Charlie's Downtown To Close On October 3rd

It's the end of an era, folks: beloved downtown gay bar Charlie's has announced they'll close on October 3rd. The Austin Examiner broke it first: Charlie's will be torn down so a new, four-story building can rise in its place. Seems the price offered for the real estate was too good to pass up. The sad news from their website:

We regret to inform you that Charlie’s will be officially closing it’s doors on October 3, 2011 after 27 years of serving Austin. We have special things planned throughout the month and hope that each and every one of you pays us a visit to partake in the events we have lined up. Or just come in to remember us for all the good times we hopefully help provide. Check our events page for updates and spread the word. We know there are some of you who were patrons since day one?or at least year one. Come on in before it’s too late.

On the upside, the Examiner reports that the owners (who also run 'Bout Time up north on I-35) plan to open "one or two new bars." We've got a call into the bar and will update y'all when we know more.

· Charlie's [Official Site]
· Charlie's Austin Closing To Make Way For New Building [Examiner]

[Photo: Charlie's/Official]

Charlie's

1301 Lavaca Street Austin, TX 78701