La Kiva Restaurant & Bar in Terlingua Applies for Liquor Permit Ahead of Reopening

David Flash, , , ,

Nearly a year after its sudden closure, the iconic La Kiva Restaurant & Bar appears poised for a return. A legal notice published this week confirms that La Kiva Restaurant & Bar LLC, under the sole ownership of Keith Joseph, has applied for a Mixed Beverage Permit with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. The address listed is 23220 FM 170, Terlingua — the longtime location of the beloved subterranean bar.

This latest development marks what would be the third major reopening of La Kiva since the 2014 death of Glenn Felts, the beloved owner who was murdered outside the bar, sending shockwaves through the small desert community. Felts had transformed La Kiva — originally built in 1979 by his uncle Gil Felts — into a regional destination known for its cave-like design, eccentric decor, and nightly live music, including a storied open mic tradition on Wednesdays.

After remaining closed for several years following Felts’ death, La Kiva reopened under new ownership before closing again in July 2024.

The 2023 reopening, led by Andy and Mallory Mundy of Long Draw Pizza, had been met with optimism by locals eager to see the space brought back to life. However, by mid-2024, operations ceased once more, leaving the future of the historic bar uncertain.

With the recent application for a liquor license, many in the community are hopeful that La Kiva is preparing to open its doors again under new leadership. Though no formal announcement has been made via the bar’s social media or website, the filing signals movement — and possibly new energy — behind one of Terlingua’s most enduring landmarks.

Locals and longtime visitors alike will be watching closely as La Kiva enters what could be its next chapter.

Published by David Flash

David Flash (david.flash@gmail.com) is a marketing executive and digital media publisher for Big Bend Times, the media outlet with the largest audience in Texas's Transpecos region. With over ten years in sales and marketing, he excels in omnichannel marketing strategies that boost growth, revenue, and customer loyalty in various industries. Flash earned a Master of Science in Digital Audience Strategy from Arizona State University, a Bachelor of Arts in History with a Business Minor from The University of Texas at Austin, and a certificate in Sales Development Science from Texas Tech University. He holds certifications in email marketing, social media marketing, and Google Ads, showcasing his expertise in leveraging digital platforms for marketing success.

2 Comments

  1. There was an owner in between Glen and the Mundy’s who invested so much of his time and money into upgrading La Kiva. I’m not surprised you omitted that information though. It’s not juicy enough for you.

    Reply

    1. La Kiva Restaurant & Bar in Terlingua Applies for Liquor Permit Ahead of Reopening is the story. You can Google “La Kiva” for its complete history.

      Reply

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