BROOKLYN (CelebrityAccess) – Saint Vitus Bar, the iconic Brooklyn venue known for its underground heavy metal and punk shows, has closed indefinitely.
Located at 1120 Manhattan Avenue, the venue has been a cornerstone of the heavy music scene since its opening in 2011. However, the venue’s doors were suddenly shuttered on February 16, 2024, during a performance by the band Mindforce. The New York City Department of Buildings cited violations related to insufficient permits and improper occupancy documentation as the reason for the closure.
Despite its history of hosting legendary acts like Megadeth, Anthrax, and even Nirvana, Saint Vitus Bar was forced to close due to what appeared to be bureaucratic oversights. The bar’s owners, who passionately ran the venue as a bar and concert space, expressed their disappointment in a message shared on social media: “Saint Vitus Bar, to be continued… Thank you to everyone who was a part of it. Love and Hails!”
Saint Vitus was more than just a venue—it was a place where metalheads gathered to experience music and a unique atmosphere. The bar’s decor reflected its heavy metal ethos, including upside-down crosses and t-shirts with humorous, dark mottos. Over its 13-year run, the venue became a hub for concerts, craft beer launches, themed yoga sessions, and a close-knit community of music lovers.
The closure, however, has been met with controversy. Many local musicians and fans believe the shutdown was avoidable, pointing to claims of targeted complaints against the bar. City Council members have expressed frustration over the situation, with some suggesting that the closure was driven by resentment toward the venue.
Tributes have been left at its entrance, with fans leaving flowers and taking reflective photos. The bar’s history of operating under outdated paperwork, dating back to 1953, has only complicated the situation, with Councilman Keith Powers highlighting the financial and logistical challenges that contributed to its closure.
Despite the uncertainty, the bar’s owners have continued communicating with city officials and fans, expressing their commitment to compliance and reopening. While the venue may not reopen in its original location, there’s hope that Saint Vitus will find a new home. In the meantime, the bar’s legacy lives on through “Saint Vitus Presents,” a series of shows hosted at various venues across the city.
