Stirred-up neighbors leave Martini's Bar & Grill extra dry
North McAllen homeowners' anti-nightlife crusade claims a third victim
Martini’s Bar & Grill, a small nightspot on the north side of town, can no longer operate as a bar, city officials said this week.
Earlier this month, a city inspection found that Martini’s Bar & Grill didn’t meet the requirements to operate as a restaurant and it did not have the permit to operate as a bar. Ownership applied for that permit this month and it was denied, said Juli Rankin, McAllen’s director of planning and zoning. Planning and zoning board members denied the permit because Martini’s is located within 600 feet of a residential neighborhood, and residents there had opposed it, she said.
Martini’s is located at 125 Nolana in the same McAllen strip mall as Thirsty Monkey and Margarita Streets. The Las Villas home owners association opposed Martini’s operating as a bar, said Rod Santa Ana, president of the group.
Previously, the home owners association opposed Mint, a night club shuttered several years ago by the city. Martini’s often hosted bands and held karaoke nights. When it opened about 16 months ago, it featured an 80’s theme.
Reminisce about your good times at Martini's by clicking here.
- CLICK HERE TO READ FESTIVA'S HOT SPOTS REVIEW OF MARTINI'S
Share your precious memories in a comment below.
- Are you bummed about Martini's closing, or are you reveling in its demise?
- For fans, which friends were you with on your favorite night there?
- For nonfans, what's the worst thing Martini's ever did to you?
- Which neighborhood and bar do you foresee going head to head next?
Zack Quaintance covers Valley night life for Festiva. You can reach him at (956) 683-4447 or at zquaintance@themonitor.com.
