'Iconic' Century-Old Corner Pub In Bergen County Shuts After Fire

GARFIELD, NJ — A storied pub that serves up oysters and beer was forced to close after a fire damaged it Friday, and locals are mourning the loss.

DP's in Garfield, which claims to date back at least 50 years — in an old building that may have served as a tavern since before 1900 — has not yet given a date at which it will reopen.

"Thanks to all the well-wishers," the eatery said in a message on Friday. "We really do have the greatest customers. You’ll never know how much it means to us at this time. There are none better nor braver than our Garfield firefighters, along with our police officers and other first responders."

According to Garfield Rescue Engine 3, the Fire Department responded at 2:39 on Friday morning to a "heavy fire from the store front and extending to the above residential floors."

"The Garfield Fire Department and mutual aid companies operated on scene for almost three hours, safely bringing the fire under control after about 70 minutes," they said. "We thank our Mutual Aid partners who assisted on scene and provided coverage for the city. Our thoughts and prayers are with the residents and the staff of DP's Pub."

The police noted, "The business and building sustained significant damages. A Garfield firefighter was transported to Hackensack University Hospital for smoke inhalation and has since been released. Two residents of the building were also treatedfor smoke inhalation but released by EMS on scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation."

The owners wrote on social media on Saturday, "We’re going to do everything we can to make it back, so hope to see you soon."

Fans Mourn

Local residents and employees mourned the bar/restaurant, which specializes in local seafood.

The tavern's history says that its location, 732 River Drive in Garfield — across the road from the Passaic River — was a tavern "as far back as 1800," and was known as Steve's Bar in the 1930s. (Prohibition ended in December 1933.)

"I spent 1/2 my life there…learned a lot about life…made many friends," wrote one woman on the tavern's Facebook page.

"I hope you guys make a gofundme," said another. "I know manymanymany people would donate to get u guys back and running."

In a separate post, Laura Corino-Policastro wrote, "Yesterday, I’d consider one of the worst days ever in my life. My go to, forever place, was taken by a terrible fire. I’d like to thank every policeman and firefighters who came from near and far to save the iconic DPS Pub in Garfield."

"My heart was sad to see the famous, friendly & familiar DP’s Pub burning," wrote a commenter in response.

The police said, "DP's has been a landmark in our community for countless years and we hope they build back one day. The City of Garfield has your back and we are here to support you."