Cheer Up's New Home
Cheer Up Charlie's announces new location — and it's not in East Austin
Cheer Up Charlie's, the dive bar that announced earlier this month it was leaving their East Austin digs after the property's new owners terminated their lease, has found a new home. After weeks of rumors that the bar would take over the former Club de Ville space on Red River Street, The Austin Chronicle is reporting that the contract was officially signed Monday afternoon.
Insiders say that the deal to take over 900 Red River Street has been in the works for a few weeks, something that was hinted at in the bar's goodbye letter. “No matter where we end up, we will take the spirit of the Eastside with us,” the Cheer Up's crew wrote on their Facebook page.
That spirit will now be snuggled next door to Mohawk in the heart of newly declared Red River Cultural District, an area that includes music venues such as Holy Mountain, Red 7 and Beerland, among others.
The closing of Club de Ville in early October came as a surprise and left a darkened door in a corridor known for having live music every night of the week. Known for dance parties, DJs and karaoke, Cheer Up's is likely to be a welcome addition to the area, a sentiment echoed by Holy Mountain owner James Taylor. "You know, there were days I thought I was crazy opening Holy Mountain in the location we did, but [then] Empire opened and now Cheer Up's and the rumors of Antone's taking over old Emo's, I don't feel so crazy these days," says Taylor. "Having great neighbors like [Cheer Up Charlie's] moving to the block is going to be great for the RRCD."
If you haven't yet had a chance to say goodbye to the beloved LGBTQ bar in its current home, don't despair. The east side iteration will be around until January 15. If you're still looking for a spot to spend New Year's Eve, consider ringing in 2014 at Cheer Up's with Dana Falconberry, Letting Up Despite Great Faults, the Sour Notes and Deejay Honeycomb. Best part? It's only going to cost you $7.