I saw a dog and his owner get kicked out of the River Oaks Kroger about a year ago. I laughed and told the employee they did a nice job. The dog owner was astounded that he had to leave. lol
We are a big fan of Flying Saucer.. I don't necessarily mean clean design and furnishing, I just mean actually clean.. Flying saucer captures that pub feel without seeming like a nasty dirty bar.. And for all the dog haters.. There won't be dogs allowed inside, and it will be a separate area.. I think people who dislike dogs don't realize how much traffic dog parks get.
Three words: naked FEMALE bartenders.... I don't need to see Floyd's banana hammock while he mixes a hurricane.
Also no dogs.... they are not people.... they belong at parks and at the home.... not at restaurants where they can drop steaming deuces... not at bars..... you know what, they don't need to be anywhere near food or drink.....
I have 3 dogs and love dogs as much as anyone, but I wouldn't go to a bar where people bring their dogs. That's just weird.
Boneyard is the easiest place to meet chicks in Texas. And from what I've seen it looks to be highly successful. Always packed. So y'all don't like it - I get that. But it works and it's profitable. I don't like American Idol but y'all jarbonis watch that ****. He's trying to make money here, not kiss everyone's dick. Which probably means... lose the 90's music. There's a bar in Austin that does that exact same schtick. It'll be out of business yesterday.
I wouldn't think it works, but if it does then I guess go for it. And on second thought I probably would go if it was otherwise a good bar; I just wouldn't bring my own dogs because they would get in a fight. Anyway OP, I know nothing of running a bar, but just make sure you have drinks and a style that are agreeable to women. Taffer has taught me that.
I would find an idea that's not currently in Houston, especially if you're looking into prime real estate like Midtown. "Texas Craft Brew" isn't going to be enough to make it on it's own, you need a fresh idea. Take a trip to Bourbon St and 6th and other popular areas around the country if you have time; New York & LA. I would recommend checking out these places in the Houston area and see what they're doing right, then search around and see what fresh ideas from other places you could add. Cottonwood (N. Shepard) Hay Merchant (Montrose Westheimer) Nobi House (Clear Lake, Bay Area) Moon Tower Inn (Canal St.) If you ever have any questions email me through the board.
I think we have enough dog-friendly bars in the Houston area. I think you alienate a huge portion of your clientele with allowing them. I'm a huge dog lover, but as others have said - I hate having to deal with other people's dogs.
I don't live in Houston anymore so am not familiar with the Flying Saucer but that is the type of info you want to talk to your designer about. If you just want it clean that is more a matter of having a diligent staff but there are some design steps that can be taken to make it easier to clean. About having dogs you might want to check to see what the code issues are with having dogs and serving food.
man fck all the dog haters, you don't need those losers at your bar. all your ideas sound great! i'll be there with my pup and attractive female friends in tow! galleria/sw area needs a dogbar.
Make it super comfortable and dark, kind of like a lounge atmosphere. Dont have live music all week, have plenty of tv's, modern furniture, wifi...just a few ideas. As far as location, the Heights is booming. 19th st area to be exact. Also, the Washington ave area has lost all the douchebag crowd due to Midtown, so id not count that out. Good luck to you man. Let us know if you open it, id definitely come by.
instead of free dog treats have a coin operated treat machine...at least you'll make money that way and it won't be a huge financial burden on the consumer...you can have a filling dog fountain for dogs to drink at though...in terms of ideas have fun games...big jenga is a must as well as things like cornhole, etc. I was in Colorado this past winter break and went to a place that had a mini disc golf thing that was loads of fun for me and my buddies...you could go with a picnic table and park feel outside and that way it would seem more natural to have dogs out there if you want to go that route...as long as your location is a place that's close to parks etc where people would have dogs in walking distance they would come, but not everybody wants to load the dogs in the car to go drink with them
