Why the uptown McAllen bar scene isn't in danger

 Sure, 17th Street is all the rage right now, but here's why night life in North McAllen is a long way from last call.

THE TRACK RECORD

Sure, there've been some surprise casualties - McLain's, Dubai, Hot Spots. Yes, the turnover rate is high. But even without including the franchise watering holes (Chilis, Bennigan's, Logan's, all ever-bumping), it would take at least four hands to count all the bars in the Nolana/10th Street cross-hairs.

THE BIG DOGS

Groan all you want: Being in business a decade is a big deal in McAllen. Fast Eddie's, Jalapeño's, Simon Sez - they're practically elder statesman. They've solidified their identity and patronage, they've perfected the formula and have survived into adulthood. There are at least three or four other joints following in their footsteps.

THE ROOKIES

Case in point: Jackson's. Every night of the week, their parking lot is packed. It's become the most popular bar in the ZIP code in less than six months. Other high-profile newbies like Havana Club have by no means lost steam, and brand-new players such as Legends and 3911 Lounge are off to solid starts.

THE LOW-KEY CROWD

The partier who hated waiting in line. The casual drinker who'd rather stay sober than stand shoulder next to skanky 18-year-olds and plastered college kids. The cynic for who'd rather be lonely than follow the crowd from hip bar to hipper bar. With downtown as a decoy, we can all emerge from our holes and enjoy what we just couldn't for so long.

THE REAL ESTATE

Quick: Name all the bars that have inhabited the vaguely Taj Mahal-inspired shopping strip across from Barnes and Noble. Nice try. While not necessarily cursed, the property's legacy isn't encouraging. And yet it never seems to be empty; investors continue to leap at it. What gives? Nolana and 10th, the unofficial nucleus of the city and 10 minutes from UTPA, is still just plain gold.