Although A Change In Decor, 773 Lounge Will Still Be About The People, Say Owners

If you’ve walked down Coney Island Avenue recently, you’ve probably noticed the new awning and all of the work happening at 773 Lounge — which was devastated by a fire last November — over the last few weeks. We were excited to hear that they are planning to open again soon, so we stopped by last week to get a sneak peek into the space and talk with owners Margaret and Billy Cain about reopening the beloved neighborhood spot.

We arrived mid-afternoon last Thursday and a half a dozen people were hard at work installing TVs, cleaning, and doing other various other tasks to get the bar back into shape.

The Cains graciously took a break from unloading supplies to talk with us about the struggles of the last year and what the see for the future of 773.

One of the first things we noticed walking in is the large new front windows and the amount of light that floods through the space. 773 no longer looks like the dark, dive bar we remember, but after chatting with Margaret and Billy, it was clear that they are working hard to retain the character and the people that have made the place a neighborhood staple over the years.

“It’s somewhat melancholy,” says Billy. “I’ve been here 15 years and now everything is completely new.”

Margaret quickly agreed. “It’s been a depressing year, but the neighborhood has really helped us out. Sometimes a phone call is all it takes to make things feel better.”

The Cains have made an effort to keep the windows and doors open as they’ve been working on the space because they want neighbors to be able to watch their progress, and throughout the conversation it was clear how honored the two felt about the support they’ve received from the neighborhood.

“We are lucky to be back,” says Margaret.

Another big change is the bar. According to Billy the old, classic pub-style bar that took up the most of the southern wall was made of scrap wood and could not be saved. But they had a friend help build a brand new one that — once stained — should be a decent replacement.

Longtime customers will be glad to hear that at least one part of the old setup was salvaged: the hardwood booths in the back were saved and have been refinished.

Billy and Margaret have also taken their situation as an opportunity to upgrade certain things. Billy says there will be a bit more emphasis on sports — several brand new TVs were being installed as we spoke. The bar will have wifi and open as early as noon so that people can come in and have a beer while they work, and although the kitchen won’t reopen immediately, once it does, they plan to offer lunch specials.

“We will have the best happy hour in the neighborhood!” exclaims Billy.

Most importantly, they still plan on being a joint where regulars can just come hang out. “We’ll still be a homey place,” says Margaret.

“We’re just trying to do more of the same and do it a little bit better,” says Bill reassuringly.

Which is why it seems fitting that instead of having a grand opening, the bar is planning a “homecoming” weekend for the reopening scheduled for the first weekend in November.

“It’s more like a welcome home party,” says Billy. “Because it’s more than mortar and nails, it’s the people.”

However, the bar could be open as early as this weekend for those who want to come by and watch a game. “We are just looking forward to serving people again,” says Margaret.