Historic bar lives on in East Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A music hall and bar that dates back to the end of World War II is now honored by the Texas Historical Commission.

Victory Grill is the oldest standing blues club in Texas and has received the 20th in a series of special historical markers throughout the state that are titled “Vignettes of Texas.”

The plaque is to celebrate 70 years since this building was opened, on the last day of World War II when Johnny Holmes threw open the doors to the Victory Grill.

"That was the reason why he named it the Victory Grill,” said Myrtle Holmes-Wilson, daughter of the original owner. “[It is] in honor of victory of Japan Day."

Myrtle Holmes-Wilson remembers her father wanting to honor his brothers and others serving in the war. So, the eastside business started as an open-air venue.

Originally, the goal was to provide entertainment for African-American soldiers.

"They couldn't go to the USO clubs or anything like that,” said Holmes-Wilson.

Back here in Austin, the Victory Grill became known as the spot for black service men and women, from as far away as Ft. Hood, to come to socialize. The converted ice house on 11th street eventually became known to musicians as word spread about this historical place.

"With the performers, this was a stepping-off place - if you wanted to test the waters to see if this was what you needed to do or what you could do,” said Holmes-Wilson.

The Victory Grill is only open during special events, but Holmes-Wilson's goal is to restore it back to the way it was during its heyday.

The historical commissions marker is a reminder of those days, past and present. Holmes-Wilson considers it a fitting memorial to the man who started it all.

"I was very excited for him,” said Holmes-Wilson. “I think he would have been very proud to receive the honor. He wasn't a showy person. He was very quiet."

Johnny Holmes’ legacy lives on at the Victory Grill.