Lydia’s, a sports bar and tavern, will open at 16 1st Ave., replacing The Grayson.
In its liquor license application, Lydia’s proposes to have 19 tables and 58 seats, and one bar with 21 seats. 20 TV’s, live music and occasional DJs will offer a range of entertainment options year-round.
According to an interview with co-owner Michael Brennan, Lydia’s will be very similar in concept to his other businesses: Triona’s on Third, Triona’s Sullivan St. and The Hairy Lemon. Each of these three establishments is a neighborhood-orientated sports bar with Irish influences.
“Lydia’s is an exciting opportunity for us to expand from Triona’s,” said Brennan in a phone interview with What Now NY. “My wife and I are looking forward to a new challenge.”
There is no ‘Lydia’ running the show, but Brennan shared that the name ‘Lydia’ has a special significance for both himself and his wife. They both have nieces with this name, so it seemed fitting to bring their love for the name to their newest business endeavor.
Lydia’s looks to be a welcome change of pace for neighbors used to the long, loud nights at 16 1st Ave. According to EV Grieve, The Grayson came to the space between East First Street and East Second Street in 2015. Over the course of almost 9 years, The Grayson hosted happy hours, private parties and regular viewings of all major sports league games. Per its website, The Grayson was “Sports Bar by day, Nightclub by night!”
While Lydia’s will still be a sports bar and a spot for dancing, minutes from Community Board 3’s review of Lydia’s liquor license application indicate stipulations that the tavern must close by 4 A.M. all days and that soundproofing must be in place. No pub crawls or party buses will be hosted by Lydia’s, but happy hours will be allowed.
Bustling game days filled with beers, brews and bites are on the horizon once again at 16 1st Ave. Brennan plans to open doors shortly, although Lydia’s does have some renovations and additional modifications scheduled for space throughout 2024.
