The Return of Freddy's!
It’s been a long road to reopen Freddy’s, but the beloved bar (and the former center of the anti-Atlantic Yards movement) has found a new home in South Slope. In a press release, manager and bartender Donald O’Finn writes, “I saw many spaces we couldn’t afford and many that were not appropriate. We had one…
It’s been a long road to reopen Freddy’s, but the beloved bar (and the former center of the anti-Atlantic Yards movement) has found a new home in South Slope. In a press release, manager and bartender Donald O’Finn writes, “I saw many spaces we couldn’t afford and many that were not appropriate. We had one stolen from under us. I looked at numerous spaces and seriously considered and/or negotiated seven of them, one after another, each deal inevitably falling apart. But finally we found our home. Then, while preparing the final lease after a long and very difficult negotiation, the owner of Freddy’s decided to back out of his commitment to assist in financing the new bar.”
O’Finn managed to find new financing, though, and he now co-owns the bar with Freddy’s bartenders Matt Khun and Matt Kimmet. On Thursday, they signed a lease for the former Ellis Bar and Restaurant space at 627 5th Avenue between 17th Street and 18th Street. The opening date for Freddy’s has not yet been set: “The opening of the doors is contingent on the speed and accuracy of both the State Liquor Authority and the Department of Buildings, as well as the embrace of Community Board 7.” GMAP
Freddy’s Last Call [Brownstoner]
Freddy’s: Where’s It Gonna Be? [Brownstoner]
Freddy’s Finds Amnesty in Park Slope [Brownstoner]
Freddy’s Gets Eviction Notice from Bruce [Brownstoner]
Freddy’s Bar: Heads Roll in Survival Fight [Brownstoner]
That’s the night we first met, too, ArPUMA. And bxgrl and PB and most of the rest of you whom I dint meet at Sycamore.
That’s the night we first met (& were surprised by) WonTon – no wonder dibs wasn’t in perfect voice.
Yes, I remember that night bxgrl / Ginger.
It was August of last year.
Plusas had a great time at Ellis about 2 years ago, Etson? I remember dancing with you, Won ton doing a knockout Proud Mary and DIBS singing (I use the term “singing” loosely) 🙂
Pretty great. The space that ellis had was really nice- it was always a matter of the owners not really executing well on their idea. I think that the South/Freddy’s vibe will be very successful for both adjacent bars. It’ll definitely be less quiet along our stretch of 5th.
Interesting to see if Freddy’s works in a very different space.
PLUSA = Pathetic Loser Usual Suspect Asshat.
Aren’t you glad you asked?!
glad to hear Donald is making it happen despite the setbacks. I remember talking to him a few years ago and he was so fed up with everything he said he wanted to go upstate to open a bar. Lucky for us he is sticking out in BK. Hope this place becomes as entrenched in the community as it was in its old location.
What does Plusa mean, anyway?
Good luck, Freddy’s. I’m sure the Plusas will pay a visit too.