Folks often ask us about when and how DP’s started. Trying to piece together a tavern history of DP’s current location (732 River Drive in Garfield) is not easy. We have heard the location was a tavern as far back as 1800, and other information puts the start in the early 1900’s. With help from the Garfield Historical Society, we know that the location was known as Steve’s Bar as early as the 1930’s, and was taken over by Nelson Kelly in the 60’s, and operated as Kelly’s Tavern.

In the early 70’s the bar was purchased by a gentlemen named Anthony with some help from friends Dominic and Pete, and the name was changed to DP’s Pub. Shortly thereafter a gentleman named Dave saw an ad ‘DP’s for sale’ in the paper and decided to buy it.

Dave continued the tradition of serving steamers two nights a week, which became really popular. Sensing a demand for fresh seafood, he started travelling to the Fulton Fish Market several days a week. Soon seafood was a staple of the pub, and along with an expanded menu and a great staff, DP’s popularity became legendary. 

Dave sold DP’s to two long-time employees in the mid 2000’s (later just one) who continued the tradition. In 2019, former patron Don Warnet, along with his wife, Rosa, and stepson, Anthony, purchased DP’s, vowing to continue offering fresh food at reasonable prices.