Former Coyote Ugly space on 1st Avenue hits the rental market

A for-lease banner has arrived outside 153 First Ave. between Ninth Street and 10th Street. (Thanks to Steven for the photo!)

The space, a recent recipient of a gut renovation, is notable for being the home of the first Coyote Ugly, which held forth here with bartop dancing and body shots for 27 years. CU left this address in September 2020 ... for new digs on 14th Street. 

The KSR listing notes the CU connection here (but not the asking rent!)... 

As previously reported, there was a new tenant lined up for No. 153. 

Brooklyn Dumpling Shop founder Stratis Morfogen had plans to open a rock club here. (The questionnaire on file at the CB3 website from February listed the establishment's name as E. Village Bar, while the New York Post called it E.VIL Rock Club in an article last fall.)

This concept dates back to 2017 (another flashback here) when E.VIL had designs on 64 Third Ave. (later going to the Ainsworth). 

In any event, this application was withdrawn before the CB3-SLA committee meeting, per public records. And now, the space is on the rental market...

Coyote Ugly ready to work it at new East Village home

The all-new Coyote Ugly is set to make its grand opening Wednesday at 233 E. 14th Street between Second Avenue and Third Avenue...

As we first reported this past September, Coyote Ugly permanently closed its home of 27 years at 153 First Ave. between Ninth Street and 10th Street. In announcing the closure, CEO and founder Lil Lovell had this to say in a video clip: "After sitting closed for six months due to COVID restrictions, we simply can't afford to pay the rent." 

This First Avenue location was the original Coyote Ugly — featuring bartop dancing, body shots and guilt for ordering water. There are now more than two dozen global outposts.

Lovell previously said that the new EV outpost would be "a little bit nicer" with "better bathrooms."

No. 233 was previously home to the Blind Pig, the sports bar/pub, which closed in June 2019. 

Coyote Ugly makes it official on 14th Street

The Coyote Ugly signage went up yesterday at their new saloon at 233 E. 14th Street between Second Avenue and Third Avenue. (Thanks to Pinch for the photo!)

No mention yet of an opening date here on IHOP Way.

As we first reported this past September, Coyote Ugly permanently closed its home of 27 years at 153 First Ave. between Ninth Street and 10th Street. (That space is currently going under a gut renovation for lord knows what.)

In announcing the closure, CEO and founder Lil Lovell had this to say in a video clip: "After sitting closed for six months due to COVID restrictions, we simply can't afford to pay the rent." 

This First Avenue location was the original Coyote Ugly — featuring bartop dancing, body shots and guilt for ordering water. There are now more than two-dozen global outposts.

No. 233 was previously home to the Blind Pig, the sports bar/pub, which closed in June 2019. 

A little of the old Coyote Ugly at the new Coyote Ugly on 14th Street

Work continues at 233 E. 14th Street between Second Avenue and Third Avenue ... where the address will one day be the new NYC home of Coyote Ugly.

EVG regular Pinch got a look inside the open door the other day... and spotted the Coyote Ugly signage from the old (and original) location on First Avenue mounted on the wall ...

As we first reported this past September, Coyote Ugly permanently closed its home of 27 years at 153 First Ave. between Ninth Street and 10th Street. (That space is currently going under a gut renovation.)

In announcing the closure, CEO and founder Lil Lovell had this to say in a video clip: "After sitting closed for six months due to COVID restrictions, we simply can't afford to pay the rent." This was the very first of the Coyote Ugly saloons — featuring bartop dancing and body shots. There are now more than two-dozen global outposts.

The Blind Pig, the sports bar/pub, closed after service in June 2019. At the time, the owners of the 13-year-old Blind Pig said they were hit with an untenable 50-percent rent increase.

The Blind Pig's conversion into Coyote Ugly continues

Renovations (painting, etc.) continues inside the retail space at 233 E. 14th Street between Second Avenue and Third Avenue ... where the address will one day be the new NYC home of Coyote Ugly.

