THE modest townhouse at #86 Bedford was once one of NYC’s most popular hangouts for authors and other artistic types. Chumley’s is probably the only major bar or restaurant in New York City that has never had a sign or marking of any sort in recent memory on its exterior to mark its presence, though the practice has been revived in recent years for businesses of all types. Yet most Greenwich Villagers knew where it was and most nights, it was packed. Chumley’s building dates to the 1830s and was originally a blacksmithery. According to legend, in the pre-Civil War era it was a stop where escaped slaves could find a haven (there was a Black community on nearby Gay Street). At length it became a gathering place for leftist radicals. By 1922, developer Leland Chumley had established a speakeasy/gambling den in the old building.
Research at 1940s.nyc reveals that Chumley’s, in 1940, had a sidewalk awning that was under repair when the photo was taken. If you look carefully, you can see the word “Chumley’s” spelled horizontally at the bottom.
During and after Prohibition Chumley’s became one of NYC’s many literary hangouts. The difference here is that the authors’ original dust jackets, and their portraits, line the walls of the place on all sides. You will find just about every big name in 20th Century literature here from Hemingway to Mailer to Ginsburg on the wall.
And mine, as well. The ForgottenBook cover was framed and hung during the book launch for Forgotten NY The Book in September 2006. Take a look at some of the festivities on this page. Unfortunately, soon after this, a wall collapsed and Chumley’s was closed for the 9 years it took to do repairs; after briefly reopening under new management, Chumley’s announced they would close permanently in July 2020, unable to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. I’d love to get my framed book cover back, but I don’t know where to start.
You can see scenes from the restored Chumley’s interior on Yelp.
Most didn’t even enter Chumley’s via #86 Bedford; rather, it was accessed via a small passageway leading from Barrow Street called Pamela Court.
According to legend the term “86 it” for “kill it” or “forget about it” comes from a warning the cops would give, phoning ahead to Chumley to let him know they were on the way and customers should “86” or book out the entrance/exit. As historian James Nevius explained in the New York Post, the “86!” exclamation likely didn’t begin here, though.
In August 2025, Eater reported that a new restaurant called “Eighty Six” will open in the old Chumley’s space. I haven’t been by since October 2024 but I imagine the new spot will continue Chumley’s unmarked exterior tradition. Since Chumley’s closed for good in 2020, the building had hosted the Frog Club.
Check out the ForgottenBook, take a look at the gift shop. As always, “comment…as you see fit.” I earn a small payment when you click on any ad on the site.
9/30/25
3 comments
I don’t know if this helps, but the new “86” resturant has opened. It is run by the Catch Hospitality Group. You can send the restaurant an email from their website.
Tilman Fertitta, Catch Hospitality owner, is a yuge Trumpie. He bought Keens too recently. So caveat emptor.
Awesome! I grew up in this neighborhood. Coming back from California for a visit. Love your book, too!