Charlie’s Austin, a mainstay among gay and lesbian bars in Austin, is shutting down Oct. 3, according to an announcement on the business’ website. The bar is set to be torn down to make way for a four-story building, and the owners said they’ll open one or two new bars elsewhere in Austin.
The bar – which is at 1301 Lavaca St., in the shadow of the Texas Capitol – was founded as Uncle Charlie’s in 1984.
On Facebook, the bar’s owners said they were approached about six months ago by a group of investors regarding a purchase of the property. Following negotiations, the investors “met the price we’d asked for,” the owners said.
The owners bought the property more than a decade ago. It has an appraised value of nearly $1.2 million.
The owners of Charlie’s also own ’Bout Time, another gay and lesbian bar in Austin. They said ’Bout Time, which is at 9601 N. I-35, will remain open.
State records list officials of the Charlie’s ownership group as David Green, Tino Calderon and Ray McDermett.
Charlie’s is perhaps best known for its entertainers: drag queens and male strippers.
“We have special things planned throughout the month,” Charlie’s said in its closure announcement, “and hope that each and every one of you pays us a visit to partake in the events we have lined up. Or just come in to remember us for all the good times we hopefully help provide. … We know there are some of you who were patrons since day one … or at least year one. Come on in before it’s too late.”
Comments