While there isn't any Coyote Ugly signage up just yet, CEO and founder Lil Lovell tweeted a video clip from inside the former Blind Pig last month, noting it was time "to get working."

As we first reported on Sept. 15, Coyote Ugly permanently closed its home of 27 years at 153 First Ave. between Ninth Street and 10th Street. 

In announcing the closure, Lovell had this to say in a video clip: "After sitting closed for six months due to COVID restrictions, we simply can't afford to pay the rent." This was the very first of the Coyote Ugly saloons — featuring bartop dancing and body shots. There are now more than two-dozen global outposts.

The Blind Pig, the sports bar/pub (home to Arsenal supporters in the English Premier League), closed after service in June 2019. At the time, the owners of the 13-year-old Blind Pig said they were hit with an untenable 50-percent rent increase.

Reader report: Coyote Ugly looks to be taking the former Blind Pig space

As we first reported yesterday, Coyote Ugly permanently closed its home of 27 years at 153 First Ave. between Ninth Street and 10th Street.

Workers who were clearing out the space said that the saloon would be moving to 14th Street between Second Avenue and Third Avenue. 

EVG reader Brian Van confirmed that Coyote Ugly was on this month's Community Board 6 agenda for a new license at 233 E. 14th St. — the former Blind Pig.

The Blind Pig, the sports bar/pub (home to Arsenal supporters in the English Premier League), closed after service in June 2019. As previously reported, the owners of the 13-year-old Blind Pig were hit with an untenable 50-percent rent increase.

In announcing the closure, Coyote Ugly CEO and founder Lil Lovell said that they there would be a new NYC Coyote Ugly. She didn't disclose the location, only saying that it will be “a little bit nicer” and have “better bathrooms.” 

The original Coyote Ugly outpost closes; new location expected on 14th Street

The original Coyote Ugly at 153 First Ave. between Ninth Street and 10th Street has closed ... EVG regular Lola Sáenz spotted workers clearing out the space yesterday...

The saloon was said to be moving to new space on 14th Street between Second Avenue and Third Avenue. We're waiting on confirmation of the address. [Update: Looks like the former Blind Pig space.]

Meanwhile, the bar's CEO and founder, Lil Lovell, made the announcement on Saturday about the closure of the very first Coyote Ugly:

We are living in unprecedented times. In comparison to the global pandemic, violence stemming from racial inequality, the raging wildfires, etc., my news is comparatively small— but it is deeply personal and I would like to share it.

The original Coyote Ugly Saloon, on 1st Avenue in New York City, has closed its doors forever. We have been shuttered for 6 months in accordance with New York State Covid-19 restrictions and simply cannot continue to pay the rent. I want to thank all of the former employees, customers, friends, and family that made that little bar so very special. I celebrated so many memorable milestones within those walls. The bar — and you — will forever be part of who I am.

At the end of the video she teases a new NYC location — one with "better bathrooms."

Coyote Ugly opened here in January 1993...  the bar started expanding in 2001, first in Las Vegas, then later with several global franchises... spurred on perhaps by the cheesy cinematic classic of the same name. 

Coyote Ugly opens its first location in Kyrgyzstan

Coyote Ugly, which opened on First Avenue between Ninth Street and 10th Street in 1993, currently has 22 locations in five countries.

And now, the bar has its first franchise location in Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan.

Here are the details via Franchising.com:

“Locals and every Bishkek fun guide will be quick to point out that Bishkek has one of the most thriving nightlife scenes in Central Asia, filled with young people that hang out in clubs and small cafes,” said franchisee Daniyar Monolbaev, who already owns other bars, restaurants and cafés in Bishkek, and will also be developing several Papa John’s franchises in the area over the next few years. “I honestly couldn’t be more excited about bringing Coyote Ugly’s fun and unexpected antics to Bishkek.”

