The oldest restaurant and tavern in Queens is Neir’s Tavern (1829)

Neir's Tavern
Photo courtesy of Neir’s Tavern.

Neir’s Tavern got its start catering to gamblers at the nearby Union Course horse racing track in Woodhaven, Queens. At its opening in 1829, the tavern was known as the Blue Pump Room, and later as the Old Abbey. Remembered as a rough-and-tumble hangout for the wild crowds that would frequent the races, the eatery specialized in rum.  The business’ reputation changed drastically in 1898 when it was purchased by its namesake, Louis Neir, who gave it a makeover as a “social hall,” featuring a ballroom, bowling alley, and rooms for rent. While Neir’s name was forgotten when the place was resold again in 1967 and renamed the Union Course Tavern, it received an overdue remodeling in 2009, and its previous name of Neir’s was restored.

While Neir’s has not retained the kind of name recognition it had a century ago, it has taken on a new identity in film and television. It was used in the 2011 action flick Tower Heist, and has been featured in Goodfellas. It is also a favorite of several starlets: comedian W.C. Fields famously loved the tavern, and it was allegedly the spot of stage and film actress Mae West’s first performance. Neir’s Tavern is located at 87-48 78th St., Queens, New York.