CHARACTERS OF THE VILLAGE

Patrick and Adriane of the Kettle of Fish Bar

By Brian and Joy Pape

Kettle of Fish bar at 59 Christopher Street reminds us of the Cheers bar from the television series where “everybody knows your name and everybody’s glad you came.” It’s opposite the Christopher Street Park and has the same warm feeling as the TV show.

Kettle of Fish was established in 1950 in the West Village as a restaurant/bar, named for a catch phrase popularized by comedians Laurel and Hardy. “Well, here’s another nice kettle of fish you’ve pickled me in,” they’d exclaim, meaning, “Here’s another fine mess you’ve gotten me into.”

Ironically, Kettle of Fish doesn’t prepare food now­­­—and hasn’t since the 1970s. Instead, customers can bring their own or order in for delivery from any of the hundred restaurants or food trucks in the neighborhood! 

Patrick, who is from Wisconsin, came to NYC in 1980 for vacation and never left! Struck by the diversity and vitality, he decided to throw his fate in with this fine city. Patrick got an entry level job and was able to get his first apartment in Hell’s Kitchen where he’s still living today. Soon enough, Patrick moved on to a job as bartender at Kettle of Fish on McDougal Street when it was located above The Gaslight Cafe, at the center of the folk scene, and famous for performances by Dylan and other rising musicians. 

Adriane enrolled in NYU’s arts and dance program in 1982 and became a regular at the Kettle of Fish on MacDougal. In 1987, the bar relocated to the former site of Gerde’s Folk City nightclub on 3rd Street. In 1990 Adriane started working at the Kettle as a server, then as a bartender. Patrick and Adriane became a couple in 1992. 

In 1998, when Kettle’s owner was retiring, Patrick bought the name and began to search for a new location. “Adriane likes to say that I own the bar and she owns me,” he quipped. He looked at many locations including the Lion’s Head bar at 59 Christopher Street which had closed two years earlier. To his surprise, it turned out to be available and that very day Patrick was able to secure a new lease. It took more than six months to put the space into shape for a reopening.

Like other bars, Kettle of Fish was shut down in March 2020 during the Covid pandemic. Contrary to reports by news outlets, it took supporters of the bar six months to persuade Patrick and Adriane to allow a GoFundMe campaign to raise $100,000 for them (hashtag #savethekettle). It was shared by several celebrities, including football star Aaron Rodgers. Patrick and Adriane said, “We were reluctant to ask for hand-outs. It just wasn’t the way we were raised. We are extremely grateful to everyone that helped the business through those trying times.”

Then on Sunday, July 3, 2022, when many were out of town, a fire started on the roof of 59 Christopher. Patrick raced up 5 floors of stairs with a fire extinguisher, while Adriane called the fire department and got a few people out of the bar. Patrick was credited with saving his and the neighboring buildings from major damage even though it had to close down once again.

Patrick tells us that he gets a lot from his father, a hard worker, dedicated to humanity. His profession was a surgeon, but in the old-school type of being available to his patients for other needs. Then at 72, he changed to administrative work for the Wisconsin state penal system, traveling all over the state to address their needs. He was a man of high ethics and morals, and taught that to his children. His Mother ruled the house, and with 10 children, she had to be strong and dedicated too. Adriane is very outgoing. She loves meeting people. Yet she is very tough when dealing with any problem. They both have a strong work ethic and determination to overcome obstacles. They work together and with others to make a difference. For the last two months, Patrick and Adriane have been hosting a “soft opening” even while they still work on little repair details and to get new air conditioning operational 

The Green Bay Packers football season has a NYC headquarters at Kettle of Fish, complete with ordered-in bratwurst and cheeses as well as Packers bling. Kettle of Fish is so famous in Wisconsin that tourists to NY always visit the bar. All TVs are set on the Packers during game days and cheering and singing is encouraged.

Patrick and Adriane have built their reputation as a considerate community bar, with regulars from all over the city who consider this their neighborhood bar. And even though they’re open until 4 am, they keep activities quiet and nip trouble in the bud. The police have commented to Patrick, “You must be doing something right because you aren’t a problem for us.” 

Adriane says “I want the place to be where I am comfortable. When we are feeling good about the atmosphere at the bar, we feel our customers are feeling good about it too.” Patrick added, “We set the table and our customers and staff make the bar what it is.” This includes an active dart league playing in the back and a book club library in a cozy nook.

Patrick and Adriane say, “We plan to be on Christopher Street for years to come.” The neighborly vibe continues every day. Patrick and Adriane and The Kettle of Fish will be there to welcome them too. 

I’m a Wisconsin native and a Packer fan. Years ago, I met my brother and his son Matt at the Kettle of Fish. One of the young ladies there surprised us when she came over to say that she was in love with Matthew. They got married and now have a young son. Patrick said he hears of many couples who first met here. —Brian Pape