25 years in New York City is equivalent to about 100 for any sort of establishment, as the turnover rate here is quite shocking and astonishing. Luckily, there are a couple of fantastic and legendary spaces that have stood the test of time due to its iconic setting and what it’s brought to the table since it opened many years ago. One of those places happens to be Coyote Ugly Saloon, which celebrated their 25th anniversary of being opened this past weekend. Giddy up.
Coyote Ugly drew international attention towards the dawn of the new millennium as it became a hit movie of the same name. That film starred Piper Perabo, Bridget Moynihan, Maria Bello and Tyra Banks and also scored a massive hit for country singer LeAnn Rimes with “Can’t Fight the Moonlight.”
For those who don’t know, here’s a background on this iconic spot. Coyote Ugly Saloon is the most famous bar on the planet with 26 locations in 8 countries, with more locations opening every year, including Japan in February 2018.
The Coyote Ugly legend began in 1992 when Liliana Lovel (aka“Lil”), a 24-year old Wall Street apprentice-turned-bartender gained notoriety for her antics on the bar, as well as behind it. Tired of working for other people, Lil was ready to make her move. The plan was simple; open her own bar, make money, and have fun doing it.
Determined not to let anyone or anything get in her way, she drew up a business plan and the first Coyote Ugly Saloon opened its doors on January 27, 1993. Over the years Coyote Ugly has meant different things to different people. Some come in just to get yelled at by Lil and to drink cheap tequila out of her boots.
Coyote Ugly Saloon quickly established itself in the hearts of New Yorkers as the preeminent drinking establishment when it gained national attention in early 1997. The article, “The Muse of the Coyote Ugly Saloon”- written by former Coyote bartender Elizabeth Gilbert (author of Eat, Pray, Love) for GQ- directed a spotlight on the little bar in the East Village. And now, 25 years later, it remains a massive institution in NYC.
They celebrated their 25th Anniversary in New York City this past Sunday. Liliana Lovel (aka“Lil”) celebrated with a packed bar of family, friends, and the famous Coyote Ugly girls boot stomping on top of the bar. Justina Valentine of MTV’s Wild ‘n Out performed freestyle on top of the Coyote Ugly bar while roasting the crowd alongside two dancers.
Continuing with their tradition of providing fans with the unexpected, a contortionist showed off her flexibility while a bearded lady hosted a beard contest, and New York City’s famous Naked Cowboy closed out the event while performing ‘Pour Some Sugar On Me.’ Also in attendance were Drita D’Avanzo of VHI1’s Mob Wives, Broderick Hunter of HBO’s Insecure, Donald Paul of FX’s Atlanta/ABC’s Quantico, and Monte Bezell of NBC’s The Black List.
For more information on Coyote Ugly Saloon, check out their official website.