Ownership made the announcement on Instagram...
In May 2022, Keybar looked to relocate to a larger space nearby ... reps appeared before Community Board 3 to seek a license for the more high-profile SE corner of Avenue A and 13th Street (the former Caffè Bene and previously a dry cleaners).
Ownership said that a rent hike courtesy of landlord Steve Croman is behind the relocation.
However, CB3 voted to deny the application "because it does not show public interest and seeks a full on-premises license in a location that has never been licensed for a full on-premises liquor license in a saturated area with a history
of quality of life issues on upper Avenue A."
yay one less bar in the EV, now don't come back
ReplyDeleteThe owner, Attila, is simply a delight and gentlemen. 20 years in the village but neolani knows best for everyone.
ReplyDeleteHe's the best!!! Goof luck Atilla & staff
DeleteOwner of Spotted Owl and Spike's is taking over the space.. so will be another bar
ReplyDeleteWhat a joke, CB3 making places leave the neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteDepressing news
ReplyDeleteMaking a longtime responsible bar owner leave the neighborhood is the point for local objectors. Although that area gets a lot of terrible applicants for bar spaces, the distaste for nightlife extends to everyone.
ReplyDeleteThe area lost so many long-time venues in the past few years, including places that were getting harassed by the neighbors and weren't doing anything wrong. You don't hear a whole lot about that.
But any space on Avenue A is open to an operator who hires the right fixer.
It's a bad system.
What a silly, close-minded celebration of Keybar leaving. Someone who hasn't been there for 20 years and shown an ability to co-exist is going to take over.
ReplyDeleteI don't live next to it so I can't fully attest but from what I've observed in the last 20 years is that they've never been a problem. Sounds like a responsible owner. Spikes and The Owl tho.... oh boy, Noble will wish the Key still fit in the nabe.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed key bar for 20 years. They should do well in bushwick and in a bigger space. It will be more fun with a bigger space. Would have liked it here in east village but it’s ok.
ReplyDeleteI've had lots of unexpectedly fun nights at Keybar, this one hurts. Any bar on a street (as opposed to an avenue) is likely to bother neighbors, but they really go out of their way to keep the noise down when I've been there.
ReplyDeleteI'll be by for another happy hour special. Is there any better gimmick than going early for a cocktail, then coming back with a free drink ticket later that night?!
Bushwick is techno/house heaven so they’ll probably thrive there. Another sad loss was Liquids on 10th between A and 1st. Though I’m an aging raver well past my prime, I’ll miss Key Bar. And seconded on Atilla. Guy was a champ and sweetheart. Thanks for the memories!!
ReplyDeleteThe owner Atilla is a respectable bar owner. Crooked landlord Steve Croman signed over a new lease to the Spotted Owl people at a huge markup without offering Atilla option to renew. I hope “Bushwick takes good care of Atilla. Would rather travel kit there to see him Vs patronize the incoming business at this space.
ReplyDeleteHi guys in USA NYC. I am Janos from UK. I am Attila's brother. Thanks for loving him! He will looking after you guys in the new site too. Exciting. See you there in January 2024.
DeleteIT IS HIS BIRTHDAY😝👍🥃🍽️
Yes Atilla the best.
DeleteSuch a responsible bar.
I do live next door to Keybar and enjoyed greatly for 20 years.
K.Kish
Spike's and Spotted Owl are the worst; filthy, glass strewn street fronts and interiors that smell like urine. I feel awful for the nice bartenders who work for these thoughtless jerks.
ReplyDeleteShuttered storefronts are good for nobody so I’m glad another business is moving in, give them a chance
DeleteNightlife in East Village is awful… Keybar was one of the very few places that wasn’t just another generic dive or top 40 bar. It’s so homogenous. Keybar will be missed.
ReplyDeleteWishing the best to Key Bar! The landlord was def in charge of this move. He “worked” with Attilla to help him. Which was not in his favor. We will love Key! Wish you the best! And let’s see what the new place brings! (And yes, i am an insider of the new place)
ReplyDeleteDamn, Keybar & Attila are the best. Will be missed! Although, can't wait to get on the dance floor at the new spot in Bushwick!
ReplyDelete