Iwalked New York City’s Washington Square Arch

Iwalked New York City’s Washington Square Arch - Washington Square’s most recognized monument, the Washington Square Arch was formally dedicated on the north side of the park in May 1895 (although technically the final blocks for the structure had been laid three years earlier in April 1892). The current arch is actually the third version that has resided within the park. The originally version was constructed in April 1889 in celebration of the one-hundredth anniversary of the inauguration of our nation’s first president, George Washington (which occurred on nearby Wall Street at Federal Hall).

Washington Square Arch

This tribute, styled much like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, was intended only as a temporary structure and thus constructed in simple to tear down materials such as wood and plaster. The public response to the monument was so favorable, however, that its architect Stanford White decided to create a sturdier version constructed of limestone (which he did for the sum of $27,000). This second incarnation would only be unveiled for two days before White was finally asked to create a final manifestation which would be constructed of marble and still resides here today. The only significant change to the monument since then is the fact that traffic is no longer allowed to drive through the arch, as had been the case until 1971 when the park was redesigned.

Washington Square Arch also contains two magnificent statues of George Washington along the north side that were later additions. The earliest statue was added along the eastern half in 1916 and is titled, “Washington Accompanied by Fame and Valor.” This sixteen foot marble sculpture was created by Herman A. MacNeil who hailed from Queens and also created some noted sculptures along the Supreme Court Building in Washington D.C. Here we see Washington in his full military garb while he clutches a sword with both hands directly in front of himself. On the western half of the northern side of the arch is a work unveiled just two years later by Alexander Stirling Calder titled, “George Washington Accompanied by Wisdom and Justice.” Here, again, is a sixteen foot marble figure depicting Washington as he appeared during his years as our nation’s first president.

One other “hidden” element within the arch’s western leg is a spiral staircase that leads towards the summit. Unfortunately the public is not allowed within the interior as the roof has been deemed quite fragile and is said to even leak. For now you’ll have to trust us that the interior consists of a 102-step spiral stairwell.

• Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Square_Park


• Address: Intersection of Washington Square North and 5th Avenue, New York City, NY


• Cost: Free

Iwalked Washington D.C.’S White House

Iwalked Washington D.C.’S White House - When Pierre Charles L’Enfant was hired to design Washington D.C., part of his commission was to propose on the design of a grand new “Presidential Palace.” Unfortunately, L’Enfant was fired for insubordination prior to “getting around” to sharing his vision. In response, a design contest was held in 1792 for which nine proposals would be submitted. The winner of the contest would receive for their efforts $500 or a medal of equal value. Second prize would offer the sum of $150. The second place entry was awarded to an architect from Richmond, VA, John Collins, who submitted his entry under the pseudonym “A.Z.” The design was said to emulate the Villa Rotunda just outside of Vicenza, Italy. Its entry has long been speculated to have been submitted by Thomas Jefferson, however, no direct evidence to confirm this has ever been found. The first prize was awarded to a self-taught Irish-born architect named James Hoban on July 17, 1792. Hoban’s design called for construction of a home that drew inspiration from the Leinster House in Dublin, Ireland.

Washington D.C.’S White House

Construction on the White House would commence on October 13, 1792. Ironically, in very un-Washingtonian fashion, no formal ceremony was held. The building would be constructed over an eight-year period and was ready for occupancy on November 1, 1800. John Adams, the second President of the United States, was the first president to reside here. Washington, who oversaw a vast amount of the building’s construction, unfortunately never had the opportunity to live within the Presidential Palace. Adam’s residency would not last too long either though as he was only able to live within the White House during the final four months of his presidency.

When President Thomas Jefferson moved into the home in 1801 he was full of criticism of the building (perhaps in response to losing the design competition). Upon moving onto the premise Jefferson declared the property too big by stating it was, “big enough for two emperors, one Pope and the grand lama.” And Jefferson’s response to this declaration? Well, he immediately began making revisions to the structure by hiring US Capitol architect Benjamin Latrobe. These alterations included the addition of single-story wings to either side of the main building for added storage to Jefferson’s “already too big” home.


In August 1814, during the War of 1812, the British began to overtake the city of Washington and many occupants began to flee. Amongst those who left the city were President James Madison and his wife Dolley. Prior to her departure Dolley grabbed a copy of Gilbert Stuart’s famous portrait of George Washington (known to many as that which graces every $1 bill) while other aides ensured the safety of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. On August 14, 1814, the British officially set the White House to torch and the building would only be saved by the hard rains falling from the sky that evening. James Hoban would be brought back in March 1815 to begin to reconstruct the charred remains of his original design. During his reconstruction, Hoban added a series of porticos to the building’s north and side and also painted the entire structure white. Some has theorized that Hoban’s decision to paint the building white was to cover-up the smoke and burn stains that resided on the exterior.

