I posted my teary paean to the impending demise of the great Lakeside Lounge on Facebook at the beginning of this week, and my friend Paul Wallfisch (he of Botanica, late of Firewater, among myriad other pursuits) had this to say.....
Fair point, I thought, but I'm still sad about it. The whole episode got me thinking about some of the other great, divey bars that used to pepper this fine city's shadowy backstreets and less lustrous avenues.
Sure, I've repeatedly lamented the vanishing of my beloved Cedar Tavern, the dissolution of the P&G and the gutting of the collapsed former-speak-easy Chumley's here on many an occasion, but in this instance, I'm talking more about the less established drinking institutions. Here's a quick list -- in no particular order -- of some of my old favorites. Don't bother looking for them today, as they're all gone.
1. Alcatraz (132 St. Marks Place): It's a brightly-painted sushi bar today, but back in the late 80's and into the 90's, this corner of Avenue A was home to an endearingly seedy joint that catered to acolytes of all things loud, boozy and rude. Largely patronized by the East Village's populace of punks, bikers, metalheads and barflies, Alcatraz was a regular stop for my friend Rob and I. Of course, it didn't last. By the way, I prized the photo above from this weblog.
2. The Hog Pit (22 9th Avenue): I already wrote a lengthy post about this favorite place of mine. Today, much like the neighborhood that surrounds it, it's gone pointedly upscale as an outlet of Billy's Burger Bar. They opened a new incarnation of the Hog Pit over in the 20s between Sixth and Fifth Avenues, but I'm just not really interested in that. As far as I'm concerned, the Hog Pit is dead.
3. Siberia Bar: (West 50th Street 1 or 9 stop/40th Street & 9th Avenue): There were actually two incarnations of Siberia, and I miss them both quite a bit. The original one was tucked discreetly away in a subway station right near my old office at TIME Magazine. Legend has it that this tiny little space used to be a clandestine meeting place for KGB agents during the Cold War. It was here in this decrepit closet that they'd exchange microfilm and secrets about national security, like some creepy scene in "Marathon Man" or "Three Days of the Condor." In any case, sometime in the 90's, the place was opened up as a disarmingly intimate but incredibly cool dive bar (with an amazing juke box) that was decked out in entirely in Russian art and Soviet propaganda posters. It was just way too cool.
Typically, it didn't last. Today, that space plays host to either a Subway sandwich shop or a Dunkin' Donuts, and it's a damn shame. In any case, the proprietor of Siberia moved to a great new location in Hell's Kitchen that was vast compared to its former locale. I had my doubts about it, but it ended up being just as cool, albeit in a different way, than its previous incarnation. There was, however, a strange policy wherein they'd actually throw you out of the place for cursing and/or gratuitously hitting on women. I'm not kidding. They'd totally do it. Regardless, they closed the place in 2007.
Here's a little documentary about the original location. Enjoy:
4. Bellevue Bar (538 Ninth Avenue): The Bellevue was a truly enjoyable place right around the corner from the second location of Siberia. I believe there was a rumor that there was a secret passage that connected to two, but who knows? In any case, this was yet another place with an awesome jukebox and a cool vibe. My fondest memory of the Bellevue is pumping the jukebox full of coin and watching a retired mailman in his sixites frug like a madman to "Mother" by Danzig. This place was so goddamn cool. And, of course, it's gone. The awesome photo above comes from this MySpace page.
5. Scrap Bar (116 MacDougal Street): The Scrap Bar, in retrospect, was a bit goofy, but in the early 90's, it was quite a scene. High on style, it was not at all uncommon to run into local heavy metal luminaries hanging about. Losing the Scrap Bar wasn't the end of the world, but I did kinda enjoy it for a little while. The lovely photo above comes courtesy of this weblog.
