But it may be moving to a new location…
The iconic saloon was located on 153 First Ave. (between 9th St. and 10th St.) for nearly 28 years. Local news site EV Grieve first reported the news when one of their readers saw furniture being moved out of the space. The bar’s CEO and founder Lil Lovell also shared a video announcement on their website over the weekend:
The original Coyote Ugly Saloon, on 1st Avenue in New York City, has closed its doors forever. We have been shuttered for six months in accordance with New York State Covid-19 restrictions and simply cannot continue to pay the rent. I want to thank all of the former employees, customers, friends, and family that made that little bar so very special. I celebrated so many memorable milestones within those walls. The bar — and you — will forever be part of who I am.
You can watch her full statement below. She thanked all the employees, customers, families and friends for her “most treasured memories there,” and then toasted to the “next Coyote Ugly,” promising with a chuckle that it would be “nicer, and have better bathrooms.”
EV Grieve reported that it would be moving not too far — to 14th Street between Second Avenue and Third Avenue — but that hasn’t been confirmed yet.
The saloon with an all-female staff who would dance and do tricks atop the bar was always known in the neighborhood, but became especially famous after author Elizabeth Gilbert wrote a GQ article about working there and it was subsequently made into a movie starring Piper Perabo, Tyra Banks, and Maria Bello. After this, it was franchised and locations were opened in 14 other U.S. cities (plus many international locations), which remain open for now.
Though of course it’s good news the bar isn’t closing for good, it is sad that you’ll never be able to walk into that original 1993 location again.
In other news: Famous 1920s NYC Speakeasy Chumley’s Has Reportedly Closed For Good
featured image source: Coyoteuglysaloon.com