Hoban’s revitalized White House was a social curiosity to one famed visitor in the 19th Century and also the site of a historic first a few years later. In 1842, the White House was visited by esteemed author Charles Dickens who later wrote of his unique experience. Expecting a warm reception upon arrival Dickens was taken aback when he arrived with his official White House invite and found no one to greet him. Instead he escorted himself onto the premises and inspected the entire property without an intervention or being questioning during his exploration. A few years later the White House was the happy site of the only marriage ceremony for a U.S. President when Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th President of the United States (and only president to serve two non-consecutive terms), married Frances Folsom. The wedding which occurred on June 2, 1886 was held within the White House’s Blue Room.

The White House would not see its next significant structural changes until just after the turn of the 20th century when a number of changes were set to occur. During President Theodore Roosevelt’s administration, he oversaw the addition of increased living space within the building’s third story attic. It was also Roosevelt who coined the official nickname of the White House around this time in 1901. Two other significant changes which would be implemented over the ensuing years included the additions of the West Wing and Oval Office. Originally known as the Yellow Room, the Oval Office served a number of purposes before becoming the official offices to the President of the United States. For instance, Thomas Jefferson was known to use it for practicing his violin. Woodrow Wilson, meanwhile, found the room a romantic setting sufficient to propose to his second wife, Edith Bolling. The last significant addition to the White House would occur in 1942 when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt authorized construction of the East Wing which would occur in 1942. This final alteration would provide the symmetry of the building you see today.

Public tours of the White House are available, however, be prepared to plan ahead. Requests must be made a minimum of twenty one days in advance through your local Congressman and it is recommended that you provide your request up to six months in advance. Tours, as provided, may be offered Tuesday-Thursday 7:30-11:00am, Fridays 7:30am-12pm and Saturdays 7:30am-1pm. Please note, tours are typically offered only to U.S. citizens unless coordinated through your local embassy and providing a request directly through them.

Fun facts that you may learn as part of your tour include insight as to the building’s architecture, history and occupants. For instance you may learn how the White House requires five hundred seventy gallons of paint. When the exterior was recently restored in 1996, workers found up to twenty-eight coats of this paint (some of which covered the fire damage from 1814)! In relation to occupants, you may also get to witness or cross paths with one of the five full-time chefs on-site that may serve on the upwards of up to one hundred forty guests on any one occasion.
To learn about famous ghosts and haunts of the White House you may

• Website: http://www.whitehouse.gov/
• Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC
• Cost: Free

Iwalked New York City’s Café Wha?

Iwalked New York City’s Café Wha? - On a wintery January 24, 1961, a young nineteen year old Robert Zimmerman arrived to New York City having hitchhiked all the way from Minnesota. His first destination? A small club which he had heard about called Café Wha? That day, Zimmerman convinced the club’s owner, Manny Roth, to allow him to play here despite having a limited resume of performances. (Zimmerman had in actuality only played once publicly prior to this.) Roth impressed with Zimmerman’s dedication (having moved from Minnesota after all) provided Zimmerman the opportunity. Young Robert would proceed to play a full set that day consisting exclusively of Woody Guthrie covers.

 Café Wha?

Over the ensuing months, Zimmerman would become a staple of Café Wha? And Robert’s status as a folk legend would begin to build as the man originally known as Robert Zimmerman would be transformed into Bob Dylan (named after his idol, poet Dylan Thomas). Others would later follow in Dylan’s footsteps at Café Wha? as this small club began to be recognized as one of the top havens for musical talent during the 1960s.

The cast of musicians and comedians which has graced the stages of Café Wha? has included the likes of Ritchie Havens, Bill Cosby, Kool and the Gang, Richard Prior and Bruce Springsteen. Mary Travers, of Peter, Paul and Mary fame, was a former waitress here before being discovered. And Louis Gossett, Jr. actually sang folk songs here before deciding to pursue acting full-time.

