Houston, the time has come to put your dancing shoes on. Goodnight Charlie's, the Montrose honky-tonk from Master Sommelier David Keck, will open Friday night, the bar announced.
Originally announced in March, Goodnight Charlie's has been one of this year's most-anticipated openings thanks to Keck's involvement. The bar is Keck's first project since departing from his high-profile role as general manager of acclaimed Montrose wine bar Camerata last October. Now united with local businessman Peter McCarthy, the dance hall and saloon is expected to be the first of several projects from the duo's new company, Goodnight Hospitality. Given Kecks fine dining pedigree, a bar might have seemed like an odd choice, but Keck explained in March that he's excited about the project.
“For totally unironic reasons, I think it’s totally fun, and I get pleasure out of that,” Keck said at the time. “I see it having a pretty good cross-section of audience for all the reasons that it’s not about anything too serious. I think it’s a place where you can find a really healthy cross-section of the demographic all enjoying each other’s company.”
When patrons stop by this weekend, they'll find that the original vision for Goodnight Charlie's has been realized. Inspired by a barn, the space has a cedar wood exterior, aged plywood on the interior, and, of course, a wooden dance floor.
Consulting chef Alvin Schultz has created a menu of Mexican-inspired dishes that's built around tacos served on housemade tortillas. Options include a cheesesteak taco made with 44 Farms beef, a spicy fried chicken taco with braised greens, and a grilled vegetable mole taco for vegans. Guacamole, elotes, and a chicken fried steak sandwich (cemita) are available as shareable items or for people who don't feel like tacos.
Most of the beverage options will be available at opening, but it's still a bit of a work in progress. Options are centered around craft beer and bourbon (at eminently reasonable prices); honky-tonk favorites like Bud Light, Miller Lite, Lone Star, and PBR are all available, too. House cocktails are straightforward stirred affairs that can be made quickly, as well as a couple of draft and frozen options. Texas wines from Duchman Winery and McPherson Cellars will be available on tap.
The bar's will host live music every Friday and Saturday, beginning with Aaron McDonnell tonight at 9 pm, and Neon Rainbow Saturday night. See the full schedule here.
------
Goodnight Charlie's, 2531 Kuester Street; 4 pm to 2 am Monday through Saturday, Sunday noon to midnight.
Goodnight Charlie's opens Friday night.
Pair a pour with an app or an entree.Photo courtesy of Grape Creek Vineyards