
Nickel City
Nickel City
Spare change, anyone?
Nickel City bar is bringing a New York-style touch to the Near Southside. Hailing from Austin, Fort Worth became Nickel City's second location on Oct. 21 — a year after it was initially expected to open.
But, surprisingly, the delay was not related to the pandemic, says Travis Tober, part-owner of Nickel City.
"We’re about a year behind, but that’s because where we’re at is a historical designation [the building, 212 S. Main St., was built in 1925 and formerly ABC Flag Co.]," he says. "It’s a long process to try and qualify for that, but it worked out in our favor — two years in the making.”
Tober wouldn’t have had it any other way though. He says the company tends to lean toward older buildings, and Fort Worth has plenty.
“I love the city; it's got a cool vibe to it,” says Tober. “We went around the town and found some spots, but we really like older buildings. We like the charm of it, and it’s original-feeling. It’s got character.”
Now home to Nickel City, the space has a bit of New York in it, too. Tober says the name “Nickel City” was inspired by his hometown of Buffalo.
“Nickel City has always resonated with me and encompasses all of what Buffalo is," he says.
Opening in the middle of a pandemic, customers have slowly but surely trickled in. Tober says capacity is kept at 50%, and the bar also added a restaurant license and has been slowly rolling out a menu.
“Crowds have been thinner, but that’s expected,” says Tober.
But Tober expects to see more foot traffic shortly as Nickel City announces its Miracle cocktail pop-up — a global cocktail event that will take place Dec. 1. Tober says Nickel City is planning more food and drink specials for the occasion.
“It's an anybody, anytime bar. We have a good mix of people in here and lots of awards for cocktails and our bar team,” says Tober. “It’s for everyone to come and not be judged. We have beer and twists on classics. We pride ourselves on the diversity of options. So, if you’re a wine drinker, we’ve got you covered. Everyone in the whole group should be happy.”