Crockett Street

Crockett Street Dining & Entertainment District

The Crockett Street Dining & Entertainment District has been a long time in the making. The idea was developed some fifteen years ago with a vision that downtown Beaumont could again be the thriving business and social district it once was. 

The first and most difficult task of developing the Entertainment District project was the acquisition of the five historic buildings that make up the block of Crockett Street between Pearl and Main streets. The block of buildings was in great despair. They were boarded up and some had deteriorated roofs and floors. A sixth building, the former White House Hotel and Cafe on the east side of the block was demolished in the late 70's. Negotiations on the purchase of the buildings were very discouraging at times, but luckily, the acquisition was completed in 1998 and plans developed.

What most people now refer simply to as "Crockett Street" was going to originally be called the "Dixie Street Entertainment District", named after the most notable of the five buildings, The Dixie Hotel. Originally built in the early 1900's, the infamous building housed what many refer to as the "most notorious bordello in the South". It was closed in 1961 by the House General Investigations Committee of the 57th Texas Legislature, dubbed the "James Commission", in honor of vice Chairman Tom James of Dallas. Throughout the last 100 years, the other buildings housed celebrated businesses such as Fullers Cafe. The American National Bank, Dunlop's Drug Store and The United Cigar Stores Company.

Even before the Spindletop Boom of 1901, downtown Beaumont was busy with action. Southeast Texas' first "Rice Festival" was held in Beaumont in 1900, and photos show thousands of people lined to watch the parade go past the very block of buildings that make up the Crockett Street District. Two years later in 1902, the parade's main attraction was the city's first and the states second "horseless carriage". As far back as 1904 to 1917 there were agricultural exhibits, referred also as "farmers markets" at the corner of Crockett and Main. Across the street at Crockett and Orleans was the famous Crosby Hotel, dubbed the "center of the oil world" during the boom days. It was located near the Southern Pacific Train Station where hundreds of newcomers came daily hoping to strike a fortune. As time progressed so did the district. Numerous movie theaters, the Kyle Opera House, the Shamrock Hotel, restaurants and clothing stores came and went.
Developers of the project hope to bring some of the glory of the "good 'ol days" back to Beaumont and Southeast Texas. Every detail has been given to making Crockett Street into a first rate entertainment destination.

The five buildings house ten separate venues. In the Wilson Building is "The Spindletop Restaurant" and on the second Floor, the "Texas Star Bar & Grill". The old Tip Top Building is home to "Hog Wild Fuel & Feed".

"Bobbie McGee's" pub occupies both Floors of the Littleton Building, as well as the courtyard behind it. "Antones", a live music and "The Neches Room", a banquet and special events facility are located in the Ferita Building. The former Dixie Hotel Building is host to "Rio Rita's Mexican Food and Cantina", "The Dixie Dance Hall" and the "Black Cat Lounge" dance club.

The "eleventh" venue is an outdoor area for festivals, concerts and special events. Crockett Street celebrates Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day, Fourth of July, Nightmare on Crockett, Thanksfest and more every year.

Live music is a major focal point. Local talent as well as nationally known artists of all kinds will be enjoyed at Crockett Street. There will definitely be something for everyone.

While one group is enjoying a concert by country music star Tracy Byrd, another group can enjoy jazz in the open-air courtyard or dance to the latest pop tunes.

It is important to realize that Crockett Street is not just a few restaurants and nightclubs in downtown. It is a destination that will have a positive impact on the quality of life and economic development for all of Southeast Texas.

Economically speaking, it will give Southeast Texas the competitive edge it needs to attract business, and will allow existing businesses the opportunity to recruit highly skilled employees who consider the quality of life in a city they may relocate to. And there is no way to estimate the millions of dollars Crockett Street will generate as a tourist destination and creator of over 450 service industry jobs.

Crockett Street is providing new places to meet for lunch and dinner and a place to attend outdoor concerts and festivals. It has and will continue to work closely with other downtown entertainment ventures like the Jefferson Theater and the Julie Rogers Theater. After catching a show at one of the majestic places, friends and family can continue their fellowship over a glass of wine or a midnight snack. Crockett Street works closely with Ford Park the Southeast Texas Entertainment Complex helping them to recruit conventions and events. It is also the perfect "after party" venue for any happenings held at the complex.

With increasing success of Crockett Street and existing plans to re-develop Beaumont's waterfront, the future of Beaumont as never looked better.