Bronx’s First Beer Garden Opening Soon on E. Tremont Avenue

The Bronx’s newest garden isn’t exactly filled with flowers and trees, but it certainly is one of the borough’s most original and exciting.

A popular spot that was home to several different taverns over the years will soon be one of the newest and hottest locations in the whole Bronx, and new owner Nick Ligotino is sure of that prediction.

The property that was formerly MVP Bar and Grill at 3392 E. Tremont Avenue, which shut down in late 2010, was purchased by Ligotino in February and construction for his dream venue quickly began.

Ligotino, a Pelham Bay native, immediately fell in love with the E. Tremont Avenue location to bring his dream to fruition.

Not only will the beer garden be a new addition to the borough, but its southern-style theme will add a different twist as well. The bar will feature decorations, food and music that replicate bars and restaurants people would normally see in the southern states.

Renovations and hard-work have revitalized the former beat-up bar and the new Nicky’s BBQ & Beer Garden is expected to open the first week of June.

“Ever since I was a kid I dreamt of opening my own bar or restaurant because I’ve been around this atmosphere my whole life,” said 27-year-old Ligotino, whose mother used to own a restaurant. “I always hang out around the local bars here in Throggs Neck, but I wanted to come up with something that’s never been seen here in the Bronx. I think people are going to love what we have to offer.”

There will be replica license plates from all 50 states on the walls around the bar, one basic dining room, a second dining room with a stage set to host live entertainment that can also serve as a private catering room, two outdoor decks with picnic tables, and 75 unique types of beer on draft from all over the country.

Between the indoor and backyard dining areas, the restaurant should hold approximately 400 people. They will get a chance to explore a full menu and chow down on some baby back ribs, steaks, crawfish, chili, gumbo, a variety of homemade barbecue sauces, and more.

Besides the live entertainment, which will include stand-up comedy, DJ’s and more, the bar will constantly be playing music, including the sounds of southern bands, such as Creedence Clearwater Revival and Lynyrd Skynyrd, to add a ‘country feel’ to the environment.

“I want this place to be a great time that people want to come often,” Ligotino said. “When people leave here, I want them to talk about it to their friends and say, ‘wow, you really need to go try this new place that I went to last night.”

Once the new restaurant opens, it will also feature a full clam bar, a carnival wheel that will raffle prizes, a full take-out menu, and much more.