DK PubLIC, located at 38-40 29th St., will open on Aug. 1 (Photo: Michael Dorgan, Queens Post)
June 4, 2021 By Michael Dorgan
A well-known bar/restaurant in the Dutch Kills section of Long Island City that closed last year will reopen later this summer under a new name and owner.
Dutch Kills Centraal, a trendy, upscale bar/restaurant located at 38-40 29th St., closed permanently in the middle of the pandemic but will reopen as DK PubLIC on Aug. 1.
Richard Madrid, a lifelong long Dutch Kills resident, said he has taken over the 1,200 square foot space in an effort to revitalize the neighborhood and connect local residents.
“I want to bring life back to my neighborhood because it’s gone dreary and dead. It is coming back now and I want to provide a place where the community can share a pint, feel safe and have great chats,” Madrid said.
Madrid said the area is in need of a local bar where people can meet and hang out. He said it is important to bring the bar/restaurant back.
DK PubLIC will be Madrid’s first bar. He owns and manages several properties, while his wife operates LIC Family Day Care, located at 40-34 28th St. The pair have two children.
Madrid, 51, who is a former board member of the Dutch Kills Civic Association, said he is making some cosmetic changes to the inside of the building while the exterior will remain the same and retain its distinct antique blue-colored façade.
The interior walls have been painted in a light sand color with dark brown trims. A mural has gone up on the walls of the gender-neutral bathroom that features landmarks associated with the neighborhood. New York-based artist Linda Rufo carried out the redecorations.
Madrid aims to create an old-school vibe that appeals to families, adding that he remembers being in the bar as a kid when it was called Just-A-Pub in the 1970s and 1980s.
He is looking to add some old artifacts to the bar to recall the area’s history.
The walls have been painted in a light sand color with brown trims (Photos: provided by Richard Madrid)
DK PubLIC will seat 50 people indoors and 50 people outdoors on the sidewalk.
The new bar/restaurant will serve a range of local and seasonal beers as well as American-style dishes. Madrid said he hopes to attract construction workers for lunch food while the bar will also be open for brunch and dinner.
He said his goal is to make the menu affordable to all residents.
Opening hours have not yet been finalized but will likely be from noon to midnight seven days a week.
A dining table (L) and a mural in the restroom (R) (Photos: provided by Richard Madrid)
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6 Comments
This place used to be a Dominican restaurant back in the 90’s. The owner killed his wife in Dominican Republic and is doing time in that country. Sad story. The food was awesome.
such a pretty place! I wish you the best of luck.
This is welcome news.
Looking forward to post-vaccination gatherings at DK PubLIC!
My grandparents lived at 30-05 40th Ave, The Evans family, all the children went to the Catholic Church grandchildren were baptized at the Catholic Church. My grandfather was Fred Evans. My uncle Willie, along with young men one name comes to me his name was Red, used to pitched pennies out side that location you just acquired. Across the street was the Chinese Laundry, and he had what was call a cue(long braid) I use to watch him as a kid as he ironed. Frank’s meat market was also located in the location across the street from the Bar. Would love to meet with you to tell you about the old neighborhood. Ethel Mermen, who’s real name was Zenamen, she lived up the street, as a child those were good days, In that Apartment House was a Doctor who took care of all His name Dicanio. Good luck will be coming in when you open your doors. Oh, I should say my grandparents were Black. The first black family to live in that location, going into 1800’s All the children attended Bryant High School, then onto College. All are now deceased, only the grandchildren are alive, I am the oldest of the grandchildren. The last was Willie who was known as nature boy, because he sang all the time was a a Cop.
I hope they bring back Hendu’s sandwiches! Those were the best!
Bravo!!