Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
Area 140 First has recently been in soft-open mode at 140 First Ave. between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street.
LES resident Michael "Durgy" Durgavich is behind the new bar. He served as a silent partner at the previous establishment here, the Hard Swallow, which closed in the fall after the sudden passing of co-owner Leroy "Big Lee" Lloyd, who was 51. Maria "Sasha" Lloyd, his wife and business partner, decided to move on from the bar business.
With Area 140, Durgy has kept its predecessor's neighborhood bar vibe, saying, "We want a warm and welcoming atmosphere."
I recently stopped by the space, where I also met bartender Saragh Reilly...
Sam Diaz created these sci-fi murals in the back of the bar...
Area 140 First is open from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. Monday through Friday, with a 1 p.m. start on Saturday and Sunday.
You can find their website here.
