Hailed by Grub Street as,”…a glowing fairy-tale jewel box filled with delights,” LunÁtico was founded in 2014 by musicians Richard Julian, Arthur Kell, & Rosita Késs. Having performed themselves in bars and venues across the globe, as well as sharing a passion for food, wine, and spirits, the trio routinely kicked around the idea of opening their own. Their idea was to combine the sophisticated elements of the cocktail bars they loved with the funkiness of their favorite music spots.

A “sign” they should follow through on their ambitions came one afternoon when Arthur happened to drive past Larry’s Liquid Love (A Sophisticated Meeting Place) in his Plymouth Voyager as they were removing their sprawling banner and putting it out with the trash. The three had long shared a bemusement for the iconic neighborhood fixture and now it was in their possession! How could they not imagine it on the wall of their own future establishment?

Many sweet triumphs, hard lessons, nights of transcendent music, and a global pandemic later, the remaining owners, Arthur Kell and Richard Julian, continue to combine a first-rate cocktail menu with delicious food and one of the most diverse music programs in New York City and beyond. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Richard Julian
(co-owner)

Lured into the bar business by his passion for tequila, co-founder Richard Julian is better-known as a widely-acclaimed songwriter and recording artist.  Having released six albums (including 2006's critically-acclaimed Slow New York) he has toured the globe as a solo artist as well as with The Little Willies, a side-project featuring Norah Jones.

Richard cherishes the opportunity LunÀtico provides - to champion the music and musicians he loves.

Arthur Kell
(co-owner)

Having started out his musical life playing in Bed-Stuy bars in the 80s, perhaps it was only a matter of time before co-founder Arthur Kell returned to open his own.  But when he's not busy tending to the needs of the LunÀtico bands and patrons, Arthur enjoys a career as an acclaimed bassist and composer. His group regularly tours Europe including the Copenhagen and Madrid jazz festivals. His extensive travels in Africa left a profound mark on his own compositions and helped to shape the diverse roster of talent at Bar LunÀtico.

Outside of music, Arthur is an avid activist with a passion for environmental issues. He coordinated that work for NYPIRG for ten years stopping the proposed Brooklyn Navy Yard incinerator.