Dang. I’m excited. When the we first rented the space that used to be the Salvation Army for a Vampire Ball and a James Bond Casino Party last year, I really, really wanted to be able to keep going back there week after week, putting on event after event, but I didn’t think it would ever actually happen. About six months have passed, however, and it’s actually happening. Tim took out a lease on the space and is starting a brand new business that we can invade for all our party ideas. Construction on what was once referred to as The Palace but will forever more be known as The Highball has begun, and this blog will keep us all updated with what’s happening inside the space as the crews move on from fixing the plumbing to making walls and installing bowling lanes and rigging up karaoke rooms.
Just like he did when the Alamo Ritz was under construction, Afsheen Nomai will be stopping by the site every week to take new photos, talk to the crew about any new developments, and share all of his news with us here. In the meantime, Tim and I will be posting whenever we’ve got a new idea for a party, or want to let you know about a bad ass new karaoke idea we come up with, or anything else we can dream of.
The Highball will be opening up to the public this fall, and we can’t wait to see you there. In the meantime, enjoy these updates.
Menu
werd.
Posted by Bud on July 21, 2009
Man… as soon as I saw the pics I thought it was the Salvation Army place. Huzzah for spatial-recognition!
I think this will be a swell joint when it gets done. As I am outta town (Atlanta)… and get to Austin usually once a year, this will be a great thing to look forward to. Keep up the kick-ass works.
Posted by Holly on July 21, 2009
I’m sad that it’s not a grocery store. The Alamo already brings in too many inebriated drivers into our neighborhood speeding & running stop signs. Not to mention that the parking lot can’t even handle all the cars that the Alamo brings in now. I can’t imagine the spillover into the neighborhood with another bar in that center. I think it’s a shame the neighborhood did not fight this.
Posted by Evelise on July 30, 2009
Evelise,
I do understand your concerns, but I must tell you that we worked very closely with the neighborhood association to develop plans that worked for their long-term vision. Our original intention was to change the zoning to make it easier for us to develop the property, but that would have been potentially damaging to the long-term development in the eyes of the neighborhood association, so we worked with them to come up with our current configuration. We specifically put in the bowling alleys in order to eat up a large amount of the square footage to make the parking ratios to work within city code.
Since Alamo took the existing shopping center space in the first place, and the associated parking, there is no feasible way to get a supermarket permitted in that center without building a very costly parking garage. It just doesn’t make sense without a full-scale redevelopment of the entire property. Given the options of possible tenants and uses for that space, we feel it’s the best possible option and had neighborhood association support.
Posted by Tim League on August 4, 2009
really looking forward to this awesomeness!!! my only complaint is that it isn’t north. but still – YEAH!!!
Posted by Anna on August 6, 2009
Thrilled! Looking forward to so much!
Posted by Chris Trew on August 18, 2009
welcome to the neighborhood! some people embrace growth and change and others complain.
cant wait!
Posted by Mandy on August 21, 2009
Are you serious? What a fabulous idea! Are you hiring…if so let me know!
Posted by Lindsay on August 22, 2009
I had my own dreams of that space being used as a roller-rink (not really, it’s too small but I’m always scoping out empty spaces)…something Austin is in DIRE need of!! I have ALL kinds of ideas, if the Alamo dreamteam ever decides to go in that direction;-)
Thanks for the Highball updates. I hope the parking issue doesn’t become anymore of a headache – I recently had to park in the alley behind the former Salvation Army while attending the free In The Loop screening only to have someone graffiti my car. Not sure if they thought I was someone else (they wrote “PRICK” in red lipstick) or if they disliked my parking! I would have much preferred to have been able to find parking in the lot as well.
Posted by Moxy Jane on August 23, 2009
can’t wait for this to open up! So psyched to be moving back to my hometown! If you are looking for a KJ for your karaoke side I’ve had my own company for over 15 years and I would love to help out. drop me a line!
Posted by Ian Drake on August 26, 2009
On the parking issue, the Alamo could come up with some kind of shuttle system to and from other Alamo’s/parking areas. For example, I’d like to go to a show at the Ritz and then take my party on over to the highball- late night, big group, no driving: hop aboard the CRAZY ALAMO SHUTTLE!! hahaha. obviously this plan needs some work, but ya know…
Posted by Rachael on September 30, 2009
OMG! The 3D Party was Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!! Had a blast! One of the best nights ive had!!!!!!!! Cant wait for tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The undead party!!!!!!!!
Posted by Jowell420 on October 1, 2009
who do I contact about booking the highball?
Posted by jill on October 5, 2009
[...] last month at Fantastic Fest, McAbee and I met up at the new Alamo Drafthouse-adjacent clubhouse The Highball to talk about science fiction as political allegory, the peaks and valleys within the landscape of [...]
Posted by STINGRAY SAM creator/star Cory McAbee interview « ShareTrain Dot Com on October 21, 2009
Great place, but the parking situation is terrible. At 7pm Highball was nowhere near capacity (fairly empty) and there were ZERO parking lot spots available!! I guess there is either street parking across Lamar (I watched as some hapless people made a mad dash, dodging whizzing cars), near the apartments in the rear of the shopping center (a good long walk), or neighborhood street parking (not going to do that – this is not ACL). Forget the shuttle idea (hula hut and austin java come to mind – fail). Maybe valet parking?
Posted by austinscott on November 3, 2009
Yes! Complimentary valet!!
Posted by geez on November 17, 2009
[...] that are currently part of this change are Opal Divine’s, Green Pastures, The Alamo Drafthouse, The Highball, Vespiao, Guero’s, Fonda San Miguel, and many others. I wish I could list them all but these are [...]
Posted by Restaurant recycling and going green. Living better in Austin Texas. | Eco-Monkeys on November 29, 2009
Is anyone selling tickets??? I need just one of 25$ of NYE for a friend that is coming from Outside US! She doen´s have one!! PLS!!
Posted by Ana on December 26, 2009
Had come credit card charge issues, and the General Manager Damon was quick to fix the problem without any worries. It was very much appreciated!! The quick remedy will retain our patronage.
We look forward to coming back into Highball and enjoying the great service!
Thanks again for the quick fix
Posted by Hill on January 6, 2010
What pastime can be better than bowling for getting together with the gang for a great night of fun? Toronto’s cosmic bowling
Posted by James Hudson on February 18, 2010
Hmmm … don’t think you guys have done one, but…
how about an old skool funk nite ?
Gap Band, Cameo, etc.
I’d like to bring my Austin Hipster’s group.
Find us on: meetup.com and Facebook !
Posted by Jay Brunker on April 12, 2010