NEW BARS: Bar 201

Bar 201 aims to attract live music fans.

Owner Albert Gonzalez, a veteran of the McAllen nightlife scene who opened Metropolis, Prada and Mint, plans to install one of the biggest stages in town. His plans call for a stage 19-feet wide and 9-feet deep, elevated three feet off the ground. Across from the stage will sit the burgeoning entertainment district's longest bar, taking up a whopping 50 feet.

Bar 201 will serenade visitors with jazz, blues and classic rock. The establishment will also offer one of the Valley's finest wine and beer collections.

It's all an effort to attract a certain crowd.

"A lot of people down there are shooting for the young and hip," owner Gonzalez says. "I want the doctors. I want the lawyers. I want the professionals that don't want to be around a zoo."

He also wants to tinge the place with Valley art. Gonzalez, a self-professed fan of the city's first Friday Art Walk, says he wants a rotating rotunda of local artists work. He wants it on his bar's walls.

The art will complement an already fine looking joint. Mexican artisans have custom made a massive door and stained glass logo for Bar 201.

Bar 201
201 S. 17th St.
(956) 445-2515
Hours: 5 to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday
Projected opening date: Open before Christmas

Formerly: A dollar store

Style:  Pub and bar

Musical style: Jazz, blues and classic rock

Dress code: Casual, no shorts or cut off shirts

The Recipe: Lansky's and Brats + Cin Cin + live music

Future expansion plans: Owner Albert Gonzalez is cryptic, but he says he has three phases planned. And the next two could involve expanding up, being outdoors and resembling bars in Austin, which often have upper level, outdoor stages. Is he doing the same. "I won't confirm or deny that. If you've been to Austin, you can put the pieces together."

Ages: The owner says he's aiming for an older crowd, probably late 20s and older

Wine fans: Rejoice. This place will feature a huge selection of wine by the glass, powered by nitrogen dispensers so bottles won't go bad.

One year outlook: Thriving. Gonzalez knows what he's doing, having been in the Valley bar business since 1989. Back by the Heart of the City effort, he should have no problem succeeding in the newborn entertainment district.

Typical patron: Wine drinker, early 30s, stops after a glass or two. Probably decked out in good-looking jeans and a sport coat. Big fan of jazz and conversation.

OWNER: Albert Gonzalez

CLUB EXPERIENCE: Has owned and operated Klub X, Metropolis, Prada and Mint.

ADVICE TO BEGINNING BAR OWNERS: "Don't get high on your own supply. That's from my favorite movie [Scarface] but it's true. The biggest problem with bar owners, they get carried away. It's like a new toy and they end up getting drunker than the customers. That sets the tone for employees."

SIDE JOBS: Bar consulting.

FAVORITE DRINK: Wine

TAKE ON 17TH STREET: "All of us need to stick together and work together and become one scene. The ultimate prize is to make downtown the destination location for McAllen."