Rio Rita Debuts New Home on Chicon Street

Rio Rita’s East 6th Street location is officially no longer (for now). The bar held its last day of service on Wednesday, December 8. Fans of the bar have nothing to worry about: it’s relocating over to East 12th Street, taking over live music venue and bar Badlands' former spot. The new bar opens tonight, Tuesday, December 13.

There seems to be two different versions of what happened exactly happened with the 1203 Chicon Street space in the fall. Rio Rita owner Stockton upholds that he wanted to move the bar bar because he couldn't afford the current address, and that Badlands’ landlord offered him the new space. He also took over the leases for Romani Gallery, Mystery City Tattoo, and, importantly, King Bee (which is run by his half-brother).

On the other hand, owner Shane Howard wrote on Badlands' Facebook that he felt like there was a handshake deal on the lease’s renewal with his landlord, but it was suddenly offered to Stockton suddenly. Badlands closed sometime in late September.

There is no word on when the relocated Rio Rita will open yet, but it does have its liquor license.

This post has been updated to reflect Rio Rita’s new opening date.

• Rio Rita [Facebook]
• East 6th Street Bar Rio Rita Is Moving Into Badlands [EATX]