Dixie Chicken - The Oldest Bar on Northgate

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That good ol’ Dixie feeling.

Chicken Stories

Stories submitted may be edited for length or content at the discretion of Dixie Chicken Inc.
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Decades of good times

It may have started as just a bar, all those years ago, but it has been much more than that to many aggies. For over 50 years, we’ve been on Northgate, celebrating the big wins, knocking back a few after a tough test, reminiscing and reconnecting with friends. We’ve been there for the awkward first dates, the 20 year wedding anniversaries, the nights to remember and the nights to forget!

Thank you for your stories.

2013

More beer please

Yes because, beer…

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This is what I'm talking about.

2013

Yes because, beer…

One time, beer. And then this other time, beer. The best part was when, beer. But then after that, beer. And then again, beer. But the crazy part, beer. In conclusion, beer. Nevertheless, beer. Will we be back? Yes because, beer.

Kasey Irvin

1993

From throwing bones to being at a wedding

Surprise Wedding…

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1993

Surprise Wedding…

A group of friends, class of ’90, met in town at the Chicken over the Christmas break. It was a Saturday afternoon and we were playing dominos. In walked a priest followed by the groom. The wedding march played over the speakers and in walked the bride. They served champagne to all in the bar and held a dance after. Of course the war hymn played following the kiss!

John Bush ’90

 

2025

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Texas Treasured Business Award by the Texas Historical Commission & City of College Station Historic Destination Plaque Presented to the Dixie Chicken

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2025

Texas Treasured Business Award by the Texas Historical Commission & City of College Station Historic Destination Plaque Presented to the Dixie Chicken

The Dixie Chicken has officially been awarded the Texas Treasured Business Award by the Texas Historical Commission and City of College Station Historic Destination plaque, meant to highlight the Dixie Chicken’s iconic place in Aggieland’s history.
For over 50 years, The Chicken has served patrons in the heart of the City’s Northgate District.
The Texas Treasured Business Award is reserved for legacy businesses that have served their communities with distinction for 50 years or more. It recognizes not just longevity, but the cultural, economic, and historical impact a business has made in the fabric of Texas.
To say we’re proud is an understatement.
Since 1974, the Dixie Chicken has been more than a bar — it’s been a rite of passage, a second home, and a memory-maker for generations of Aggies, locals, and visitors alike. From ring dunks and dominoes to live music and lifelong friendships, the Chicken has stood the test of time and stayed true to its roots.
These awards celebrate every beer poured, every story shared, and every tradition born here on the Northgate corner.

1990

Archive

Ring christening turns into proposal…

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1990

Ring christening turns into proposal…

On September 1, 1990, my family was at the Chicken to christen my cousin’s ring. My boyfriend (now husband) dropped a ring in a pitcher and asked if I was ready to christen my ring. I was a year away from getting my Aggie ring, so I didn’t know what he was talking about. He pulled an engagement ring out of his pocket, dropped it into the pitcher, and asked me to marry him. The place went wild! I was showing someone the ring later that week, and a person nearby congratulated me, saying “Wow! You’re the one! I heard about that! Congratulations!” We have been married 25 years now. The Chicken will always be special to us!

Kasey Koenig-Edmundson

2020

Heavy rain and strong winds led towards disaster...

The Night The Roof Came Down

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2020

The Night The Roof Came Down

The story of our roof collapse on May 27, 2020, was featured on Texas Voices.

2013

Put a ring on it

Northgate introduced us, but the Dixie Chicken sealed the deal…

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Put a ring on it

2013

Northgate introduced us, but the Dixie Chicken sealed the deal…

JT (from Jack Hilliard) was my bartender at Rebel when I first met him. A few weeks later he asked me to be his girlfriend sitting at this table on the back porch of the Dixie Chicken on April 17, 2013. This picture was taken at that table on our one year anniversary. We still sit there when we enjoy lunch on a work day or drinks after work. Northgate introduced us, but the Dixie Chicken sealed the deal.

Almost 4 years later,
He needs to put a ring on it,
Jessica

 

UPDATE: On September 10, 2017 JT proposed at the same back porch he asked me to be his girlfriend 4 years ago.

Soon to be Mrs. JT,

Jessica

 

UPDATE 2: June 2, 2018, JT and Jessica were married in front of family and friends. Congrats to the happy couple!

2014

Archive

40th Anniversary Party

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Roger Creager playing to the crowd.

Dub Miller singing "Fightin' Texas Aggie"

2014

40th Anniversary Party

June 14, 2014, the Dixie Chicken celebrated its 40th birthday with live music from Aggies and local talent.

Pat Ryan, Austin English, Dallas Shipp, Geoff Spahr, Rosehill, Clayton Gardner, Dub Miller, and Roger Creager all shared their talents to a large crowd packed throughout the promenade.

1984

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Used to tie up our horses behind the Chicken…

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horse

1984

Used to tie up our horses behind the Chicken…

Used to tie up our horses in the back when we road over from the Cav barn during weekend excursions. That was when the Cav Jocks supplied our own (personal) horses. Behind the Chicken was just an alley and we’d ride over , tie up and play dominos and dispense pitchers while chewing tobacco or dipping snuff.

Danny Hill, ‘85

2015

Is there a 1st Grade?

Intro to the Dixie Chicken

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2015

Intro to the Dixie Chicken

Most memories I can’t remember or repeat, however, my wife (’01) and I (’98) had the privilege of taking our daughter (’31) to the chicken, and the next day, after asking if TAMU had a 1st grade, my daughter said she wanted to go back to the Chicken and play some bones

– Ryan ’98

2002

I met Don & his wife back about 2002ish...

From Aggieland to Jackson Hole

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2002

From Aggieland to Jackson Hole

I met Don & his wife back about 2002ish while sculpting in a Gallery in Jackson Hole, WY. He was at the back of a crowd watching me and I hear someone holler, “what year did you graduate?”! He saw my ring and after everyone cleared out he said, “ever heard of The Chicken? I own it!” I told him it was a post exam tradition and a great place to unwind! My son just turned 21 and his first beer purchase was at The Chicken! Don created a great place and a wonderful Aggie Tradition!

2002

on a whim, my friend and I decided to walk down to the Chicken...

Grabbing a beer turned into a lifetime love!

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2002

Grabbing a beer turned into a lifetime love!

My husband (class of 2001) and I met at the Dixie Chicken on July 14th, 2002. After being at Shadow Canyon most of the night, on a whim, my friend and I decided to walk down to the Chicken. There was a Gary P. Nunn concert on the back porch that hot sultry night. We came in to grab a beer and sit inside for a while. As we sat there chatting about considering a move to Houston to further my career, my future husband approached and asked if we’d like to join he and his friends. As we all sat together, we hit it off instantly. We sat there and talked like we had known each other for many years. After a game of pool he asked for my phone number. After 7 months of dating, we married on February 22, 2003 at the All Faith’s Chapel on the campus of A&M. We have been married 17 wonderful years and have 4 awesome kids (future Aggies) together. When we want to relive our younger years, we take a trip back to College Station and to The Chicken. This is where our love story began. The Dixie Chicken will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Amber Wittnebert

2019

1st official beer at the Chicken

Born and Raised

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2019

Born and Raised

Got a little story for you Ags…This kid was born and raised an Aggie!! This is my nephew Anthony Schimmenti, class of 2020! WHOOP! With the help of his Dad, Mark “Scoop” Schimmenti, Class of ’83, he has always bled maroon! Only fitting to have his 1st official beer at the Chicken for his 21st birthday! Here’s to many more family gatherings at the Dixie Chicken!