Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Bickle.
Hi Amy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The North Bar has been a family run business since 2004. Starting with family members Mike and Tonia Martin, they purchased the North Bar and ran it successfully until 2012 when their nephew Mike Bickle and myself, stepped in to run it after being a bartender for several years. Mike and Tonia sadly passed away in 2012 but their legacy and memory still remains a pillar of North Bar. After Mike and Tonia passed, We started an Annual Memorial Golf Tournament in their honor that raises money for different charity organizations every year.
Our collective passion has always been live music and it was Mike’s ambition to expand live music at North Bar after the pandemic by having a new stage and a solid lineup of bands every Saturday night. With Open jam/mic every Weds, live music became an exciting outlet for Mike playing bass and for other musicians that might not have the opportunity to be on a stage. Live music at North Bar flourished and we quickly became known around the music community of San Diego.
Everyone here at North Bar was shocked when Mike passed away unexpectedly on January 15th, 2023. Through his passing, we undoubtedly have been devastated but the outpouring of love from the community of our patrons as well as the many musicians who loved Mike continue to give us strength to carry on his dream of live music in the Escondido area.
I continue to run North Bar and invest in Live Music and the Escondido Community. North Bar plans events around charity and individuals in the community as a way forward and to give back.
My daughter Cheyenne now manages and works along side of me to continue to build the North Bar into the future.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When it comes to owning a business, it’s never a smooth road and without struggles. Throughout the years of owning and operating North Bar, there have been many notable struggles.
Mainly the most difficult aspect has been the loss of not only several of our beloved family members who were apart of this place, but many customers that had become like our family. Being in the dive bar business, you meet so many different types of people and they are extended family here.
Another struggle was the pandemic. We were shut down for a while and had to pivot into a food establishment to open our doors. We served pizzas and partnered with “That Mexican Place” which saved us from being shut down completely. We struggled with the food aspect because we didn’t have a kitchen or any cooks. Our bartenders had to make pizzas which they were not so fond of.
Due to health reasons at the beginning of 2020, I became sober and stopped drinking completely. It has been challenging for me not in the sense of maintaining sobriety but the customer service aspect of explaining to people that I won’t be doing shots with them or partying with them. I have learned to celebrate many other ways and also have expanded our non-alcoholic options. Yes, I am a sober bar owner.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are a Full service Dive Bar and Live Music Venue. We still have sports on the TV’s, NFL Ticket and 20 taps of Local and domestic beer. What sets us apart from other bars is our bartenders. They really care about each of our customers and go out of their way to create a fun, friendly experience for everyone. Our brand is our customers and the sense of family that we have here. We offer great karaoke nights, event space for birthdays, memorials, after wedding parties, and we even had a couple get married here.
What were you like growing up?
When I was growing up I was a creative kid that loved swimming, skate boarding, and roller skating. My personality has always been easy going and. chill. I love animals, thrill rides and nature.
Pricing:
- Happy Hour from 4-7pm week days
- Tequila Specials on Tuesday
- Sunday Funday Free pool and $3.50 Fireball
- Breakfast Club $3.00 Domestic and Wells from 10-2
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thenorthbar.com
- Instagram: north_bar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenorthbar
- Youtube: @northbar
Image Credits
The photo of me (Olivia Tosic) and all the rest of the photos I took (Amy Bickle)
