West End Bar facts for kids
| Location | Broadway, New York City, New York, United States |
|---|---|
| Type | Bar |
| Opened | 1911 |
| Closed | 2014 |
The West End Bar, sometimes called the "West End Gate," was a well-known place in New York City. It was on Broadway near 114th Street in Morningside Heights. The bar opened in 1911. It quickly became a favorite spot for students and teachers from Columbia University. Its old slogan was "Where Columbia Had Its First Beer." Many famous writers and student activists also spent time there.
Contents
The West End Bar's Story
A Place for Writers
In the early 1940s, a group of young writers often met at the bar. They were part of a movement called the Beat Generation. Students like Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and Lucien Carr would spend hours there. They talked about their studies and their dreams for the future.
Students Who Wanted Change
Later, in the 1960s, the bar became a meeting spot for student activists. These students cared deeply about important issues. They discussed how to make things fairer for everyone. Mark Rudd, a student leader at Columbia, often visited the bar. He was part of a group called Students for a Democratic Society.
New Beginnings
After closing for about a year and a half, the West End Bar reopened. A group led by Jeff Spiegel and Katie Gardner took over. They worked hard to make the bar look like an old Victorian-era restaurant. They added a room for parties and a basement for live Jazz music. There was also a large dining area.
Music and Food
From 1990 to 1994, a Jazz historian named Phil Schaap ran a special Jazz program there. Famous Jazz musicians played at the bar. These included Buddy Tate and Branford Marsalis. The West End Bar also started serving food in 1990. It became a full restaurant with a popular Sunday brunch. They even put up screens to show sports events.
In 2004, the West End Bar began making its own beers. One very popular beer was called "Ker O'Whack." It was named after Jack Kerouac, the famous writer who had attended Columbia.
Changes Over Time
In 2006, the West End Bar was sold. It was replaced by "Havana Central at the West End." This was a Cuban restaurant. Havana Central closed in 2014. Later that year, a new place called Bernheim & Schwartz Restaurant and Hall opened. It was a tribute to old breweries in Manhattan. Bernheim & Schwartz closed in 2017.
