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New York has never lacked places to get a drink. But the stories behind those bars? Those deserve another round.
On Tuesday, October 27, representatives from Fraunces Tavern, Gage & Tollner and the Dead Rabbit will gather at Fraunces Tavern for an evening devoted to the city’s vibrant drinking history. Organized by the Alliance for Downtown New York, “History of Bars in New York” will run from 6pm to 8:30pm at 54 Pearl Street, with the discussion chronicling New York’s bar scene from Revolutionary War taverns to the modern craft cocktail revival, exploring how the places where we drink have evolved alongside the city itself. Historic institutions like the event's host tavern—which is the oldest bar and restaurant in New York City, operating since 1762—will get their due, as will more recent additions such as the Dead Rabbit and Overstory.
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Leading the spirited conversation is Dan Saltzstein, a New York Times deputy editor and the author of That’s So New York: Short (and Very Short) Stories About the Greatest City on Earth. Joining him is St. John Frizell, the writer, bartender and co-founder of Gage & Tollner and its upstairs tropical cocktail destination, Sunken Harbor Club.
The Dead Rabbit’s managing partner, Jack McGarry, will bring his expertise in Irish whiskey, cocktails and pub operations to the panel. Rounding out the lineup is Fraunces Tavern beverage director Barry Smyth, who selects the bar's 650 whiskies, along with its local craft beers and wines. (He also created its Presidential Punch—a résumé detail that feels particularly appropriate for this assignment.)
With people who run these establishments sharing their stories, the evening offers a chance to hear how New York’s drinking culture takes shape behind the bar. (Books by the presenters will be available to purchase if you want to keep learning after the glasses are cleared.)
Admission is $30 and all proceeds go to City Harvest. Light bites and two cocktails created especially for the evening are included and nonalcoholic beverages will also be available. Doors open at 6pm and tickets are available through Eventbrite.