How this fire station-themed bar has galvanized a fast-changing bay ridge hood for almost two decades

by Brendan Fitzgibbons • Photos By jon Gordon

The Salty Dog bar and restaurant in Bay Ridge has all the physical characteristics of an actual fire station…without actually being one: a red brick-lined interior and exterior, a gigantic up-swinging front door, former and current employees with a background in firefighting, and a mid-century fire truck proudly on display.

Bar co-owner and Bay Ridge native Robert Fadel explained that the team renovating the space in 1997 had the idea of giving it a firefighter theme, and the concept just grew from there. “We have a lot of history with the fire department, as we’ve had tons of former and current employees who were fireman,” he said. “But now we get a lot of tourists and visitors who think our bar used to be a fire station, but the space is actually the old Brooklyn Dodger sports bar.”

The Salty Dog opened on September 11, 1997, and is run by Fadel and his brother Steve, as well as fellow Brooklynite George Kabbez. The trio is also the brainchild behind Trace, the rustic Mexican eatery and lounge in Fort Hamilton. The name stems from a traditional term for an experienced and worn fireman or fisherman, or as Fadel explained, “It’s really used for anyone who has done something for a long time.” In its 19th year of operation, the moniker has come full circle for Fadel and his staff.

“We’re a family-friendly neighborhood bar with loyal, great customers,” he said. “And if they give us feedback, we make sure to step up our game. That’s really how we’ve been able to survive for 19 years.”

The bar’s connection to the firefighting community is still undeniable especially given its proximity to Engine 241 and Engine 242 of the New York City Fire Department. But Fidel cautioned against labeling the Salty Dog as strictly a one crowd joint.

“In the beginning, it was very fireman heavy, but in the last ten years, it’s grown into something more,” he said. “Our customers are really from everywhere now. It’s crazy to see everybody’s origin, and I can’t even begin to tell you how many people have met their spouses here.”

It’s a slight challenge for Salty Dog management to shy away from this firefighter theme, especially since one of the first pieces of décor customers see when they walk in is a gleaming, extremely rare, cherry-red fire truck.

The owners bought the 1940 vintage pumper from a volunteer fireman in New Jersey whose wife was looking to unload the vehicle. The partners then drove the engine back, howling with glee as they backed it through the bar’s massive garagestyle front door.

The classic vehicle is predominantly featured in the bar, and serves as a fully functioning DJ booth as well as a beloved place for tourists and visitors to take photographs.

Other standout features include two massive screens, as well as 30 high-definition televisions that display nearly every sporting game known to humankind, a private party room that holds up to 100, and an upscale pub fare menu replete with daily specials. Prime Rib with asparagus and 18oz. New York Strip Steak with potatoes and spinach are a few of the tasty and surprisingly affordable specials patrons might be treated to.

The bar also features the high-tech Kilkenny Cooling System that methodically keeps 20 imported and domestic beers at an enjoyably chilled temp.

Fadel credits the resolve of native Bay Ridge residents for his bar’s and neighborhood growing prosperity.

“Most of the people who are born and raised in Bay Ridge tend to stay,” he mentioned. “It’s really great to see that the neighborhood is driven by people who have been here for years. I think that native authenticity is why we have the best Italian restaurants, the best pubs, and steakhouses in the borough.“

Salty Dog Bar & Restaurant
7509 3rd Ave. / 718.238.0030 / saltydogbar.com