6. King Tut's Wah-Wah Hut (112 Avenue A at 7th Street) After it was hardcore hotbed A7 and before it was Jesse Malin's Niagara (which it continues to be today), this corner space on the edge of Tompkins Square Park was a funky, arty little bar called King Tut's Wah Wah Hut. Much like many of the other bars cited here, the accent was on rock. I remember propping up the bar one night and hearing "You Got Another Thing Comin'" by Judas Priest come on, and the entirety of the establishment's patronage began banging their heads in unison. It was a beautiful thing. Speaking of beautiful things, see more amazing photos of King Tut's at this Facebook page.
I know I'm omitting a veritable ton of other spots. Some other old, vanished faves include Barramundi and the Ludlow Street Cafe on Ludlow Street, McGovern's on Prince Street, The Village Idiot on West 14th Street, Downtown Beirut and The Lismar Lounge on First Avenue (pictured up at the top of this post), Beowulf on Avenue A, McHale's on Eighth Avenue and many, many more.
Which ones do you miss?
What about Downtown Beirut ?
Posted by: chris | April 24, 2012 at 09:00 AM
Mentioned in last graf, and mentioned here previously. But yes -- a classic.
Posted by: Alex in NYC | April 24, 2012 at 09:04 AM
Terminal Bar?
Posted by: GG Allin | April 26, 2012 at 10:31 PM
Aztec Lounge and Downtown Beirut were my favorites.I think all this makes me so sad in direct correlation with how much I loved it all.Man,it was beautiful.My idea of beautiful.
Posted by: Karen | April 28, 2012 at 02:46 PM
This post is awesome, but makes me so sad! Like others, I totally miss Alcatraz, Lismar & Downtown Beirut, but also Chameleon which was on 6th near A, Mission Bar which turned into Ace on 5th St., Psycho Mungo's (now The Library). Hardly anyone carded back then. Good times.
Posted by: lilya | May 01, 2012 at 07:55 AM
I miss Coney Island High, now a mini condo.
Posted by: esquared | May 01, 2012 at 12:53 PM
I know that you've posted about Coney Island High and it isn't really a dive bar and more of a music venue, but I still miss it,nonetheless. Same goes for the old Continental.
Posted by: esquared | May 07, 2012 at 03:00 PM
Technically, I consider those joints music venues, but y'know... we're splitting hairs.
Posted by: Alex in NYC | May 07, 2012 at 03:54 PM
Agree that the joints that I mentioned are music venues. But the old Continental can be considered a dive bar at least according to this.
Then again, what do I know? Didn't really get into the dive bar scene (was more into the clubs and live music scene) 'til late and when most of them have already closed.
Posted by: esquared | May 08, 2012 at 10:30 AM
I like all those classic objects like Coney Island High
Posted by: x men dvd | May 16, 2012 at 05:48 AM
The original Village Idiot on 1st ave Next to Downtown Beirut, Aztec Lounge, and the ORIGINAL International Bar on St. Marks btwn 1st and A.
Posted by: Jackson | March 23, 2014 at 05:40 PM
The Holiday on 8th street.
Posted by: Pete | August 05, 2014 at 02:17 PM
Spent 6 years at Alcatraz on A, what a trip.. especially the night I had my bouncers pull up the metal gates after the Tompkins Square Riot in 88..all of the horses on cops were facing our window on Ave. A with smoke, garbage & bodies all around them.
I miss all or should I say most of my wild & crazy customers..great time to be in the east village.
Betsy the Bartender
Posted by: Betsy Kelly | September 26, 2014 at 04:10 PM
Alcatraz was the SHIT! And so was Betsy the Bartender. Hope all is well!
Posted by: Arn | December 06, 2014 at 08:53 PM
I just walked past the Scrap Bar, to show my son where I worked & where after his birth he spent many a night. I know, baby in a bar, but mom was sober, so there it is. We walked all around my old neighborhood & sadly everything but Trash & the St Mark's Hotel was gone. The Aztec, King's Tut's, Alcatraz, Downtown Beirut & even Sounds (not a bar, but just as relevant). I bet Robots is also gone, though I did not go looking for it. All so sad. Not even a eatery I used to frequent was in sight. No, Pizazz, no Kiev and I never thought Love Saves the Day would be gone. So many memories. At least I still have them.
