El Paso’s Cincinnati Entertainment District Is Losing Two More Bars

The Cincinnati Entertainment District used to be the party hot spot in El Paso. Bars like O2 Lounge, Marco Polo Dive Bar, Kush Lounge, and Liquor Dicks used to pack in patrons who wanted to get their party on. But now, the area seems to be losing its shine.

The Cincinnati Bar and Grill has an eviction notice posted on its entrance, and The Corner Tavern has also decided to close its doors. O2 Lounge, Marco Polo Dive Bar, Kush Lounge, and Liquor Dicks have also gone out of business. Business owners say they couldn't keep up with rent increases and competition from other entertainment districts around town. Renting a spot in Cincinnati isn't cheap. Rents can run as high as $9,000 for premium locations.

Bar owners also say that the City has been too focused on revamping the downtown area, and seems to have given up on a plan to turn the Cincinnati Entertainment district into a more pedestrian-friendly area. City officials say when they presented that plan a couple of years ago to business owners in the area, they said they didn't want it to happen because it would mean the loss of some parking spaces.