WTF? Ernie's? Closed? - UPDATED INFO

By Mary Jane on Jul 1, 2010

Houstonist has been an on-again, off-again patron of Ernie's on Banks for too long to admit to(we would show our age). Let's just say a number of years and leave it at that. Pretty decent pub snacks (nachos, quesadillas, cheese sticks), great bartenders and a nice brew selection (plus other beverages). These are a few of our favorite things, and all elements we found at Ernie's. Like our very own "Cheers" in the Montrose, Ernie's was a safe haven, a cool refuge from, well, the uber-trendy douchies one occasionally runs across. Until this past Sunday, when they closed right smack out of the blue. WTF? We've heard rumors that the joint was sold, scuttlebutt inferring that it may be re-opening as some incarnation of a bar or pub with more food selections. However, at this time that's all really third-hand hearsay, or the stuff very flimsy gossip is constructed from.

For now, all we know for certain is that Ernie's is shut and we are sad. Where will the very nice bartenders go? When we find out additional information regarding the future of the building that was the establishment named Ernie's that is bona fide and fit for public consumption, well - you will be the first to know.

This just in, Ernie's owners official e-mail:

As many of you may have recently learned, we have sold Ernie’s on Banks to new operators. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your continued support and patronage over the last several years. We’d also like to thank all members of our staff, our great friends, and our supportive families. We are excited about the future of the business and will continue to support the new owners as they embark upon this new endeavor (opening date is TBD,stay tuned). We are also excited about moving on to the next chapter of our lives and hope to continue the great friendships we’ve made at Ernie’s. As we look back on the wonderful times and the fantastic people we met there,we are overwhelmed with gratitude and great fortune.

Thanks for the memories,

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