In June of 1966, the house band for Café Wha? was an unknown act that dubbed themselves Jimmy James and the Blue Flames. Amongst the band’s members was an aspiring guitarist named Jimi Hendrix (then going by the name Jimmy James). Hendrix, although not a native New Yorker, had played in the city for a period beginning in 1964. He did not stay long though. After being discovered by the Animals manager Chas Chandler, who had taken a liking to a little song called “Hey Joe,” Chandler swept Hendrix out of New York and off to London where larger fame would await.

As for the club itself, Café Wha? first opened its doors in 1959. Its original owner, Manny Roth, had a knack for discovering talent in those days. His gift may have been aided by having such a talented nephew (David Lee Roth). Manny owned the club until 1988 when he sold the business. Today Café Wha? continues to function as a music venue that primarily features a roster of varying house bands (depending upon the day of the week).

• Website: http://cafewha.com/


• Address: 115 MacDougal Street, New York City, NY


• Cost: May vary by night. See website for details.

Iwalked Boston’s Park Street Church

Iwalked Boston’s Park Street Church - Park Street Church is an active Conservative Congregational Church located along Boston’s Freedom Trail that dates back to 1809 (just five years after Park Street itself was established). Prior to its erection, the largest building in all of Boston resided on this site. A building known as the Granary (built in 1738), was located here for nearly seventy-five years, serving the purpose of storing corn and wheat for sale. It was inside the former Granary building in which the sails for the U.S.S. Constitution were said to be sewn. The Granary was demolished in 1809 to make room for the Park Street Church which was founded by twenty-six parishioners from the nearby Old South Meeting House.

Boston’s Park Street Church

Park Street Church was formally constructed in a very short period of time between 1809 and 1810 and was designed by architect Peter Banner. Banner based his plans on a similar London church by Sir Christopher Wren who is most noted for having designed St. Paul’s Cathedral. Integrated within Banner’s designs include a 217 foot Georgia steeple and some intricately carved wooden capitals on the front columns that were done by Solomon Willard. An addition of a stained glass window caused a bit of controversy when it was installed in 1904 for its anti-Puritan flare. The controversy eventually led the church to install a plain-glass window over the exterior so that this single example of stained glass may only be viewed from the interior.

When masses began here in 1810, the congregation was known as a very serious and passionate bunch. Masses would last approximately two to three hours each week and in the event that attendees were found to be “resting their eyes” they were awaken via a wooden stick.


Over the years Park Street Church earned the nickname of “Brimstone Corner,” both for the fiery speakers who used to preach both inside and outside the church and for the gunpowder which was housed there during the War of 1812. Amongst those who spoke here included William Lloyd Garrison who delivered his first anti-slavery speech here on July 4, 1829. It was during this address that he spoke the famous words, “Since the cause of emancipation must progress heavily, and must meet with must unhallowed opposition—why delay the work?”

A number of other notable firsts are said to have occurred within the Park Street Church. The first Sunday school program was held here in 1816. The church’s first organist, Lowell Mason, composed “Joy to the World” here. Another noted song, “America” (aka “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”) was sung for the first time of the church’s steps on July 4, 1831 by the Park Street’s Children Choir. And lastly, some unrelated organizations including the Animal Rescue League (a predecessor of the humane society) and the Prison Discipline Society (the first U.S. prison ministry) were also founded here.

Today the church continues to be an active congregation that is said to have nearly 2,000 mass attendees each week.

Iwalked Washington D.C.’s Blair House

Iwalked Washington D.C.’s Blair House - The Blair House is the official guest house for visitors of the White House. When guests, such as foreign dignitaries come to visit, they stay within this 70,000 square foot, 119 room complex that is larger than the White House itself. The flag of the nation from which the dignitaries are visiting is always flown outside of the Blair House to signify that the residence is, at least for the given period of the visit, considered foreign soil. Residency within the Blair House can also be tough to come by. When President Obama and his family moved to Washington and were seeking a place to stay prior to his inauguration, they were rebuffed and informed that the home was currently being occupied by the former Prime Minister of Australia.

Blair House

The Blair House began as a single home at 1651 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, but has since expanded to into four adjoining townhouses. The original building was constructed as a two-story structure in 1824 and was designed in the Federal style with a brick façade. The brick was later covered over with stucco and subsequently modernized to its current limestone exterior. Other later alterations to the building included the addition of a third and fourth story in the early 1850s.

The residence at 1651 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW was designed by an unknown architect for Joseph Lovell, the eight Surgeon General of the United States Army. Upon Lovell’s passing in 1836, the building was purchased by Francis Preston Blair for the sum of $6,500. Blair was an American journalist and politician who served as an advisor to President Andrew Jackson. Through his role as editor of the Congressional Globe newspaper, Blair was deemed a highly influential advisor to Jackson and considered a part of Jackson’s elite “Kitchen Cabinet.”

