The Story Of… Neir’s Tavern in Woodhaven, Queens, NY

Exclusive interview with owner Loycent Gordon
By Karen Beishuizen
Photos courtesy of Neir’s Tavern

Neir’s Tavern is the oldest continuously-operating tavern in NYC, located on the same spot in Queens since it was established in 1829. Favorite dish: The Goodfella Burger is the go-to at Neir’s. The most well-known movie which used Neir’s as a location is Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas”; 14% of the iconic film was shot here, including pivotal scenes such as the Christmas party. Thousands of fans of the movie “Goodfellas” have made Neir’s a destination when in NYC, and some of them return again and again, treating a visit to the location like a sacred pilgrimage. After you’ve made the rounds, and taken all the photos, we’d recommend taking a seat at the end of the bar where DeNiro and Anthony Bourdain once sat. Order yourself a beer and just enjoy the history that surrounds you!

KB: Describe to our RSR readers when and by who Neir’s Tavern was founded?

Neir’s Tavern is the oldest continuously-operating tavern in NYC, located on the same spot in Queens since it was established in 1829. Founded by Cadwallader R. Colden (the “black sheep” of a prominent 19th century political family in NY), he managed the historic Union Course Race Track, and decided to open a bar to service the workers, jockeys, and horse owners, as well as the massive crowds that attended the races. In 1835, the tavern was first sold and renamed “The Old Abbey” and in the 1850s it was purchased by banker and politician Nathan Graves. Finally it was acquired by Louis Neir in 1898, who added a bowling alley and a ballroom and renamed it “Neir’s Social Hall” where it thrived as a community gathering place in what was now a residential Woodhaven neighborhood. In the late 1960s, the Neir family descendants sold the old bar and it was renamed again as “The Union Course Tavern” which was what it was called when Goodfellas filmed there. When it was purchased by Loycent Gordon in 2009, and lovingly restored to its former glory, it was once again renamed Neir’s Tavern.

KB: Since when are you the owner and how do you maintain the tavern to such a high standard?

I purchased the bar in 2009 after hearing a few months earlier that it was going to be sold and possibly turned into a bodega (a neighborhood convenience store) of which we already had so many in the Woodhaven area. I just couldn’t allow this unique, historical tavern to fade away into obscurity. After acquiring it, we set about a thorough restoration, including changing its name back to Neir’s, after the family who had kept the bar going for seven decades.

The way I go about maintaining the tavern is rooted in respect for its history and working alongside our dedicated staff, and the Neir’s Tavern Ambassadors who understand that this rare gem must be kept up to the standards it deserves. We take pride in preserving the wood of the old mahogany bar in pristine condition, as well as the original draught beer system which keeps the beer icy cold. We truly care about the details, such as the way the food is presented and served. If we learn that a customer was disappointed in some way, our policy is to personally reach out and always make it right.

KB: How did Neir’s Tavern avoid closure in 2020?

When the building in which Neir’s is located was sold, and the rent was set to be tripled in 2020, it became a financial impossibility to keep the bar open. In early January of 2020, I made the heartbreaking announcement that Neir’s would be closing in a few days. What followed was nothing short of miraculous! After a call-in to a radio show on which then-mayor of NYC, Bill DeBlasio was a guest, Queens politicians and business leaders learned of Neir’s plight and gathered together. A meeting was organized and a deal was struck with the building’s new landlord, resulting in a new lease being signed, ensuring that Neir’s Tavern could continue on its ‘Road to 200’. Soon after, of course the Pandemic hit hard. Though we were forced to close our doors temporarily, we survived with the support of our Ambassadors, take-out, and eventually outdoor dining options.

KB: What is an absolute favorite on the menu people should try and what drink goes with it best?

The Goodfella Burger is the go-to at Neir’s. The proprietary recipe was developed by our chef Rigo as an homage to the iconic movie. Our award-winning burgers (Best of the Borough and other competitions) have also been recognized as one of the Top 10 in NY State by the NYS Beef Council. Any of our draft beers, which are served ice cold thanks to our original draught beer system, will pair perfectly with the burger. However, if you prefer something stronger, our signature cocktail, The Wise Guy (another nod to Goodfellas), is the way to go! It’s made with Uncle Nearest Whiskey, which has a historical narrative of its own – ask your bartender!

KB: What is the Ambassadors’ Program and how do you become one?

The Ambassadors’ program is part of Neir’s Tavern Road To 200 Years resiliency strategy. It was founded during the pandemic because passionate supporters were giving us money to keep us from permanent closure. The owner created an exclusive club for them because they didn’t want coupons or deals. They wanted to help beyond just buying more burgers and beer. This new program aims to become a financial and social safety net for the tavern as we see more and more historic restaurants disappearing throughout America.

