NYCBP Blog

Katie Jane, center.

Earlier this week I told you about the new bar coming soon to Hell's Kitchen, Whistlin' Dixie's Texas Tavern, at 714 Eleventh Avenue, at 51st Street. It does not open for a few more days, but last night I went to a sneak peek party. It was all courtesy of Murph, so thanks to Sean for the hookup of wings and beer (all free).

Here is the scoop, so far. This is not a review, more like a news report. I can't really review a place until it is open. Last night was the bar's first night, a dry run of just testing the place out. But from what I saw, I like.

The bar is the old Bull McCabe's (RIP). One less Paddy bar means a new country saloon in the city. It is a good size, maybe 500 square feet larger than Coyote Ugly. Plus, it has a back room, perfect for private parties, birthday parties, or bachelor parties. It is a great size for a bar.

The kitchen is going to be turning out wings, burgers, fries, and more, the typical bar food. One sandwich is named for Roger Clemens, sticking with the Texas theme. (And what a theme it is. The place is all University of Texas, Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, and Clint Eastwood). I tried the wings and nachos. Good stuff.


I only saw a few of the future staff members. But met Katie Jane, who is either the manager, the head bartender, or both. A knockout. She told me the girls are going to be wearing cutoffs and little tee shirts, maybe cowboy hats. Boots for sure. No decision on male bartenders, yet, but I am hoping they don't hire any. If the girls that were at the bar work there, they'd have one of the best-looking staffs right out of the gate. However, I did not witness any real bartending, as it was just an open bar party.

I met the guys who own the bar, it is the same team that runs The Town Tavern. All very nice and enthusiastic about coming to Hell's Kitchen. They have some good marketing ideas: As Dixie's is within spitting distance of the Hustler club, so they are giving free drinks for all strippers on Sunday nights. I guess bring in your platform shoes for admittance? But hats off to the owners, they want to create a fun bar.

The grand opening is Tuesday, with free beer and food at 6 p.m. Just mention "Dixie" at the door. And mention NYCBP too.

From what I saw, the bar has loads of potential. I have to go back and check it out when it is in operation. But this team has a hit with Town Tavern, lets see what they do on Eleventh Avenue.

Labels: bartenders, hell's kitchen

When Gold Rush closed last year, the West Side lost a true dive. Now comes word that in July a new tavern is opening up not far away. Perhaps it will fill the gap that the Gold Rush left. Hell's Kitchen is getting a new place to drink.

It is called Whistlin' Dixie's Texas Tavern. Already, that is a mouthful. And hard to remember, much less say (or write). So Dixie's will open July 3 at 714 Eleventh Avenue, at 51st Street. They have the web site announcement of a grand opening party on July 3, with free beer from 6-10 p.m. Mention "Dixie" at the front door.

Will this be a worthy addition to nycbp.com and true dive bar standards? Will Dixie's managers be smart and only have female bartenders, or will they (foolishly) stick men behind the stick? We are happy a new bar of this flavor is opening in Hell's Kitchen. Check it out!

Labels: bartenders, hell's kitchen