In 1859, Blair acquired the adjoining red brick Federal style home at 1653 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. Blair had purchased the home as a gift to his daughter and her husband, Rear Admiral of the Navy, Samuel Phillips Lee. Samuel was related to the former Confederate General Robert E. Lee as the two were distant (third) cousins. In fact, it was at this residence that Robert had formerly turned down the opportunity to command the Union Army as offered by Francis Blair on April 18, 1861. The two other neighboring homes that would be integrated into the Blair-Lee home (700 Jackson Place and 704 Jackson Place) were each constructed in 1860.

The Blair Home was acquired by the U.S. government in 1942 for the purpose of needed guest space. A legend around the reason for this off-site hotel for White House guests has long been told surrounding Winston Churchill’s former overnight stays. Allegedly Mr. Churchill was noted for his love of staying up late and enjoying his brandy and cigars. After one especially long evening Eleanor Roosevelt decided she had had enough of Winston’s “bad influence” on her husband and demanded that a guest house be found as a solution for future guests.

One last tale regarding the Blair House revolves around an assassination plot on President Harry Truman that actually occurred here on November 1, 1950. Two Puerto Rican Nationalists named Griselio Torresola and Oscar Collazo literally walked up to Blair House and opened fire on security guards around the house. A White House Policeman, Leslie Coffelt, was mortally wounded in the shootout, but he managed to stagger out of his guard booth and take out Torresola before he perished himself. Collazo would be arrested and spend twenty-nine years in a federal prison before being released in September 1979.

• Website: http://www.blairhouse.org/home.html


• Address: 1651-1653 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC


• Cost: Free to view from exterior. No tours are available

Iwalked New York City’s 21 Club

Iwalked New York City’s 21 Club - 21 Club is a former speak-easy and current trendy restaurant. It is owned by Orient-Express Hotels and contains the Bar Room downstairs and more exclusive Upstairs at ‘21’. The Bar Room features a mass of sports memorabilia and other “toys” including a football helmet from Frank Gifford, tennis rackets from John McEnroe and Chris Evert, a baseball bat from “Say Hey” Willie Mays, a golf club from Jack Nicklaus, and an airplane model that once belonged to former president John F. Kennedy. Upstairs diners may select from a delectable menu that includes the like of $30 hamburgers or a seven-course tasting menu in the secret Wine Cellar room.

New York City’s 21 Club

21 Club began as a speakeasy known as the Red Head in Greenwich Village in 1922. It was started by two cousins named Jack Kreindler and Charlie Berns who were attempting to earn additional money to pay for their tuition at the time. Their business moved a few times afterwards before settling into an 1872 townhouse located at its current address on December 31, 1929.

The club received its reputation as a top-notch speak-easy in 1930s during the Prohibition era. The booze which was sold at ‘21’ was snuck up from Florida and hidden within the car’s fender during the journey. When a Daily Mirror gossip columnist was banned in 1930, he attempted to extract a bit of revenge and wrote about expected illegal alcohol sales at the club. Within twenty-four hours of the article being published, a raid was scheduled for ’21’. Ill-prepared on this occasion, the two cousins ensured that in the event that they were raided again, the police would find no traces of alcohol on the premises.

After the Feds raid in 1930, Jack and Charlie hired architect Frank Buchanen to construct them a discrete wine cellar door where all alcohol would be stored. Buchanen built a hidden door within a brick wall that was further obscured via a series of shelves. The door, to ensure it appeared as solid as the surrounding wall, was designed to weigh some two-and-a-half tons and could also only be opened with an 18” wire that could reach the door’s hidden lock. Perhaps the most ingenious element of the wine cellar though was the fact that it was built into the premises of the neighboring building (which ‘21’ rented at the time). Thus when the club was interrogated as to whether alcohol was on the premises they could answer in complete honestly that there was not.

The first significant test as to the secrecy of the wine cellar did not have to wait long as Federal agents once again raided the club in June 1932. This time, being well prepared, the owners had sufficient time to hide all alcohol when the doorman notified them via an internal alarm that agents were awaiting to enter the premise. Despite searching the site for over two hours, the agents this time left empty handed and a bit baffled.

