Nestled just a few blocks south of the elegant Gramercy Park in New York City, Pete’s Tavern stands as a timeless landmark with a rich and storied past. Long before Gramercy Park became the prestigious residential area it is today, this corner of 18th Street and Irving Place was already buzzing with activity. The building that houses Pete’s Tavern was erected in 1829 as the Portland Hotel, a modest red brick structure in the vernacular style. Initially, the ground floor served as a grocery store, catering to the needs of the burgeoning neighborhood.
From Portland Hotel to Healy’s Cafe: Early Days of a Gramercy Park Tavern
Sometime around 1852, the grocery store transitioned into a saloon, marking the early beginnings of what would become a legendary tavern. However, definitive records pinpoint 1864 as the official establishment date of the tavern. This was a pivotal time in American history, as the Civil War was drawing to a close and Gramercy Park was solidifying its reputation as an upscale residential enclave. Patrons of this early tavern would have been greeted by a magnificent 30-foot carved rosewood bar, backed by an equally impressive Victorian mirrored backbar, setting the stage for decades of convivial gatherings.
In 1899, brothers Tom and John Healy took ownership of the establishment, renaming it Healy’s Cafe. Recognizing the changing social norms and the desire for more refined dining experiences, the Healy brothers added a dining room to the rear of the saloon. This dining area could be accessed either through the bar itself or via a discreet side street entrance. This separate entrance was a common feature in Victorian-era establishments, allowing women to dine without having to walk through the often boisterous saloon area.
O. Henry’s Booth: Pete’s Tavern and its Literary Legacy
Just a short stroll away at 55 Irving Place lived William Sydney Porter, better known by his pen name O. Henry. Healy’s Cafe quickly became Porter’s beloved neighborhood haunt. Almost every night, the celebrated short story writer could be found ensconced in a specific oaken booth situated just inside the tavern’s entrance. It was within this very booth that O. Henry penned many of his famous short stories, including the timeless classic “The Gift of the Magi,” published in 1905. This literary connection forever cemented Pete’s Tavern’s place in New York City’s cultural history.
Navigating Prohibition and the Pete Belle Era
The advent of Prohibition in 1920 presented a significant challenge for the Healy brothers. They continued to operate the tavern until 1921, and then, in a rather understated manner, attempted to circumvent the new laws by superficially disguising the bar as a flower shop. As current owner John Reynolds humorously noted, “They didn’t kill themselves changing the facade. I almost laugh when I look at the pictures.” Despite the Prohibition era, Pete’s Tavern seemingly maintained a steady flow of patrons and, more importantly, liquor. Rumor has it that Joseph Kennedy himself supplied the tavern, and local politicians were known to frequent the establishment, Prohibition or not, suggesting the owners had influential connections.
In 1932, Pete Belle purchased the bar, giving it the name it carries to this day: Pete’s Tavern. Remarkably, little changed within the tavern’s walls. The historic rosewood bar, the pressed tin ceilings, and the overall ambiance remained intact as time marched on. Pete’s Tavern continued to attract a diverse clientele, from local residents to politicians and an increasing number of celebrities.
Celebrities and Pop Culture: Pete’s Tavern in Modern Times
Flamboyant New York City Mayor Jimmy Walker was a regular patron, and President John F. Kennedy was known to have dined at Pete’s Tavern on more than one occasion with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Years later, John F. Kennedy Jr., upon noticing a photograph of his parents on the wall, became a daytime regular, further solidifying the tavern’s connection to the Kennedy family.
Following in O. Henry’s footsteps, author Ludwig Bemelmans also found inspiration within Pete’s Tavern. He famously wrote the first book in his beloved “Madeline” children’s series while seated in the tavern in 1939. The list of celebrities who have visited Pete’s Tavern and sampled its signature “1864 Ale” is extensive and continues to grow, including names like Ben Stiller, Mike Myers, Bruce Willis, Natalie Portman, James Gandolfini, Zack Braff, Ed Burns, Harvey Keitel, Jeremy Sisto, Julia Stiles, Johnny Depp, and Tom Cruise.
Pete’s Tavern’s iconic atmosphere has also made it a popular location for film and television. It has been featured in advertisements for major brands like Miller Brewing, Samuel Adams, and even Hanes, adding to its eclectic resume. Television shows like Sex in the City (where Miranda proposed to Steve) and Seinfeld (Kramer’s sting operation episode) have filmed scenes within its walls. Pete’s Tavern has also graced the silver screen in movies such as Two for the Seesaw, Across the Sea of Time, Ragtime, Endless Love, The Guru, and even an episode of Law and Order.
Still a Neighborhood Tavern at Heart
Today, stepping into Pete’s Tavern is like stepping back in time. The long rosewood bar remains the centerpiece, the pressed tin ceiling adds to the vintage charm, and a brass plaque proudly marks O. Henry’s favorite booth, a testament to its literary heritage. Despite its fame and celebrity connections, Pete’s Tavern has managed to retain its soul. It remains, at its core, a neighborhood watering hole, a welcoming and unpretentious space where locals and visitors alike can gather to enjoy a drink, a meal, and a slice of New York City history in the heart of Gramercy Park.
