An exciting new tavern is currently getting ready to open up in the East Village later this year.
John Cutillo is a well established East Village bar owner who has been operating successfully in the neighborhood for years. He was behind recognizable haunts like Iggy’s Keltic Lounge, Local 138, and The Spotted Owl. Known for establishing cozy late-night hang-outs, Cutillo is an important figure in the neighborhood’s hospitality scene, and now he’s planning on launching an entirely new concept.
Cutillo’s latest concept, which has yet to be officially titled, is expected to open up at 432 East 13th Street. His new concept will be replacing Key Bar, which has practically become an East Village institution. Known for offering free shots to guests on their birthday, Keybar is a popular party spot that is well-loved by locals. Thankfully, it does not appear that Keybar will be shutting down for good, instead owners Gyula Bertok and Attila Draviczki intend to reopen the space around the corner at 208 Avenue A.
So while Keybar moves next-door to Avenue A, John Cutillo will be acquiring the space to transform it into a concept of his own design. Functioning primarily as a bar and tavern, the bar will also accompany its drinks with burritos and pizza, though the concept isn’t envisioned as a full service restaurant. Cutillo is naturally applying for a full liquor license for the space and is proposing operating hours of 2:00 PM – 4:00 AM every day, seven days a week, which is comparable to Keybar. While Cutillo has not yet released any social media accounts for his new project, Keybar is still going strong as of the writing of this article, so you still have your chance to visit and offer your good wishes before they migrate to the new space.
