A new blues and rock ’n’ roll bar is coming to Durango where the recently vacated Macho's Fast Mexican Food restaurant used to be located in the 200 block of East Eighth Avenue.
Two signs advertise that DNA Blues & Rock ’n’ Roll Bar is coming soon in the building’s window.
The bar would add another place to wet one’s whistle along East Eight Avenue in addition to 8th Ave. Tavern and Anarchy Brewing Co.
“There's an opportunity to serve that neighborhood where people can walk to a location and enjoy a dinner or a drink and walk home,” said Durango Chamber of Commerce CEO Jack Llewellyn. “I think that walkability or ability to ride bikes is appealing to businesses and customers.”
Macho’s announced in August 2022 that it would be closing its Eighth Avenue location.
“After a 12 year run, we are sad to inform you that we will be closing our Machos South location on 8th Ave,” a Facebook post said. “The reason of this decision is the lack of staff, changes to building that are not beneficial to Macho’s and the upcoming construction to 8th Ave. that will eliminate all front parking.”
The city of Durango will be reconfiguring the road from four lanes to three lanes along College Drive from East Third Avenue to East Eighth Avenue and along East Eighth Avenue from Second Street to College Drive, which is anticipated to start this summer.
An application for a city business license lists the business owner as Michael Barela.
Barela is the operational manager for The Needle Art Family Tattoo Studio on the north side of the business complex.
A website for the bar indicates Barela has a business partner named Brian Heijboer who also owns The Needle Art Family Tattoo Studio.
Barela was unavailable for an interview Thursday.
The bar’s website describes the owners as “two friends, crazy about tattoos, American classic cars and of course blues & rock music, who decided to combine their vision and skills and opened up this amazing blues & rock bar.”
The menu will offer a variety of cocktails named after famous blues and rock musicians. The “B.B. King” is a bourbon whiskey with fresh lemon juice, honey, apple cider, blueberry preserves and blackberries.
The “Billy Joel” is a Long Island iced tea and the “Peggy Lee” is a Margarita.
No date has been confirmed for when the bar is supposed to open but the website says it will be open Wednesday through Sunday.
With Roxy’s Tacos and Perbacco Cucina Italiana moving into prominent downtown locations as well as the opening of The Oxford bar, it appears there will be many new businesses in the community this summer.
Llewellyn says the increased business activity is likely a result of the spring season. He said it is not uncommon to see a rise in business openings during this period.
“In the 16 years I've been doing this, it seems springtime is when more activity starts to happen,” Llewellyn said. “I think people have been planning throughout the winter. And then it just seems in the springtime, especially folks from out of town, look to possibly relocate or open a business.”
He added that is likely driven by the desire to open before summer tourism season when bars and restaurants are likely to see the most business.
tbrown@durangoherald.com
