Only yesterday, I brought the discussion of fancy cocktails in Waco to the table.
Today I have more news on that front. I heard through the WacoFork wire about a new place under construction on Austin Avenue across the street from the Hippodrome. I've started the process of checking it out. As of this afternoon, I'm still waiting to speak with the proprietor, but wanted to spill what I know. It's going to be called Muddle: a cocktail craftery.
That'll be two cocktail bars, counting Dichotomy, in two blocks of real estate.
I've heard the lame argument "that won't work, this is Waco." And I know the logic, but my heart and part of my head want to rail against it. Why can't Waco be a place where Austin Avenue can sustain two fancy bars? We can make this work.
UPDATE: After I wrote this on Wednesday, Muddle co-owner Seth Sutton invited me to take a tour of the Muddle build-out. It's pretty exciting as they have 5,200 square feet of planned space. They already have the bar built and it's fantastic: finished wood bolstered by corrugated metal. They also already have several big screen TVs in place. They want it to be a rustic-fancy-comfortable space to enjoy a drink, occasional live music and definitely ball games. They plan to serve cocktails along with Texas beers and wines. In the food arena, they're planning to serve gourmet grilled cheese with the bread and cheese coming from local farmers market vendors. There will be a stage, a chilled-out back porch, pool tables and dart boards. It should be pretty distinctive, not borrowing from the vibe of surrounding bars. Target opening is in February. We'll keep you updated.
Historic street party in the works
While I was making the rounds, I discovered two more items of interest within a half pitching wedge of each other (for the non-golfer, a half pitching wedge is a distance, at least for me, of about 50 yards).
The Hippodrome, currently being renovated and expected to be one of the nightlife highlights of 2014 around here, is going to host a block party to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the joint.
It will be held February 7 of next year.
At first, when I saw "2.7.14" on signs in the window, I jumped to the conclusion that it would be the opening date. However, co-developer Shane Turner informed me of tentative plans for a celebration. The theater/restaurant will not be open by that date.
We'll have more on this as it develops.
Hopping to try this
On the other side of the Hippodrome from Austin Avenue, a new bottle shop called The Hop Shop opened about a month ago.
My friend Wes Kitten gave me the heads up on this shortly after they opened. With football and holidays and other openings, I didn't get over there until this morning, but I'm glad I finally made it.
If you like keeping craft beer and/or microbrews in your refrigerator, you will dig this place. Owner Jeremy Toledo carries Texas brews like Rahr, Austin Beerworks, 512, St. Arnold's, Deep Ellum and, of course, several Shiner varieties. The Hop Shop also has beer and wine from all over the place, not just Texas.
The thing I liked most that I saw in The Hop Shop this morning was that they have a refrigerator of singles so you can mix and match your own six pack or just buy one nice beer to take to a party.
