Oct. 17, 2014 By Michael Florio
Rapture Lounge, located at 34-27 28th Ave, closed its doors for good today, after being in business for 11 years.
The bar/lounge fell behind in the rent after the landlord continued to raise it, claimed co-owner Gladys Fabara. She said that it reached a level where she could no longer afford to stay in business.
The bar had closed late September as the owners were trying to negotiate a deal with the landlord. However, those talks fell apart.
On Friday, the bar had all of its furniture, cups, pictures and board games–up for sale. Some items were sprawled all over the sidewalk.
Fabara, a longtime Astoria resident, said that the lounge had become part of the community.
“This is the kind of place our customers would come in and know everyone’s name,” she said. “But our landlord does not care that we were a big part of the community.”
Fabara said the lounge used to host an open mic show every Monday, comedy shows on Tuesdays, karaoke on Wednesdays, live music on Thursday, a burlesque show on the occasional Saturday and a variety show every Sunday.
“All of our performers were extremely saddened that we are closing,” she said.
The lounge had a southwestern kick to the menu, serving empanadas, tacos, quesadillas and a variety of Mexican-style appetizers.
It also served traditional bar items such as chicken wings, French fries and jalapenos poppers, as well as salads, crepes, and desserts.
Fabara said many people who got to know us are extremely upset we are leaving.
“Astoria is a little less fun now,” she said. “It’s so sad.”
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5 Comments
Moved away from Astoria last summer. Was shocked to find Rapture closed upon a recent visit. Really loved that bar! How sad!
Heartbreaking. Loved this place!
I hope it’s not a pharmacy.
Hoping a Starbucks!
What will take its place, a Starbucks, Subway or TD bank?
Thanks a lot greedy landlord.