Neir's Tavern
A historic neighborhood tavern in Woodhaven, Queens, known for its unusually long operating history, film connections, and community role.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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History
Neir's Tavern began in 1829 near the Union Course racetrack in Woodhaven, Queens. The racetrack operated from 1821 to 1888 and helped make the tavern a gathering place for visitors and workers connected with the course. Over time, the establishment used several names, including Blue Pump Room, Old Abbey, Neir's Social Hall, and Union Course Tavern. The Neir family controlled the business from 1898 through 1967. The premises historically offered more than drinking service. Accounts describe periods in which it included a ballroom, hotel rooms, and a bowling alley. It is also associated with Prohibition-era speakeasy activity. These changing uses reflect the tavern's role as a social venue in Woodhaven rather than simply a modern cocktail bar. The surviving mahogany bar is believed to date from the nineteenth century and is a central feature of the establishment's historic character. Following the end of Neir family ownership, the business declined. David Eng, a music producer who had purchased the building in the late 1980s for a recording-studio project, became involved in an effort to save and restore the tavern. He worked with Loycent Gordon and Alex Ewen, both associated with the music industry, and drummer Andy Bigan later joined the partnership. The group repaired the premises, restored the old mahogany bar, added a kitchen, and reopened the tavern in 2010. The renewed business also provided a venue for live music and developing performers. Neir's became part of popular culture through filming at the site. Goodfellas used the interior for scenes, as did Tower Heist. The bar's supposed connection with gangsters depicted in Goodfellas is part of its broader local lore. A separate tradition claims that Mae West made early professional appearances at the venue, although the claim is disputed. Neir's maintains the association in its own storytelling and names a cocktail Mae West Punch after it. Anthony Bourdain's 2017 visit and appearance of the tavern on Parts Unknown further expanded its public profile. Preservation and real-estate pressures have been recurring issues. After the property was sold to an LLC in December 2018, local residents and preservationists became concerned that the building's history might not be adequately recognized. Petitions for New York City landmark designation have not succeeded. In 2019, supporters organized the Neir's 190 Committee. The following year, a proposed rent increase threatened to force a closure. Public officials, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, and community advocates helped secure an agreement that kept the tavern open, while the city supplied a $90,000 grant. Today Neir's operates as a neighborhood bar and community venue under Loycent Gordon. It hosts fundraisers, food drives, collections, live entertainment, and an October block party connected with its anniversary. Its current identity rests on the combination of continuous-history claims, preserved interior elements, film and television associations, and strong local support. The tavern promotes a road toward its planned bicentennial in 2029, although its business and the building remain separately owned.
- 2020
Closure threat resolved
[1]A city-supported rent agreement and a $90,000 grant help the tavern remain open.
- 2019
Neir's 190 Committee formed
[1]A preservation-support organization is created during the tavern's 190th anniversary year.
- 2017
Anthony Bourdain visit
[1]The tavern is featured following Anthony Bourdain's visit for Parts Unknown.
- 2010
Restored tavern reopens
[1]The venue reopens after restoration of the historic bar and installation of a kitchen.
- 2009
Business rescued from impending closure
[1]A partnership involving David Eng, Loycent Gordon, Alex Ewen, and Andy Bigan begins restoring the deteriorated tavern.
- 1967
Neir family ownership ends
[1]The business leaves Neir family ownership and subsequently enters a period of decline.
- 1898
Neir family ownership begins
[1]The Neir family takes ownership of the business, retaining it until 1967.
- 1829
Tavern established
[1]The establishment begins operating near the Union Course racetrack in Woodhaven, Queens.
Products and positioning
A historic, community-oriented Queens tavern combining traditional bar service, local heritage, entertainment, film culture, and preservation advocacy.
Hospitality · 1829
Bar services
The core offering is an old-fashioned neighborhood tavern experience, including alcoholic beverages, cocktails, and informal social space. The business emphasizes its historic setting and preserved interior rather than a large national-brand product portfolio.
Food service · 2010
Pub food and dinner menu
Following the 2010 restoration, Neir's added a kitchen serving pub fare and a small selection of dinner entrees. Food complements the bar and entertainment business rather than functioning as a separately branded restaurant concept.
Cocktail
Mae West Punch
A cocktail named after the disputed local tradition that Mae West made early professional appearances at Neir's. The drink is part of the tavern's historical storytelling and themed beverage program.
Entertainment · 2010
Live music and community events
The restored tavern has provided a stage for new musical talent and continues to function as a venue for local gatherings, fundraisers, food drives, collections, and an annual October anniversary block party.
Marketing campaigns
- 2019Neir's 190 Committee
United States
Community supporters formed the Neir's 190 Committee to promote preservation of the tavern during its 190th anniversary year.
Outcome. The committee helped maintain public attention on the tavern's historic importance and preservation needs.
- Road to 200
United States
An anniversary-oriented community campaign and annual October block party build toward the tavern's planned bicentennial in 2029.
Outcome. The campaign continues as an ongoing effort to celebrate longevity and maintain community support.
Brand decisions
2020
Secure the tavern's continued operationStrategyBackground
A rent increase imposed after a change in property ownership threatened to force the business to close.
Action taken
The operator sought public support, while city officials and the Queens Chamber of Commerce negotiated an arrangement with the landlords. New York City also provided a $90,000 grant.
Aftermath
Neir's remained open and continued its preservation and community programming.
City grant. $90,000 (2020)
2009
Restore and relaunch the historic tavernStrategyBackground
The business was in serious disrepair and appeared close to shutting down permanently.
Action taken
A new partnership refurbished the premises, restored the mahogany bar, added a kitchen, and repositioned the venue as a bar, food service, and live-music space.
Aftermath
The tavern reopened in 2010 and continued operating as a historic neighborhood venue.
Recent events
- 2020
Neir's Tavern faces a threatened closure over rent[1]
Other
The tavern announced that it might close because of rent demanded by the building's new landlord, prompting local and citywide support.
- 2020
City-backed agreement keeps Neir's Tavern open[1]
Other
A negotiated arrangement involving New York City officials and the Queens Chamber of Commerce allowed the tavern to continue operating, supplemented by a $90,000 city grant.
- 2019
Neir's 190 Committee formed to support preservation[1]
Other
Supporters created the Neir's 190 Committee during the tavern's 190th anniversary year to help preserve the institution.
- 2017
Neir's Tavern featured in Parts Unknown[1]
Campaign
Anthony Bourdain visited the tavern, bringing additional attention to its history and neighborhood identity.
Sources1 sources
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