The storied East Village fixture, Lucy's, has made its triumphant return at 135 Avenue A, as of today. According to Eater, the dive bar that originally opened in the 1980s and closed last year due to a rent hike, is kicking off a new chapter under the watchful eye of Golden Age Hospitality. The group, known for its more upscale venues, has managed to preserve the bar's classic aesthetic while making necessary updates.
Golden Age’s CEO Jon Neidich, a former neighbor and patron of the original Lucy's, spearheaded the renovation efforts, which included soundproofing and updating the bathrooms to be ADA-compliant. Despite these changes, Neidich promised a commitment to keep the authentic neighborhood bar vibes alive. In a statement obtained by EV Grieve, Neidich discussed the renovations, saying, "At least up until now, Neidich's businesses are just about the antithesis of Lucy's."
The updated venue has been reported to feature new additions like a jukebox and speakers, while also sporting a fresh coat of paint. Former owner Ludwika “Lucy” Mickevicius, who operated the establishment for decades, shared with EV Grieve her approval of the new look, stating, "It's good. It's nice. This is new, and it costs a lot of money. It was time to make a change. Mine was very old," and adding, "This is just so nice. I still love it." Lucy also indicated she would grace the bar with her presence when possible, manning the bar "when I’m available."
A detail that has not gone unnoticed is the missing poster for the 1997 teen drama "Hurricane Streets," which featured Lucy's in one of its scenes. Neidich assured that a new poster is en route to reclaim its spot on the walls.