Widely recognized as the most famous bar on the planet, Coyote Ugly thrives on booze, bar dancing and girl power. Each night sexy, sassy, tough-talking “Coyotes” go well beyond serving drinks; they ascend the bar to entertain the crowd with choreographed dance routines, songs games, body shots and much more that celebrate the wild side of American culture.

And!

“There was no part of me that ever thought my little dive bar in New York’s East Village would have taken off like this. And now it continues to steam roll into a global brand – from the United States to Russia, Japan and the United Kingdom to Kyrgyzstan,” said Coyote Ugly founder Liliana Lovell. “Sometimes I have to pinch myself as I watch Coyote Ugly’s fame continue to grow. I can’t wait to see where else we go.”

Report: Coyote Ugly is now a global brand worth $80 million

Fox Business checks in with a story about Coyote Ugly, the 23-year-old bar on First Avenue between East 10th Street and East 11th Street that spawned a global empire.

Liliana "Lil" Lovell, Coyote Ugly CEO and founder, said that she opened the First Avenue location in 1993 with $70,000. Today, there are 20 Coyote Ugly bars worldwide (she owns 11 of them). Last December, her company opened up its fifth location in Russia. In May, a Coyote Ugly debuts in Wales ... and the company has plans to set up bar in Montreal by August, per Fox.

Lovell said that the company is worth $80 million today.

“I was like wow, who would have thought this little dive bar in the East Village would take off?"

[Updated] Looks like Coyote Ugly will make that Grand Reopening tomorrow night after all

[Photo by EVG reader John]

Workers have been cranking out the renovations at Coyote Ugly. The 21-year-old bar at 153 First Ave. closed for renovations last Tuesday … with a grand reopening set for tomorrow.

The inside was a gutted mess late last week … but crews worked the weekend to get the place ready for more Midnight Margarita Nights and Lynyrd Skynyrd. (Or vice versa.)

Anyway! Signs are up now announcing the reopening.

And here's a bonus view of the interior as of Saturday…


[Photo by William Klayer]

Updated 1:48

Gothamist notes that the wall of bras behind the bar... will return!

[Updated] A quick look at Coyote Ugly, now gutted on 1st Avenue

Coyote Ugly closed Tuesday for remodeling … with a grand reopening expected here at 153 First Ave. this coming Wednesday, according to the 21-year-old bar's website.

Well, they're not kidding around with that remodeling. EVG regular William Klayer took the above photo of the interior yesterday — not much left inside. A grand reopening next Wednesday seems optimistic at the moment.

Updated 2:34 p.m.

The Coyote Ugly floor is now outside the front doors. Get that wood while you can!


[Photo by William Klayer]

Coyote Ugly is closed for remodeling; 'rebirth' on the way

We spotted workers gutting the Coyote Ugly space at 153 First Ave. yesterday … (at one point the crew dragged out the actual bar — oh and we missed that photo op! Think of all that Lynyrd Skynyrd the bar has endured!).

Anyway, here's the deal via the Coyote Ugly website:

Tue, May 27 — Tue, Jun 3 Closed for Remodeling
Wed, Jun 5 — Grand Reopening 5:00 PM

Please come back to the future with us at our grand reopening and let us shower you with the power of love in our new and improved bar! We can't wait to celebrate our rebirth with you!

Coyote Ugly opened here between East 9th Street and East 10th Street on Jan. 27, 1993.

RIP old bar… #woo

When Coyote Ugly advertises for new bartenders

Coyote Ugly over on First Avenue between East Ninth Street and East 10th Street is hiring. Here's the all-cap ad via Craigslist if you are interested:

THE WORLD FAMOUS ORIGINAL COYOTE UGLY SALOON IS HIRING FEMALE BARTENDERS WITH
A POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND OUTGOING PERSONALITY! (ALSO HIRING SECURITY WITH THE SAME ATTRIBUTES!)

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY, WE TRAIN THE RIGHT GIRLS!!!

