Coyote Ugly Saloon turns 25th
Everybody knows Coyote Ugly, the much-loved local dive bar that transformed into an international icon after the success of the movie of the same name. in the aftermath of the The bar has been a fix in the village for celebration of all occasions. Ever since its opening, out-of-towners flooded the New York City bar, which quickly became a favorite stop for tour buses. A fun place like no other, wild, wild and wild.
Coyote Ugly Saloon celebrated their 25th Anniversary in New York City on January 28, 2018. Founder and muse behind the 2000 movie, Coyote Ugly, 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.
About Coyote Ugly Saloon
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. Shortly after that, Hollywood came knocking and the movie rights to Lil’s story were sold. “Coyote Ugly” opened in movie theatres in August 2000 starring Piper Perabo and Maria Bello. It grossed more than $100 million and a worldwide audience quickly learned what the phrase “We don’t serve water here!” meant.
Photos courtesy of Coyote Ugly Saloon
