Sláinte! Construction Begins To Rebuild 773 Lounge On Coney Island Avenue

We have exciting news, neighbors – construction to rebuild 773 Lounge (773 Coney Island Avenue), which was destroyed by a fire last November, has begun!

Margaret Cain, one of the owners of the watering hole that’s been in our neighborhood for decades, told us demolition began Monday, and while there’s not a reopening date set yet, it hopefully shouldn’t be too long before the bar starts slinging beers again.

“We are so grateful for everyone’s support,” Margaret wrote to us. “The texts and kind words have really helped us get through the last four months. We can’t wait to open up and celebrate a new beginning with everyone and make more everlasting memories.”

The rebuilding comes after a huge push from neighbors to help the bar get back on its feet, including raising more than $30,000 at a fundraiser in January.

Diana King, a longtime bartender at 773 Lounge who’s now working at a bar across the street, Visions, echoed Margaret’s sentiment, noting that it “seems kind of appropriate that something starts happening the week of St. paddy’s Day, 773’s favorite holiday.”

Diana too thanked neighbors, writing, “none of the eventual rebuild would be possible without the amazing generosity of many in the neighborhood.”

Until 773 Lounge returns, the bar’s old open mic crew – Mike Fiorito and Bill Bern working the music and Diana or Mike Sheehan tending the libations –  have been setting up shop across the street at Visions (752 Coney Island Avenue), on Thursdays, with a sign-up from 8pm on and live acts starting at 8:30pm.

And while the open mic night has been ongoing at Visions for a little while, Diana told us that it’s now definitely a regular, scheduled event.

Traditionally, the open mic has been music heavy, but our many neighbors who are into poetry, spoken word, comedy, and more are more than encouraged to show off their talents!

“It’s been a very receptive, polite audience that welcomes all forms of expression,” Diana wrote to us.

We’re so thrilled to hear this good news, and we can’t wait to raise our glass at the grand reopening shindig – here’s to you, 773 Lounge!