A look at the former Rodeo Bar, currrently being transformed into the Gem Saloon

And from up on Third Avenue at 27th Street, EVG reader Stephen Popkin shares these photos of the new facade of the incoming Gem Saloon ... owned by the folks who run East Village bars Phebe's on the Bowery and Penny Farthing on Third Avenue ...



The space was previously home for 27 years to the Rodeo Bar. The former Rodeo Bar sign has been removed from the building... its fate unknown at the moment...



As we first reported in July 2014, the Rodeo Bar — billed as "NYC’s longest running honky-tonk" — closed for good after 27 years in business. In a message on Facebook, the owners said that recent rent increases, "combined with a changing landscape, have made it impossible for us continue."

Kips Bay Corner reported yesterday that the Gem Saloon is expected to open on Jan. 4.

Back in June, a broker for the landlord told this to The Commercial Observer: "The Rodeo Bar was in operation for over 25 years, and hadn’t renovated or changed the interior in many years. The new tenants will transform the space into a first-class eating and drinking establishment. The tenant plans to renovate the entire space, to cater to a sophisticated clientele, that enjoy a wonderful atmosphere and quality food and spirits."

Report: East Village bar owners opening the Gem Saloon in former Rodeo Bar space

Back in early January, Kips Bay Corner reported that the owners of East Village bars Phebe's on the Bowery and Penny Farthing on Third Avenue would be reopening the former Rodeo Bar on Third Avenue at 27th Street.

Now Kips Bay Corner brings word that plans are moving forward on the space. However, it does NOT appear that the new venture, called the Gem Saloon, will host live music like the Rodeo Bar did.

Word on the street is that it’s going to be reopened as an Irish pub; however, if it’s named after the landmarked 1917 Gem Saloon in Montana, it may be keeping within the honky tonk theme of the Rodeo Bar.

This week we witnessed walls being taken down inside the E.27th st. corner building. The owners, which include former NBA star Steve Nash, will not be bringing live music to the once popular spot.

As we first reported in July 2014, the bar — billed as "NYC’s longest running honky-tonk" — closed for good after 27 years in business. In a message on Facebook, the owners said that recent rent increases, "combined with a changing landscape, have made it impossible for us continue."

The storefront at 375 Third Ave. had a $58,333 monthly rent ask.

Report: Owners of Phebe's and Penny Farthing are reopening the Rodeo Bar on 3rd Avenue

[EVG photo from July]

After sitting vacant for nearly 18 months on Third Avenue and East 27th Street, the space housing the former Rodeo Bar is coming back to life as — the Rodeo Bar.

Kips Bay Corner had the scoop yesterday that the owners of East Village bars Phebe's on the Bowery and Penny Farthing on Third Avenue will be reopening the space as the Rodeo Bar. There's no other information available at the moment.

As we first reported in July 2014, the bar — billed as "NYC’s longest running honky-tonk" — closed for good after 27 years in business. In a message on Facebook, the owners said that recent rent increases, "combined with a changing landscape, have made it impossible for us continue."

The storefront at 375 Third Ave. had a $58,333 monthly rent ask.

1 year after closing, the Rodeo Bar space remains vacant on 3rd Avenue

Stepping away from the East Village for a moment… As we first reported last summer, the Rodeo bar — billed as "NYC’s longest running honky-tonk" — closed for good at the end of July after 27 years in business.

Now one year later, the storefront at 375 Third Ave. and East 27th Street remains empty. The asking rent is $58,333 per month.

In a message on Facebook, the owners said that recent rent increases, "combined with a changing landscape, have made it impossible for us continue."

[Updated] The Rodeo Bar closes for good after Sunday

Back on July 10, the folks at Rodeo bar — billed as "NYC’s longest running honky-tonk" — announced that they were closing at the end of the month.

In a message on Facebook, the owners said that recent rent increases, "combined with a changing landscape, have made it impossible for us continue."

At the time, the final gig was set for July 26. However, the last show now will actually be on Sunday. The Facebook invite says that the Dirty Water Dogs will host the final night that will feature "many special guests." The show is set for 9 p.m.

As a tipster told us, the building at 375 Third Ave. at East 27th Street is for sale. According to a listing at Buchbinder & Warren Realty, the asking rent is $58,333. The realty group's past clients have included Starbucks, Duane Reade, 16 Handles and Diesel.

Updated 7-27

Now the Rodeo Bar Facebook page says that LAST NIGHT was the final show. Details for tonight's show have been removed.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Rodeo Bar is closing; last show set for July 26 (51 comments)

Rodeo Bar is closing; last show set for July 26

This past weekend, several EVG readers passed along word that the Rodeo Bar, billed as "NYC’s longest running honky-tonk," was closing at the end of the month.

It was unclear, however, if the Rodeo was ditching its free music program as part of a makeover ... or closing for good. No one at Rodeo responded to our queries.

However, the bar just posted this to Facebook today:

Dear Rodeo Bar patrons and music lovers,

We are deeply saddened to announce that after 27 years in business, Rodeo Bar and Grill is closing its doors after July 27, 2014.

Here at New York's longest-running honky-tonk, we stayed open during some of the city’s toughest times — Hurricane Sandy, the 2003 blackout, 9/11 — but recent rent increases, combined with a changing landscape, have made it impossible for us continue.

For the past three decades, Rodeo Bar has been home to thousands of bands, and we’re proud to have helped define the country, Americana and rockabilly scene in New York City for all these years. But more than that, we were supported by an incredible community of people from New York and all over the world who helped make this bar great. We can’t thank y’all enough.

For the rest of July, we’re open every night, and the music schedule is killer — and free, as it always has been. So come on down and join us for every show, every Shiner, and every moment with the horse trailer we call home. We’re going out with our boots on.

Much Love, and Until the Buffalo Sings,

Rodeo Bar

An EVG tipster told us that the building at 375 Third Ave. at East 27th Street is for sale. According to a listing at Buchbinder & Warren Realty, the asking rent is $58,333.

The last show is July 26.