Rudy's Bar in Big Trouble!

Ultraclay's Flickr

In December, the backyard at quintessential Hell's Kitchen dive bar Rudy's was closed down as the ownership started building a proper fire exit to comply with safety regulations. The proper work permits were obtained, but soon bar owners' received a stop-work order, and were told that a "routine audit" of the work had begun. That was seven months ago, and they still haven't been able to make the changes. Now rumor has it that the lost revenue from the backyard has put Rudy's future in jeopardy. A New York City without Rudy's is simply unthinkable—as unthinkable as a city without CBGB, Siberia, the Cheyenne Diner, Chumley's, the Alphabet City Toy Tower, or, uh, Casbar. It's unclear how dire Rudy's status is, but let's not take any chances: bar workers have started a petition, online here, demanding that city officials from the commissioner of buildings on up to Mayor Bloomberg help expedite the stalled process so Rudy's can reopen the backyard. [L Mag via Eater]

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By John Del Signore in Food on July 30, 2009 3:00 PM

Comments [rss]

SikBug

So where have the drinking liberally people been meeting?

Brian5970

We're still representing Rudy's, my friends. I encourage you all to come by Drinking Liberally-- every Thursday, starting at 7:30 at Rudy's on 45th & 9th. Grab a cold Rudy's Red, a free hot dog, and sign the petition to keep this Hell's Kitchen relic going!

digiart2001

While I am not privy to their finances, I can tell you that it is still crowded, shoulder-to-shoulder, on many days there. It's one of the cheapest places to drink, one of the busiest bars in Hell's Kitchen. AND, the owner of Rudy's owns the building it is in. So Rudy's rent is entirely negotiable, to itself. They can raise drink prices, although I would hate to see it.

Although I do know as a fact they have been given the run-around from the city. Bloomberg is not to blame, however, as Rudy's manager is part of the mayor's economic development advisory program representing the west side of Manhattan. It goes to show that knowing people doesn't always make life easy!

longacre

They could raise prices 20% and still be cheaper than any other bar in the neighborhood.

Clarice City

Rudy's is in pig trouble? NOOOOOO! Where will I get my free hotdogs?

mrguy

i did my part. Rudy's has $40 more of my money than they did at this time yesterday.

bowelmovment_man

Good riddance to white trash hangouts.

Clarice City

Where are you hanging out these days? Marquee?

UnrepentantFenian

Ohio misses you, jerk-off. Go home.

Polite New Yorker

Is nothing sacred? A drink at Rudy's is more New York than going to the current "Yankee Stadium." I'm still not over McHale's closing.