OUR STAFF HAS OPPORTUNITIES TO BE ON TV, TRAVEL ALL OVER THE WORLD, AND MAKE GREAT CASH WITH A COMPANY THAT HAS A PROVEN TRACK RECORD OF SUCCESS FOR OVER 20 YEARS... COME WORK WITH THE BEST!!!

OPEN CALLS FOR BARTENDERS ARE TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS FROM 8PM - COME IN EITHER OF THOSE NIGHTS FOR AN AUDITION AND TO FILL OUT AN APPLICATION!

IN MOST CASES WE WILL INTERVIEW ON THE SPOT, YOU MUST BE 21+!!!

DRESS TO IMPRESS AND WEAR YOUR COWBOY BOOTS!!! TO GET AN IDEA OF WHAT YOU SHOULD WEAR FOR THE AUDITION PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE

Or maybe watch the movie.

Tourists taken for a $500 pedicab from Times Square to (hoo boy!) Coyote Ugly

And, well, the three tourists from Michigan are pretty pissed about it.

The Post has the story today. It happened back on June 14 when the three women (first time here – welcome!) traveled the 2.9 miles from Times Square to First Avenue's home of boobs, denim shorts and beer. And shots.

And when they arrived?

The driver initially demanded $163.60. Jennifer’s friend, Mary Simons, 40, was stunned by the fee, but said she would pay and then fight it when she got back home.

After Simons paid, Halladay said the driver snapped that it was that much per person, not for the three of them.
“We couldn’t believe it,” Halladay said. “We were standing with our mouths hanging open.”

Good for a $500.80 tab! (Good thing the beers are cheap at CU!)

Long story, but the women paid the tab and figured to fight it later. If I read the piece correctly (possibly not), then two of the three women received a refund from their banks ... and they tracked down the pedicab driver (Ibraiym Denizov) ... and filed a complaint with the city Department of Consumer Affairs.

And what's the lesson here?

[Pic via]

Coyote Ugly turns 20 this month in the East Village

Coyote Ugly is gearing up for its 20th anniversary on Jan. 26. Per the Coyote Ugly website:

This anniversary is extra special and will be the best ever! Open to the public at 4pm! Private party 2-4pm for our regulars from the first 10 years.

Don't think I know anyone who was (or is) a regular here at the bar at 153 First Ave. between East Ninth and East 10th Street... was only here once myself.

Anyway, per the sign out front, Coyote Ugly founder Liliana Lovell will be at the bash ... you can read the bar's history here. There are 13 Coyote Ugly bars in the United States now... and a few more overseas... (A Coyote Ugly opened in Constanta, Romania, on Oct. 11, and Coyote Ugly Saloon opened in Novosibirsk, Russia, on Oct. 3. There are four other locations in Russia.)

Meanwhile, a reader said that the bar was closed part of last week. Not sure what happened. (It was NOT related to the DOH, though that was an issue in the past.)

Finally the NY bar is up and running!! OK that is a load off my shoulders. It doesn’t matter how old you are but... bit.ly/VnOcUr

— liliana lovell (@coyotelil) January 4, 2013

What do you get for a bar on its 20th birthday?

Do you have what it takes to be a bouncer at Coyote Ugly?

[Image via Gothamist]

Well, if so, then don't tell us... they're hiring... here's the ad via Craigslist...

We are looking to hire very personable and responsible, experienced bouncers with a security license. If you are interested, please show up for an interview anytime after 6pm on Monday, Tuesday, or wednesday. Ask for Steve.
Coyote Ugly Saloon
153 1st Avenue
ny ny 10003
212-477-4431

Test question: Do we serve water in this bar?

First Avenue, 5:39 p.m., Feb. 23

Previously.

