HOUSTON — (Realty News Report) – Downtown’s Little Dipper bar has extended its outdoor patio into Main Street, creating a small, car-free thoroughfare reminiscent of a micro Bourbon Street.
City officials have closed several blocks of Main Street in Houston’s oldest district to vehicular traffic, allowing restaurants and bars to place tables and seating in the roadway.
The Main Street initiative is intended to help “Houston’s food and beverage industry recover from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to a statement from the Downtown District.
The Little Dipper, located at 304 Main, is the first business to expand its service onto the street that once accommodated cars, buses and motorcycles.
Cheap Bourbon
The Little Dipper is characterized as a “cool, blue neighborhood bar” featuring pinball machines, inexpensive bourbon and a well-curated jukebox.
Several other businesses have applied to participate in the “More Space: Main Street” program and to operate outdoor patios in the street.
Circa 1880
The Little Dipper opened its Main Street patio service last weekend while continuing to operate inside its ornate, historic building. The three-story Stuart Building was constructed in 1880 after a July 1879 fire devastated half of the 300 block of Main Street.
The roadway patios are semi-permanent and are planned to remain in place during the day for at least the next year, with the possibility of extension.
“This is one of those rare projects that solves several different problems at once,” said Scott Repass, owner of Little Dipper and a Downtown District board member. “It is a healthier option for people wanting to go out and for restaurants and bars wanting to serve them. It is an attraction that will bring people Downtown. And it makes use of an underutilized but beautiful part of Main Street.”
The closed section includes the northbound and southbound lanes of Main Street between Commerce and Rusk, with the METRO rail line running down the center.
The More Space: Main Street program is the result of a partnership between the City of Houston, the Houston Downtown Management District (Downtown District) and the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO).
Masks On Main?
The Downtown District describes the program as “a solution for Downtown restaurants eager to maximize guest capacity while protecting the health and safety of staff and patrons.”
Houston City Council approved the program in November 2020.
“This is the perfect time of year to enjoy Houston’s patio weather, and I know Houstonians will enjoy the peace of mind of having extra space to dine while social distancing,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “Programs like More Space: Main Street show that we can support our local businesses while continuing to observe pandemic protocols.”
After installing their street patios, Main Street businesses are eligible to apply for a $2,500 grant to support their operations.
March 16, 2021 Realty News Report Copyright 2021
Photo credit: Daniel Ortiz Photography. Caption: METRO train runs beside Little Dipper outdoor patio on Main Street.
File: Bourbon Bars Replacing Cars on Houston’s Main Street