Sunday, February 25, 2024

Kraine Gallery Bar (short for Ukraine) πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ aka KGB Bar was founded in 1993

Kraine Gallery Bar (short for Ukraine) πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ aka KGB Bar was founded in 1993 by Denis Woychuk on East 4th Street in the East Village. The building it is located in was once home to the Ukrainian Labor Home, a private social club for Ukrainian Socialists. 

When we interviewed Denis and photographed the bar, he told us his father, a Ukrainian immigrant was a member of the club, and that when he first opened the bar he deliberately did not have a sign outside as the space “was a true speakeasy, a Lucky Luciano joint during Prohibition” called the Palm Casino. 

Today, the 2nd-floor bar remains decorated with Soviet-era posters & memorabilia found by Denis and there is also a performance venue and a 3rd floor speakeasy style “Red  Room” serving gangster-inspired libations. 

• • • • • • #storefront #speakeasy #speakeasybar #ukraineπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ #jamesandkarla #eastvillagenyc #bars #ukrainian



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