Updated with new opening dates.
High Tide Bar, the latest addition to the Strip, will host its grand opening Friday, June 14, at 8:30 p.m.
Shay Dawkins, co-owner and CEO of High Tide Bar and a 2010 University of Alabama graduate, said the bar will bring an experience visitors cannot get anywhere else.
“What makes us unique is the small bar feel, that when you walk in you’ll be surrounded by friends,” Dawkins said. “It sounds cliché, but we’re going to have that ‘Cheers’ type of atmosphere.”
High Tide Bar is replacing Horny’s Bar and Grill, also owned by Dawkins, located on Red Drew Avenue, right off University Boulevard.
“We had talked about remodeling in order to create a cleaner, more professional setting,” said Adam Johnston, co-owner and general manager of High Tide Bar. “We wanted to make it more of a community bar, which I feel differs from some of the places around here.”
Instead of hiring a crew to remodel the bar, all work was done by the managers. “I built the whole bar,” Johnston said.
The layout will consist of the main bar, three wooden tables and a small stage where solo acoustic acts are welcomed. In July, a bubble panel aquarium will be built into the bar and will seat 50 people.
Dawkins said “any [music] that creates a positive vibe” will be played, such as rock, country and contemporary hits.
The happy hour specials are already set as $2 domestics, $3 imports, $3 fireballs and signature $4 High Tide drinks, which will be served in 16 oz. souvenir cups patrons will be able to keep.
“We want to be known for our drinks, like our one-of-a-kind margaritas,” bar manager Jessica Fanton said. “Our bartenders are personal people; our customers won’t just be some face, but a name as well.”
High Tide Bar plans to incorporate more craft beer and have top- shelf items as specials.
The bar staff consists of Eric Gonzalez Tablada, a 2013 UA graduate, and Josh Neese, a junior majoring in chemical engineering.
“We’re open-minded to ideas,” Dawkins said. “We want our customers to come up to us with their suggestions, whether it be a type of drink or a song selection. We want to be the bar you come to first and have that loyal client base that will stay consistent. We’re hoping our new bar feel won’t wear off, and I don’t think it will because of all we’re going to do for our customers.”
Dawkins invites all to “roll on in” for the grand opening. High Tide Bar will also be having a soft opening Monday at 8:30 p.m.
Private parties at High Tide Bar are available for reservation on and off location. Contact the bar at [email protected].