Passersby of ’21,’ even if they are unable to afford a delectable dinner here, are prone to stop outside to admire its famous colorful statuary of lawn jockeys attached to the restaurant’s second story balcony. In total there are thirty-three statues outside (and actually two additional ones inside the front door) that represent famous horse stables and farms from around the country. The first statue was donated by Jay Van Urk in the 1930s and other breeders have since followed suit by presenting similar statues to ’21’.

For many of the reasons listed thus far, ‘21’ is a popular locale for both celebrities and film makers alike. On the restaurant’s website you can find celebrity endorsement where past visitors tell some interesting tales of their most memorable ‘21’ memory. One I personally enjoyed was a tale by former NFL quarterback Archie Manning who spoke of his family having dinner here both nights before the NFL draft when his sons Peyton and Eli were selected as number one draft picks. Here you can also read about how every president since Franklin Delano Roosevelt has graced its interior, less one (who we’ll let you research on your own via their website if you are truly intrigued). One famous actor even worked here for a period of time behind the hat check counter, and that was Warren Oates (who played Sergeant Hulka in the 1981 Bill Murray comedy Stripes). As to movies that have filmed here, the list is quite extensive but to name a few they have included the likes of Wall Street and Sex and the City.

• Website: http://www.21club.com/web/onyc/21_club.jsp


• Address: 21 West 52nd Street, New York City, NY


• Cost: Free

Iwalked New York City’s Washington Square – Giuseppe Garibaldi Monument

Iwalked New York City’s Washington Square – Giuseppe Garibaldi Monument - The Giuseppe Garibaldi Monument is dedicated to an Italian general, politician and patriot who is nicknamed the “Sword of Unification” for his efforts in helping to unify Italy in the 19th century. Garibaldi spent four years in America on nearby Staten Island before actually returning home and leading his revolutionary efforts. During his brief stint in America, President Lincoln actually offered Garibaldi a military position to be served here in the United States. The position offered in 1862 would have been to serve as a Major General with the Union Army during the American Civil War. Garibaldi was said to have considered Lincoln’s offer but claimed he would only accept if Lincoln would publicly declare the Civil War’s purpose as the abolition of slavery. Lincoln, concerned over the ramifications of such a statement declined, and thus so did Garibaldi.

Giuseppe Garibaldi Monument

The Garibaldi Monument was designed by Giovanni Turini, who also created the bronze bust of Giuseppe Mazzini within Central Park. The work was officially unveiled in 1888, on the sixth anniversary of Garibaldi’s death. Due to renovations within the park, the statue had to be moved on one occasion fifteen feet east for the construction of new paths in 1970. During this time, a time capsule was discovered hidden within the monument which contained newspapers and other articles that highlighted the achievements of Garibaldi.

Iwalked New York City’s One If By Land, Two If By Sea

Iwalked New York City’s One If By Land, Two If By Sea - One If By Land, Two If By Sea is a trendy (and pricey) American cuisine restaurant that resides within a former carriage house built in 1754. The restaurant is often cited as one of the most romantic locales in the city complete with twin fireplaces and evening pianist to accompany such exquisite dishes as its signature beef Wellington. The restaurant’s Mezzanine area is said to be the site of the carriage house’s former hayloft.

One If By Land, Two If By Sea

This original carriage house was built in 1767 for former Vice President Aaron Burr. Burr maintained this property until 1804 when he exiled himself to Europe in the aftermath of his dual with Alexander Hamilton. The building would take on a succession of tenants in the following years (including a fire station, silent film theater, and brothel) but many suspect that Mr. Burr and his daughter Theodosia never really left the premises. Aaron’s troubling years in European exile after murdering Hamilton are well documented; however, an unfortunate series of events in 1813 may have discouraged Theodosia from deciding to pass along peacefully into the afterlife.

While beginning to embark on a voyage to visit her father who had recently returned State-side in 1813, Theodosia’s ship was hijacked by pirates. Upon her capture, Theodosia was believed to have been murdered by the pirates at the tender young age of thirty-years old. Thus in recent years when female patrons have claimed to have been harassed by an unknown entity playing with their earrings, the culprit is rumored to be the troubled and unrested soul of young Theodosia who was just not ready for life after death.

Aaron and Theodosia are not the only reported ghosts said to haunt One If By Land, Two If By Sea though. Reports on the upwards of twenty-three various spirits have been attributed to the former carriage house. Workers and guests have claimed to see a white woman named Elizabeth who is said to have a gravestone within the basement. A former Ziegfeld girl who died within the building in years past appears to show a dislike for “rude” guests. And heavily perfumed ghosts are even said to leave their “essence” wafting within rooms with no other feasible explanation.

