Casita Bar

At a certain intersection of space and time, if you were looking for the weirdest bar in Texas, you'd find it in Marfa. It was "sometimes closed til not," and much like the rest of Marfa, held operating hours that were about as predictable as a volcano eruption.

It was part bar, part art exhibit, part food truck patio, part David Fincher audio commentary of 'The Game'. But like making love to an independently wealthy widow named Doris that you met at the country club, visiting Casita Bar was an unforgettable experience.

The most-recent version of this project sailed off into retirement in July of 2023. According to 'The Big Bend Sentinel', owner Chris Ramming said that the bar may return sometime in the future, but not necessarily at the same location. That summer, the bar's Instagram account warned followers, "2 more chances to participate before the present version of this particular establishment disappears from its current location for all times."

Casita Bar was known locally for its hot dogs, tater tots, Food Shark food truck, and friendly atmosphere. But for visitors passing through town, it was the space that stood out.

Like Graceland on crystal meth, Casita Bar's 1960s ranch-style house featured thick shag carpeting, retro furniture, a video projection of a crawling tarantula, and an altar to Colonel Sanders. The vintage TVs strewn about looked like they were playing the video from 'The Ring' and the bathroom was stocked with Aqua Net hair spray. The only thing missing was a sheet of LSD at the door.

Outside you'd find vintage cars and a school bus adorned with string lights surrounding a few tables where you could enjoy the desert breeze and watch for passersby. A hot dog, chips and 16 oz. Hamm's ran you just $8. Helluva deal, really. It was a quiet place to enjoy a drink but it was never boring. But like all good things in life, it didn't last.

RIP Casita Bar. For now.

Online reviews:
-"Eclectic, weird, technological, absurd, random. Like a homemade Meow Wolf made by thrifters."
-"Possibly the best place in the galaxy."
-"perfect 1960's time capsule"
-"Egg salad sandwiches and ice cold beer"