Keybar has left 13th Street for life in Bushwick

ICYMI: Keybar is now closed at 432 E. 13th St. between Avenue A and First Avenue.

The bar concluded 20-plus years in business at the end of July, ahead of a move to Troutman Avenue in Bushwick. Management told us they'd debut there in the middle of this month. 

Ownership previously said that a rent hike courtesy of landlord Steve Croman was behind the relocation.

No. 432 likely won't remain vacant for long. In May 2022, CB3 approved a new liquor license for John Cutillo, who operates The Spotted Owl on the corner at 211 Avenue A, Iggy's Keltic Lounge on Ludlow and Local 138 at 181 Orchard. 

At the same meeting, CB3 denied an application for the Keybar principals to relocate to the SE corner of 13th Street and Avenue A (now a smoke shop) "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."

After 20-plus years on 13th Street, Keybar is relocating to Bushwick

After 20-plus years at 432 E. 13th St., Keybar is wrapping up its last month on the block between Avenue A and First Avenue before relocating to Bushwick. 

Ownership made the announcement on Instagram...

Ownership said that a rent hike courtesy of landlord Steve Croman is behind the relocation.

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). 

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."

Calexico team trying Asian-Latin fusion with Big Cat on 2nd Avenue; a move for Keybar

Calexico is changing up concepts at 99 Second Ave. between Fifth Street and Sixth Street. 

The Cal-Mex chainlet will its East Village outpost for Big Cat, "serving Asian-Latin fusion cuisine and a mix of classic cocktails, regional draft beers and a modest wine list." 

Reps for the company (founded as a food truck in 2006 by brothers Dave, Jesse and Brian Vendley) will appear before CB3's SLA committee tonight for this change in operation. 

The questionnaire on file on CB3's website has more info about the new concept, including this sample menu...

Calexico arrived in the EV in July 2019. The restaurant has been closed since late 2020. 

In other items on tonight's agenda...

The owners of Keybar on 13th Street between Avenue A and First Avenue are looking to relocate to the more high-profile SE corner of Avenue A and 13th Street (the former Caffè Bene). You can read the Keybar questionnaire here. 

And what about the soon-to-be-former Keybar space at 432 E. 13th St.? 

The team behind the Spotted Owl on Avenue A and Iggy's Keltic Lounge on Ludlow Street have designs on a yet-to-be-named bar. Questionnaire here. 

The committee meeting starts tonight at 6:30. Find the Zoom link here.