This building houses one of the oldest blues venues in the state. Johnny Holmes founded the establishment in 1945, accommodating African Americans and especially returning soldiers who could not go to other blues clubs in segregated Austin. Holmes added the Kovac Room in 1951, providing performance space for such blues legends as B.B. King, Bobby "Blue" Bland and Big Joe Williams. The Victory Grill was a stop on the "Chitlin Circuit"—a network of Southern clubs that gave African American performers access to venues during segregation. Be sure to check out the club's website before visiting for information on music exhibits and events; the experience of a live performance brings to life the Victory Grill's soulful musical history.
Watch the following video to learn more about the history of the Victory Grill and the Chitlin' Circuit in Texas.