The Alligator Lounge has been a neighborhood institution for decades, but it has suddenly rebranded to Nate’s Lizard Lounge.

Turns out, this temporary rebrand has something to do with Nathan Fiedler.

In case you were not yet living in North Brooklyn back in 2022 when Nathan Fiedler’s The Rehearsal premiered, the show cast the Alligator Lounge in the first episode of the series. I say the show cast the bar because Fiedler’s production literally recreated the bar on a soundstage.

Someone more inquisitive than I, i.e., not pushing a sleeping toddler in a stroller, asked the bartender what all the fuss is about. In addition to selling Fiedler T-shirts and having a reserved table for him, apparently he’s expected to stop by.

Some speculated he’d show up for the Season 2, Episode 2 watch party being hosted at the bar on Sunday, 4/27, currently on the bar’s Instagram account for 8:30. The bar, or the replica of the bar, does appear to possibly make an appearance in season 2 in this trailer.

But also he showed up behind the bar last night, so maybe the fun is already over.

Alligator Lounge is best known for it’s free pizzas with every drink policy (tip your pizza makers, people). The lizard empire also included the Crocodile Lounge, now closed, just an L train ride away on 14th St near 2nd Ave. The owners are also behind places like The Abbey (RIP) and The Charleston.