Business & Tech

Freddy's to Reopen on Feb. 4

The legendary Prospect Heights bar reopens next month in South Slope

Mark your calendars, the date is set!

On Feb. 4, Freddy's Bar and Backroom will finally reopen in South Slope, months after Bruce Ratner's Atlantic Yards project forced the bar from its longstanding Prospect Heights home on Dean Street. 

The , of course, will be a little different.

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For one, Freddy's new South Slope location between 17th and 18th streets on Fifth Avenue, will offer food.

The bar will also reopen under new ownership, headed by former Freddy’s manager Donald O'Finn, and former Freddy’s bartenders Matt Kuhn and Matt Kimmett.

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But much is still the same. The bar itself was built with the help of many old Freddy’s regulars, with many items making the trek from the old spot. The distinctive Prohibition era red mahogany bar, the booths and bar stools that gave the original local its saloon-like quality will continue as central fixtures.

The bar will still play host to great musicians and artists, too.

And of course, the “Chains of Justice” – which were once wrapped around the bar to protest the eminent domain decision that kicked Freddy’s to the curb – will still hold a prominent place in the bar, a reminder of Freddy’s long journey to its current South Slope home.

The opening night is sure to be one to remember, with a killer music line up culminating with a midnight performance by the Brooklyn-based rockers Les Sans Culottes, whose music has been featured on the likes of “Entourage.” Owner Donald O’Finn’s video art, a frequent fixture at the old Freddy’s, will be on display, as will glitter and flock paintings by Nancy Drew.

Sounds like come February, we'll all be partying like its 2010.


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