Coyote Ugly Saloon is the most famous bar in the United States and is now in 13 locations across the country.
The Coyote Ugly legend began with a girl, a dream, and a little bit of Wild Turkey. In 1992, Liliana "Lil" Lovell, a 24-year-old Wall Street apprentice-turned-bartender was living a good life. She was doing a job she loved, making money, and gaining notoriety for her antics on the bar as well as behind it.
Tired of working for other people, she was ready to make her move. The plan was simple: open her own bar, make money, and have fun doing it. Determined not to let anyone or anything get in her way, she drew up a business plan [beautiful girls + booze = money].
The Coyote Ugly Saloon officially opened its doors on Jan. 27, 1993. Over the years Coyote Ugly has meant different things to different people. Some come in just to get abused by Lil and drink cheap tequila out of her boots; some to watch Jacqui -- long term bartender-turned-manager -- down 151, set it on fire, then shoot the flames down the bar; and others come just to drool over the new bartender dancing on the bar. Quick wit, unshakable assurance, and the ability to take your last dollar has made the Coyote Ugly what it is today.
Coyote Ugly Saloon quickly established itself in the hearts of New Yorkers as the preeminent drinking establishment when it gained national attention in early 1997. "The Muse of the Coyote Ugly Saloon" -- written by former Coyote bartender Elizabeth Gilbert for GQ -- directed a spotlight on the little bar in the East Village.
Shortly after that, Hollywood came knocking and the movie rights to Lil's story were sold. "Coyote Ugly" opened in August 2000 starring Piper Perabo and Maria Bello. It grossed more than $100 million and a worldwide audience quickly learned what the phrase "We don't serve water here!" meant. A sequel is currently in development.
Las Vegas was the location for the first outpost in the Coyote Ugly Saloon franchise, opening a licensed bar in November 2001 in the New York-New York Hotel & Casino.
Today Lil resides in New Orleans with her son. Although she is busy running her company, Ugly Inc., and jetting around the globe scouting new locations for Coyote Ugly, Lil frequently can be found at her New York and French Quarter bars. She expects to see you soon.