Master Somm David Keck Goes Country With New Houston Honky Tonk

Since his departure from Camerata, the intimate wine bar adjacent to Paulie’s in Montrose, Houstonians have wondered what Master Sommelier David Keck’s next move would be. But they probably didn’t expect that the fancy wine enthusiast would bring a brand new honky-tonk to the city.

Announced via release, Keck has joined forces with investor Peter McCarthy to open Goodnight Charlie’s, a self-described honky-tonk at 2531 Kuester in Montrose. The bar, like most honky-tonks, will feature live music, two-steppin’, a juke box, and of course, plenty of beer and whiskey. The bar takes its name from legendary Texas rancher Charles Goodnight, and is influenced by Texas’ iconic dancehalls, like the famous Gruene Hall and Crider’s Rodeo and Dance Hall in Hunt, Texas.

“So much of my time is spent teaching wine and studying wine,” Keck said in a statement. “Goodnight Charlie’s gives me the opportunity to explore a style of service that’s very different than what I’ve done in the past, but equally intriguing. At Goodnight Charlie’s wine won’t really be on the menu. Instead, drinkers will find a selection of beers (ranging from local brews to Texas standby Lone Star) and a selection of whiskey alongside stirred cocktails.

And of course, food will be necessary to soak up all that booze. To craft the menu Keck has tapped former MasterChef contestant Alvin Schultz to create a small selection of Mexican-inspired dishes, including tacos wrapped in “properly-made” tortillas and lighter takes on classic bar fare.

Construction on the building will be a somewhat lengthy process, as it is being designed from scratch to ensure the proper honky-tonk vibe. Expect a rustic barn-inspired aesthetic with table seating indoors and out. At present, Keck expects that Goodnight Charlie’s will make its debut in Fall 2017.