Tucked away in Woodhaven, Queens sits a piece of living history that most people only know from the movies. Neir’s Tavern isn’t just a film location from Goodfellas – it’s one of America’s oldest continuously running bars, serving drinks since 1829. What many visitors discover is that the real tavern has more character, stories, and authentic New York grit than any Hollywood set could ever capture.
The 200-Year Journey Through Time
Originally called The Blue Pump Room in 1829, this neighborhood fixture first served thirsty patrons from the nearby Union Course Race Track, once America’s premier horse racing destination. The establishment evolved through several identities before Louis Neir purchased it in 1898, adding a bowling alley, hotel rooms, and even a ballroom.
The tavern witnessed Prohibition, two World Wars, and countless neighborhood transformations while maintaining its soul. Walking through the door feels like stepping into a time machine.
Most impressive is how little has fundamentally changed – the bones of the place remain authentic to its 19th-century roots, a living museum where you can still order a cold beer.
Hollywood’s Authentic Neighborhood Joint
Martin Scorsese knew what he was doing when he chose Neir’s as a key location for Goodfellas. The dimly lit bar where Robert De Niro’s Jimmy Conway welcomes Ray Liotta’s Henry Hill wasn’t a fabricated set – it was the genuine article with decades of real mob history in its walls.
Film buffs can sit at the exact spots where those iconic scenes unfolded. Beyond Goodfellas, Neir’s appeared in Ben Stiller’s Tower Heist and earned special attention when Anthony Bourdain shared drinks with owner Loycent Gordon during his Queens episode of Parts Unknown.
The tavern doesn’t just capitalize on its film connections – it embraces them as just one chapter in its centuries-long story.
Mae West’s Rumored Stage
Before she was a Hollywood icon, neighborhood legend claims that Mae West performed her first shows right here on Neir’s small stage. Born in nearby Brooklyn, the future star allegedly got her start entertaining locals at what was then called Neir’s Social Hall.
While historians debate the documentation, the tavern proudly maintains this connection. Order their signature “Mae West Punch” cocktail and you’ll get a wink from the bartender about the establishment’s place in entertainment history.
The tavern’s walls showcase vintage photos that hint at its vaudeville past. Whether entirely factual or partially mythologized, this connection to one of America’s most famous performers adds another layer to Neir’s cultural significance.
The Community Rescue Mission
January 2020 nearly marked the end for this historic establishment when the landlord suddenly hiked the monthly rent from $2,200 to over $5,400. Locals refused to let their beloved tavern die.
What followed was remarkable: neighbors rallied, social media campaigns exploded, and even Mayor Bill de Blasio personally stepped in to broker a deal. The grassroots effort demonstrated how deeply Neir’s had woven itself into the fabric of Woodhaven.
Following the rescue, the tavern launched its ambitious “Road to 200” campaign, planning for its bicentennial celebration in 2029. The corner was officially co-named “Neir’s Tavern Way” – cementing its status as not just a bar, but a true community landmark.
Preserved Treasures Behind the Bar
The heart of Neir’s remains its magnificent mahogany bar, reportedly predating Ulysses S. Grant’s presidency. This isn’t reproduction furniture – it’s the actual counter where New Yorkers have rested their elbows for over 150 years.
Look up and notice the original tin ceiling, meticulously maintained through generations. The vintage ice-chest draft system still delivers some of the coldest beer in Queens, a testament to old-school craftsmanship.
Photographs covering the walls create a timeline of Woodhaven’s evolution – from horse-racing days to Prohibition speakeasy to Hollywood hotspot. Every visit reveals another detail you missed before, making Neir’s not just a place to drink, but a place to discover.
