Before the pandemic, things were looking dire for the historic watering hole Neir’s Tavern in Woodhaven, Queens. It nearly closed due to a threatened rent increase — the bar was paying around $2,000 a month, which was going to go to $5,400, according to owner Loycent Gordon — until
*Mayor Bill de Blasio stepped in and helped strike a deal with the new landlord to keep the doors open. But when the city went into lockdown in March, the bar seemed like a goner.
“When this happened after we got Neir’s a new lease on life, it felt a punch in the gut just as we were catching our breath,” Gordon, who is also a lieutenant in the FDNY, told The Post.
But once again, the Lazarus of saloons is back slinging burgers and beers — now with outdoor seating and a range of creative ideas to engage regulars, who Gordon said really saved the place.
“People came out for the first weekend despite us not having the most sophisticated set-up. We are focusing on our strengths and have whittled down our menu to fries, sweet potato fries, burger and wings,” said Gordon, 40, who bought the bar in 2009 when it was under threat of being turned into a convenience store.
Founded in 1829, Neir’s houses a 150-year-old mahogany bar and has provided a scenic backdrop for movies including “Goodfellas and “Tower Heist,” and was featured in an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown.” It also, Gordon points out, survived the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918.
3 comments:
"Mayor Bill de Blasio stepped in and helped strike a deal"
With our Tax money to help people drink over priced beer and unhealthy food !
Defund spending my Tax money on B.S. like this...
People who can afford to go out, drink beer & spirits pay taxes also.
The booze tax bars & restaurants pay is likely 10X for 1 month what you pay in a year.
To add most these bar owners don't even have kids in school nor qualify too receive any public assistance for the home rent or mortgage.
You get raped, stretched over a barrel and shaken upside down when you don't own the building.
Have some Mercy for private business owners, they get NOTHING !!
Best news I've seen in a long time ! I did business in New York State for over 25 years and it was definitely a struggle. Too bad Gordon can't buy this building. The only thing I was able to salvage from NY was the equity in my real estate. Otherwise, you are exercising futility !
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