Ludlow Bar Update: Pianos Redux?

July 25, 2003 Big news brewing on the Ludlow bar scene. No, we're not just talking about tonight's re-opening of stalwart Local 138 (Ludlow @ Stanton/Rivington), which has been shuttered while new management takes over (the good news: they've kept the front window booths). No, just up the block, at the site of this one-time lead photo for this website, big changes are afoot.


Perhaps a select few in the crowds oozing out of Pianos have detected the faint tinge of sheetrock in the air (not to be confused with bad blow). It's coming from next door, where word from an insider (who, knowing our predilection for construction sites, snapped the above photo) has it that folky Allen St. music dive Living Room is prepping a new, larger venue. Also to be called Living Room, and apparently superceding the current venue, the new space heralds the inevitable commingling of the post-hipster scene with neofolk groupies. Folks, this will be fun. We're so excited, we could cry.

I was at the opening party of LOCAL 138 on Thursday night...the place looks great. Still has the same traditional feel with some nice new touches and a very friendly staff. Not to mention great beer selection...it's great to have Local back!!!

Posted by: Sam at July 25, 2003 12:58 PM

I walked into Local 138 that same night and was immediately accosted by a large group of ethnically ambiguous thugs. They threw me against the wall, took a stool and kneed me in the nuts, and then sent me careening down the counter. All I did was ask for a cider and ask the bartender to put on the new Rufus King. I'm never going back again!

Posted by: Rolo Tomasi at July 25, 2003 03:14 PM

I understand that one of the key owners will be leaving when the Living Room moves. Music pals thought the move was not going to be a good thing.
I'll wait and see.

Posted by: John Prine at July 28, 2003 02:06 PM

pianos is a shitty "college" bar, right? are we in agreement about that? i have been a LES observer for quite some time now. this is off topic, but for all the preciousness that seeps from hipster ground zero, it is apparent to me that this website reflects the LES segregation between the "us" (fabulous, young new yorker imports) and the "them" -- the ethnic hispanic community that's been there for a long time.

Posted by: billy_brightlights at August 19, 2003 06:16 PM