Therefore Neir’s Tavern Ambassadors Club is an application-only social club aiming to bring together people from across the country who care about preserving community, culture, and places that are the soul of their local community, like Historic Neir’s Tavern. Its members are encouraged to choose a personal cause they care about to represent on behalf of the tavern through virtual or in-person events, interviews etc. This year, Neir’s launched a new program, Community Connections, which enables customers to choose one of the Ambassadors’ causes to support; a portion of their bill is donated every time they dine at Neir’s Tavern.

KB: Which series, movies and documentaries has Neir’s Tavern appeared in?

The most well-known movie which used Neir’s as a location is Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas”; 14% of the iconic film was shot here, including pivotal scenes such as the Christmas party. Twenty years later Neir’s was chosen for the filming of a key bar scene in the movie “Tower Heist”. In 2017, Anthony Bourdain made a visit to Neir’s (where he interviewed owner Loycent Gordon while they enjoyed a few cold beers) during the filming of a ‘Parts Unknown’ episode that highlighted the wonderful food and drinks available in Queens. Other TV shows used Neir’s as a location over the years, including the popular long-running police drama, “Bluebloods”.

KB: Which famous people have visited Neir’s Tavern over the many years?

During the making of “Goodfellas”, locals were thrilled to see Robert DeNiro, Ray Liotta, Paul Sorvino, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, and many other cast members arrive at the Tavern for filming. In more recent years, two of the actors returned to Neir’s: Frank Sivero (who played Frankie Carbone) and Christopher Serrone, (who had the role of Young Henry). When “Tower Heist” was being filmed, Neir’s welcomed actors Ben Stiller and Téa Leoni when they filmed a scene at the bar. And of course, Anthony Bourdain had that wonderful conversation when he featured Neir’s in his TV series. More than a century ago, a young, not-yet-famous Mae West (who lived nearby on 88th Street) performed in the ballroom of Neir’s Social Hall.

KB: Describe to our RSR readers what they would see on a visit to Neir’s Tavern.

Coming in through the front door, you’ll first notice the beautiful old mahogany bar at which customers have been served for nearly 200 years. Cast your gaze upwards to see the tin ceiling. Then look at the wall across from the bar, where you’ll see photos of the actors from “Goodfellas”, (and in some of the photographs, you’ll notice them standing in the same spot where you currently find yourself!) Walk a little further and you’ll see a very old wooden cabinet with glass doors, in which many books, memorabilia, and sundry items are housed. On the adjacent wall are hung photos, artwork, and other interesting things such as a letter written by a WWII veteran who had his wedding party at Neir’s upon returning home from the war. A glass cabinet holds merchandise: branded caps and tees, books in which the bar is featured, and the Queens Edition of Monopoly, on which Neir’s is featured on one of the orange properties.

Stepping up into the dining room, you’ll see the fireplace, and on the mantel an antique growler from the 1800’s is displayed; next is the “Mae West” table, which is set into a corner along with a very old bench, and an old framed wooden image of Mae herself, overlooking the table. More old photographs are displayed on the next wall, including one of two bowling lanes that used to exist in the back room of Neir’s. Straight ahead you’ll see the small stage in the corner which has seen many performances by Jazz musicians, Karaoke singers, comedians and more. Surrounding the stage is a colorful mural, painted by local artists, that cleverly depicts the history of the bar from 1829 through to the current century; there are many “Easter eggs” in this mural – look closely if you want to find them all! The back wall features more images from Goodfellas, including the original movie poster, autographed photos, and artwork.

Finally, on the last wall before re-entering the bar area, is the oldest photograph we have of the Neir family, from 1898. When you arrive back at the far end of the bar, try the “Goodfellas Challenge” – that means standing with your arms outstretched, as Robert DeNiro did in that exact spot, when welcoming in his fellow gangsters in the famous Christmas party scene. After you’ve made the rounds, and taken all the photos, we’d recommend taking a seat at the end of the bar where DeNiro and Anthony Bourdain once sat. Order yourself a beer and just enjoy the history that surrounds you!

KB: Why should people visit Neir’s Tavern?

Anyone who is interested in American History, or specifically, a great NYC story, should make a visit to Neir’s, where they will find so many original details and old photographs adorning the walls. Thousands of fans of the movie “Goodfellas” have made Neir’s a destination when in NYC, and some of them return again and again, treating a visit to the location like a sacred pilgrimage. Even if people aren’t into history, or the movie, there’s plenty of other great reasons to make that first visit: everyone who walks through the door is welcomed and made to feel at home – the sense of community at Neir’s Tavern is unsurpassed! There are many regularly-scheduled fun, free events including Trivia, Karaoke, Bar Bingo, Jazz Brunch, History Presentations, Open Mic Night and more…and let’s not forget the fantastic menu, the signature cocktails, and the ice cold beer!

Check out Neir’s Tavern for more info: HERE

Click Here to Order Boxing Interviews Of A Lifetime By “Bad” Brad Berkwitt