On Saturday, Oct. 5, Neir’s Tavern will mark a momentous occasion—its 195th birthday—with a street celebration outside its historic building at 78th St. and 88th Ave. The celebration will include fun activities for the kids, free hot dogs, music and more.
For nearly two centuries, Neir’s Tavern has been a cornerstone of the Woodhaven community, embodying a rich history that has witnessed dramatic changes in the neighborhood and the broader New York City area.
Neir’s Tavern first opened its doors in 1829 as The Blue Pump Room, a tavern established by Cadwallader R. Colden. Colden was a member of a prominent family with deep roots in New York history; his grandfather served as lieutenant governor of the British Province of New York, and his cousin was a mayor of New York City. Despite his family’s esteemed reputation, Colden carved out a different path for himself as the manager of the Union Course Race Track, which was directly across the street from The Blue Pump Room.
The Union Course was not just any race track; it was a major destination in its time. Situated between 78th and 85th Streets, from Jamaica Ave. to Atlantic, it hosted thrilling horse races that captivated the public’s imagination. One of its most famous events was a race between two horses, American Eclipse and Henry, which attracted over 60,000 spectators—an extraordinary turnout for the era.
The race track was so significant that the Long Island Rail Road opened a special station on Atlantic Ave., known as the Union Course stop, to accommodate the influx of visitors. Several hotels sprang up around the area to cater to the guests flocking to the races, and the neighborhood itself became known as Union Course, reflecting its importance to the community.
As the fortunes of the Union Course began to wane, so too did The Blue Pump Room. In 1835, the tavern was sold and renamed “The Old Abbey.” This period saw a shift in the tavern’s reputation; it became known as a “notorious rumseller” that attracted a rowdier crowd than in its earlier years.
However, the tavern’s narrative was far from over. In the 1850s, banker and politician Nathan Graves purchased The Old Abbey and set about transforming its reputation. As the race track entered its final years before closing shortly after the Civil War, Graves repositioned the tavern as a more respectable establishment. The race track remained dormant for nearly two decades, and its land was eventually sold.
At the dawn of the 20th century, Louis Neir acquired the tavern, ushering in a new era of vibrancy and community engagement. Neir expanded the establishment, adding a bowling alley and a ballroom and rebranding it as “Neir’s Social Hall.” The tavern became a beloved local gathering place, hosting events and becoming a hub of social life in the area.
During this period, the tavern’s lore grew even richer. According to local legend, stage and screen icon Mae West performed in the ballroom. While some have cast doubt on these stories, many old-timers who frequented Neir’s swore it was true, and considering West lived just a few blocks away on 88th St. off of 89th Ave., it certainly adds to the tavern’s mystique.
The Neir family maintained ownership of the tavern until the late 1960s, after which it was sold and became known as “The Union Course Tavern.” This chapter in its history saw the tavern embraced as a classic New York bar steeped in tradition and nostalgia. Its authentic atmosphere even caught the attention of Hollywood film scouts, leading to its inclusion in several memorable scenes from Martin Scorsese’s 1989 film Goodfellas, starring Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci.
In 2009, the tavern underwent a detailed and loving restoration, reclaiming its original name, Neir’s Tavern. Since then, it has not only preserved its historic charm but has also evolved to meet the needs of a modern community. Today, Neir’s Tavern is a vibrant venue for musical performances, spoken word events, community gatherings, fundraisers, and holiday drives, continuing to serve as a cornerstone of the Woodhaven neighborhood.
As Neir’s Tavern prepares to celebrate its 195th birthday, it stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of community institutions. From its origins in the early days of Woodhaven, through the era of horse racing, the Civil War and the transformation of the area into a residential neighborhood, Neir’s has remained a constant presence, a familiar face in a sea of change.
This Oct. 5, Neir’s Tavern invites everyone to celebrate nearly two centuries of history, community and camaraderie. Whether you’re a longtime patron or a first-time visitor, this is a unique opportunity to be a part of the living history of Woodhaven. For more details on the celebration, feel free to contact woodhavenhistory@gmail.com.
Neir’s Tavern is more than just a bar; it is a living piece of history, a place where the past and present converge. As it celebrates 195 years, it reminds us all of the importance of preserving the stories and places that shape our communities.