Posted by: Jessy | January 08, 2015 at 05:41 PM
In October of 93,after Faster Pussycat broke up,I moved to the village.Lived at Hotel 17 and worked nights doing sound at the Scrap Bar.Those were some awesome times.I remember Jesse.Thank goodness their was a really cool scene going on back then.There were some great bands around then,,D Generation,The Vibes,Who killed Bambi?,,,myself, I was in a band called the Byrd Dogs with Ricky Byrd from Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.we did all the clubs back then,CBGB's ,The Continental,Mercury Lounge,etc,,,I remember the early times in Manhattan when Faster used to come to town ,used to always hang at either the Lismar Lounge or Scrap bar,,Great times,great memories!!!!
Posted by: Eric Stacy | March 17, 2015 at 08:32 AM
Knew a couple of them. King Tut's was the first bar I visited on arrival in NYC. It's such a shame. With each closure a small part of the city's character is lost forever.
Posted by: Liam O'Connell | September 13, 2015 at 12:00 PM
To Jessy, I'm not sure if we ever met but we both miss the Scrap Bar. What a great time and place. A small place full of regulars but cool enough for in town hard rock stars to hang out. Beautiful in its seedyness
Sean
Posted by: Sean Moley | December 27, 2015 at 03:18 PM
God I miss Scrap Bar...I know it could never be the same, but back in the early 90's it was like being at a great party where you knew everyone (even if you didn't know a soul). Many blurry nights of Hardcore Cider and shots of grape crush.
Posted by: Swf36d | February 22, 2016 at 09:26 PM
I miss getting head from straight guys..good cocaine too
Posted by: Luis soto | April 05, 2016 at 07:15 PM
I'm surprised The Mars Bar didn't get a mention, not even in the comments.
Posted by: Ray The Bouncer | April 07, 2016 at 04:47 PM
Well, I never said it was comprehensive, Ray. These were just my particular favorites.
Posted by: Alex in NYC | April 08, 2016 at 09:40 AM
The DJ behind the cage At Alcatraz had what I wanted to hear is a close second to Betsy "Barbara 99 Feldon" the bartender and why its memorable.
Posted by: Mick | May 31, 2016 at 06:25 PM
I celebrated my 21st birthday at the Scrap Bar!! It was a blast! So great to see other ppls memories of it! Rock on!
Posted by: Carol Ann | June 11, 2016 at 12:37 AM
Yeah..surprised Mars bar wasn't mentioned. Had a first date there! King tuts the first bar i went to when i moved to nyc in 89......Good times, Good times. Btw...remember G.G.? He scared the shit out of me when i worked at sidewalk!!!
Posted by: Kim | July 29, 2016 at 09:08 PM
The last time I ever visited the Scrap Bar I left with an Irish girl. I cannot hear Billy Bragg without thinking of the SB.
Posted by: David George | August 02, 2016 at 08:39 PM
Cellars in Brooklyn. Corner of Dekalb and Vanderbilt. That was a party. Met some lovely ladies in my day
Posted by: Malcolm | August 21, 2016 at 11:15 PM
The international that Jackson referenced above
Very early eighties and it was perfect, albeit filled with hoarded crap floor to ceiling and a couple refrigerators filled with rotting meat Mary would fondle and rearrange to the tune "he's got the whole world in his hands" ... the lsd supplied by Choo Choo, the face of "We Deliver" (212-777-CASH) made the place macabre and surreal. I used it as an unofficial headquarters for my descent and rise and descent through the sub counter culture thriving in the east village
Posted by: ScreaminIan | October 26, 2016 at 08:50 AM
Alcatraz had the best jukebox in the early 90's, but my favorite bar ever was the Scrap Bar, I Was only 19 when I hung out in NYC w my bro's Fr LI but life was great back then miss those places n many others!
