SOUTH PARK SLOPE One of the most inspirational stories to come out of the Atlantic Yards saga is that of Freddy’s, the little dive bar that could (with a little compromise). When the Prospect Heights bar found itself smack in the middle of the Barclays Center footprint, it fought long and hard against the project for years, even installing “chains of justice” so barflies could chain themselves to the bar when bulldozers arrived. Ultimately, the chains weren’t necessary–in April 2010, the bar owners eventually came to an agreement with the developers so they’d be able to keep the bar’s contents for an eventual move, and Freddy’s closed for several months. On Friday, Freddy’s is finally reopening at the old Ellis Bar space, at 627 5th Ave, between 17th and 18th Streets. Now owned by former managers and bartenders, and built with the help of staff and regulars, the new space maintains the flavor of the old Freddy’s (including the bar with the “chains of justice”), but also features some snazzy upgrades, including a kitchen serving pub food. To mark the rebirth of Freddy’s, the bar is having a party starting at 5pm and going all night, featuring Brooklyn’s own faux-Frenchies Les Sans Culottes performing at midnight; expect other musical guests, a painting exhibition by New York artist Nancy Drew, and much celebration.
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