Bar News
Nickel & Rye, one of the nicest laid-back bars in Uptown Dallas, closes
A popular and really likable bar in Uptown Dallas has closed: Nickel & Rye, a laid-back hangout and brunch destination on McKinney Avenue, is closing after six years.
Founders Rick Shew said he made the painful decision to close; the final night was December 17.
The bar posted a closure notice on its page, subsequently deleted, that said, "Due to unforeseen circumstances we regret to inform you that the ownership of Nickel and Rye have decided to close business."
"We most importantly would like to thank our awesome staff that we've had over the years along with our longtime customers, our regulars, our Patriots fans, our Michigan fans, our promoters, our 'Brunch and Chill' Sunday Funday crew, and lastly the city of Dallas," they said. "Thank you for all the memories and awesome times we had together."
Located at 2523 McKinney Ave., the bar was a neighborhood favorite with an enviable patio, as well as a good place for after-office parties and group events, thanks to an interesting bar menu, good food, and shareable snacks.
The post said that the decision to close was "made internally" and was not directed by the city, or a result of a lawsuit — perhaps a reference to the fact that, in October, Nickel & Rye was one of 19 establishments across the country singled out by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) for allegedly not paying fees for licensed music.
One habitue fondly called the bar "the scene of many brunch crimes." Meanwhile, the closure left FB groups like the Uptown Dallas Michigan alumni and fans page bereft.
Will Cody, who served as general manager, gave specific thanks to the Michiganers. "Thanks for everyone that supported us through the University of Michigan crew," he said. "And thanks to all the crazies that made our Sundays epic."
Cody says that they went out fighting.
"Yeah, the shelf life of bars in Dallas has definitely gone down but we did all we could," Cody says. "She was definitely my baby those last couple years. And we went down swinging. I’m sad but fortunate to have met so many awesome people."
