The Huge Former Rattle Inn Space Is Becoming Three New Bars

West Sixth rooftop bar and event space Rattle Inn closed suddenly in April, and now the 610 Nueces Street space is turning into three new bars. Two will be helmed by the owners of East 5th Street spot HandleBar and speakeasy Red Headed Stepchild, and the other by next-door restaurant Ranch 616.

Handlebar co-owners Willie Stark, Brett Vance, and Matt Stark are taking an animal approach to their new bars. Rattle Inn’s rooftop space will become the Cat’s Pajamas, opening by the end of the year. The downstairs area of the Nueces address will become the Bee’s Knees, with no projected opening date.

Ranch 616 owner and chef Kevin Williamson (who also had partial ownership of Rattle Inn when it opened in 2012) didn’t want to reveal the details for his bar at 612 Nueces Street to Austin Business Journal. He does want the bar to work in conjunction with the next-door restaurant, and he’s working with the same designer, Leslie Fossler Interiors.

Rattle Inn co-owner Matt Luckie and Williamson are still involved with another West Sixth bar, Star Bar. Luckie’s FBR Management also runs several other bars and restaurants in Austin, including Mean Eyed Cat, Lala’s, and Lavaca Street Bar.

• Handlebar, Ranch 616 owners to open new bars in old home of Rattle Inn [Austin Business Journal]
• Massive Downtown Rooftop Bar Closed Suddenly [EATX]