Posted by: Bob Lutz | November 10, 2016 at 11:35 AM
Siberia! That bar was an incredible thing. The in-the-subway bar.
Second only to my fave neighborhood bar, the Bellevue!
And YES there was a secret passageway, which my roomie and I discovered once, while hammered at Bellevue. It was truly surreal. We walked through this never-before-noticed door at the back of the Bellevue (staggered, is more like it) into … another bar?! WTF? And when we asked where we were, we were told: SIBERIA!
What a memory. A hazy one, but still …
Posted by: Mick | October 12, 2017 at 01:01 PM
What ever happened to Luna from the Aztec
Posted by: Johnny | March 04, 2018 at 11:49 PM
This message is to Betsy Kelly from Alcatraz.I really like to get in touch with her. Im an old friend from back in the day. My Name is Nikki and we were very close. Please contact me at [email protected] I would be so happy to get in contact with her. #old friends#memories❤️
Posted by: Nikki | April 24, 2018 at 11:30 PM
Miss the scrap bar..and billy's topless (-:/ and old johnny..from johnnys bar,,,still open but not quite the same. luv ya Peter G..and all my old peeps there.Good times that will never be quite as good...old siberia...loved alcatraz...wonderfully wasted days and many closing nights..good times!!
Posted by: ronieron | September 15, 2018 at 10:46 AM
heads up to false prophets at continental or pyramid..with stephaan and his monkey head cane,, before he died johnny thunders gave an open bar for all his friends after his show (ritz maybe)at jones street cafe shortly before his unfortunate death. jones street cafe ..now an oyster type bar/resto on a paved side street..wow
Posted by: ronieron | September 15, 2018 at 11:01 AM
oh..how about mark bar in greenpoint..now i remember why i left NYC
Posted by: ronieron | September 15, 2018 at 11:10 AM
Spiral Bar
Posted by: Alfred Pico | September 13, 2019 at 10:47 AM
I Miss Motor City Bar, Cedar Tavern, Downtown Beirut (mentioned above), Radio Mexico, The Pink Pony, and the old Chumleys...
Posted by: Elaine Kehew | September 23, 2019 at 05:11 AM
The International on 2nd ave between 6th and 7th?
Posted by: Andrew | November 21, 2019 at 02:25 PM
The Village Idiot wasn't on west 14th. It was on First and 10th. Never went into the Scrap Bar, but I toiled across the street at Panchitos Mexican Restaurant for two years, and our sleaze manager would comp drinks to anything in a miniskirt that could stagger across the street from the Scrap...what about Sophie's on...on...6th? Between avenue A and B?
Is the U bar, or 7A, still alive? It's been in every movie or t.v. show set in new york...
Posted by: john lenick | August 02, 2020 at 12:07 AM
Hi John -- thanks for writing in. There may indeed have been ANOTHER bar called the Village Idiot on First & 10th, but there was certainly a Village Idiot on West 14th!. See link below.
http://www.archive.gvshp.org/items/show/2868
And when I first composed this post in 2012, Sophie's was still a going concern, as was Vazac's Horseshoe Bar (7B), which I've written about elsewhere here (the one in every movie and tv show).
Posted by: Alex in NYC | August 02, 2020 at 10:26 AM
I just watched an Iron Maiden concert from 1996 and Steve Harris was wearing a shirt from the Scrap Bar. That's what brought me to this article.
Posted by: Glenn | August 15, 2020 at 11:02 AM
I MISS Alcatraz. Some very sweet, wonderful, crazy times there. Always have a place in my heart.
Posted by: BlackRonin | February 27, 2021 at 08:47 AM
Just to clarify the Village Idiot thing - in the mid-80s, it was on First & 10th. The owner later relocated it to West 14th - not sure when because I left NYC in 1988 - it was still on First when I left.
Posted by: Rachel Brenner | March 28, 2022 at 07:55 PM