Coyote Ugly is back open

As you may know, the DOH shuttered Coyote Ugly last week ... and according to saloon founder Liliana Lovell, they're back open today:

Hot damn the NY bar is back open!! 153 1st ave NYC ( between 9th and 10th) I am sure tonight will be crazy at the bar. So happy

And here's more on the background from Lil:

Last Tuesday the NY bar scored a 90 on the surprise inspection. 2 days later on Thursday we were reinspected and scored a 16 and they did not reopen us. Over the weekend we put in a new basement floor repainted the whole bar, revamped the sods systems. Jacqui is at the health department now trying to reschedule another inspection. I have been making calls to find out what score we need to reopen. We cut 74 points in less then 48 hours. Ok positive energy. No worries. I actually downloaded a tibetan positivity chant. I lit candles and sang the chant.
Also officially have pneumonia. I went to the doctor yesterday. I swear that all the dental problems started some bad mojo.

Image via.

Coyote Ugly still not open — and here's why

We were told that Coyote Ugly would reopen on Friday after taking care of their DOH-related issues.

However, look at the DOH website ... it appears the DOH didn't give the OK for the bar to reopen...

Meanwhile, Coyote Ugly founder Liliana Lovell addressed the situation Friday on the CU website:

The real story:
Tuesday we were given a spot health inspection. That is very normal in NY. Normally when you have violations, you are given a 10 day to 14 day window to resolve any issues. We received several violations but were immediately closed for the violation of a ”leaking urinal”. CLOSED. In all my years working in NYC I have only heard of immediate closings from the gross videos you see on TV. Juliana, the most organized person I know, immediately called a licensed plumber and we also notified any other experts for other violations. (A fruit fly by the soda systems and supposed mouse droppings all in the basement).

As law requires, all establishments are required to be in contract with an extermination company for monthly service. We have been in contract for 18 years never missing a month of service. Another violation was that there was not supposed to be any space where the wall contacts the floor. So we called in a specialist to spray foam in the areas that the inspector indicated. OK, so in a one day’s time frame we were able to address every violation. I personally went to the health department where I gave the case worker every certificate we have held for 18 years as well as photographic evidence to all the repairs that were made. The case worker then sent me to another building to await a letter that then gives the first case worker the authority to send another inspector to reinspect our establishment. That was a nightmare day ending in no letter.

This morning Jacqui, Juliana and I waited at 8 am to find my original case worker. I was then able to get another case worker to issue the letter that authorizes a reinspection. A few hours later a new inspector arrived. She spent 3 hours at the bar. Her final words were ”if this was a regular inspection you would of passed easily but because its a “reopen inspection” I can’t pass you. The reason behind this was that the basement floor is sand that has the potential for problems. So now the NY bar is closed the whole weekend and of course Monday is a holiday. So back to the drawing board next week. There are so many issues here. I know the landlord will not help with the costs and to put in a new floor for the basement is going to cost a fortune.

Anyone can go on the NYC health Department website and find out scores of any bars and restaurants. Last night Jacqui, Juliana, and I went on the website and put in about 50 various bars and restaurants that we know and were shocked by the gross difference in our scoring versus theirs. (the higher the score the worse thecase) Our score was a 90. 90! I looked at at least 20 bars in our neighborhood some of them citing the exact same violations as ours but not one of those bars were issued points higher then 20. We started typing in restaurants that we knew had issues of gross negligence and again their scores were lower then ours. I am trying to do the right thing. I am trying to keep my head up but that voice inside of me is screaming ” unfair”. We don’t even serve food. I have been getting texts all day about this person or that person sabotaging us. But I don’t want to believe that either. Its so negative and I would never do that to another bar.

So this is just another roadblock in life. We will keep getting reinspected and then we will open back up to the party of the century! Since the bar is closed this weekend the whole staff is pitching in to repaint the walls. the bar was stained the other day. I am trying to locate some of the wallpaper that the Milwaukee bar has to do a small area. I need to turn this into a positive and know that next week this will be better.

Rats, mice and filth flies — oh my!: Looking at the Coyote Ugly DOH violations

When we first mentioned the other night that the DOH had shut down Coyote Ugly, the most recent report on file mentioned 40 points worth of violations... But that one was old! The DOH has filed the latest inspection ...

Still waiting to hear back from someone at Coyote Ugly.

Previously.