• Website: http://www.oneifbyland.com/


• Address: 17 Barrow Street, New York City, NY


• Cost: $$$$.


• Hours: Mon-Thur 5:30 pm-10 pm; Fri-Sat 5:30 pm-11:30 pm; Sun 11:30 am-2 pm, 5:30 pm-9:30 pm

Iwalked Washington D.C.’s Martin Luther King Jr., National Memorial

Iwalked Washington D.C.’s Martin Luther King Jr., National Memorial - The Martin Luther King Jr., National Memorial is the latest addition to the National Mall, having opened to the public on August 22, 2011. The $120 million memorial is situated on four-acres near the Jefferson Memorial and is entered through a massive stone (titled the Mountain of Despair) that has had the central portion cut out of it. Surrounding the centerpiece is a 450-foot crescent-shaped wall of granite known as the Inscription Wall. Etched within this wall is text from fourteen of Dr. King’s most noted speeches. The speeches selected range from the Montgomery Bus Boycotts in 1955 up until his final speech in Washington D.C. at the National Cathedral just four days before his assassination. Surprisingly, none of the quotes are from King’s most famous speech of, “I Have a Dream.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

Located within the heart of the memorial is a thirty-foot sculpture of Dr. King with arms folded titled the “Stone of Hope.” Although the work appears as one continuous piece, it was actually sculpted from one hundred fifty nine individual pieces of granite and assembled into the work you see now. Located on the side of the statue are two noted quotes from King. Inscribed on one side is, “I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness.” When asked how he would like to be remembered, this was the response which King provided. The second quote on the opposite side serves as fitting symbolism, “Out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the inspiration for this memorial, was assassinated on April 4, 1968. He had dedicated his life to peaceful protest and was taken from us too early at the age of thirty-nine when James Earl Ray shot King at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee while standing on the second-floor balcony. From 1979 through 1982 attempts were made to propose a national holiday honoring Dr. King. Finally on November 2, 1983 President Ronald Reagan signed a bill that formalized the holiday which would be celebrated on the third Monday of January each year, around the time of King’s birthday, January 15.

Efforts began to institute a national memorial further honoring King on November 12, 1996. On this date, President Clinton signed into legislation a bill that allowed for the creation of such a tributary monument in Washington D.C. The design competition included approximately nine hundred submissions from over 1900 firms across fifty-two countries. The winner selected was entry #1403 by the ROMA design group from San Francisco, California in September 2000. Groundbreaking would not occur until approximately six years later, on November 13, 2006. Attendees to this event included the likes of Oprah Winfrey and a then little known senator named Barrack Obama.

Although this memorial is already wrought with symbolism, the address selected for this site has been given further meaning. The address of 1964 Independence Avenue, SW is a nod to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the year in which King won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Iwalked New York City’s P.J. Clarke’s

Iwalked New York City’s P.J. Clarke’s - P.J. Clarke’s is a historic New York City saloon which has serviced after work patrons and many more since 1884. The current restaurant/bar is named for one of its former owners, an Irish immigrant named Patrick J. Clarke. Clarke was not the original owner though. He spent approximately ten years working here before he acquired the business from the prior owners and renamed the saloon.
The building is rather nondescript looking as a two-story brick box, but it is the history that draws many patrons here. It was here that Buddy Holly first proposed to Maria Elena Santiago in 1958 on the couple’s first date. Other famous regulars have included Jackie Kennedy Onassis who would bring her children here for lunch, and Frank Sinatra who had his own designated table (number 20) for his frequent visits.

P.J. Clarke’s

P.J. Clarke’s building is a holdout from construction of the 47-story scraper which neighbors it at 919 Third Avenue. During the skyscraper’s construction in the late 1960’s the top two floors of P.J. Clarke’s had to be removed from its original four-story structure. Now inside the top floor (on the second level) is a separate semi-private dining area called the Sidecar. The Sidecar is a bit more formal than the ground floor bar which still features a historic flavor with its wood-paneled walls, tin ceiling and chalkboard menu. A relatively new addition to the ground level is its raw bar where you can now get fresh oysters. If oysters are not your thing, P.J. Clarke’s is best known for its bacon cheeseburger, suitably dubbed “The Cadillac.”

The historic saloon underwent some financial difficulties in early 2002 when it actually shut down for a period of time. Just when many feared that P.J. Clarke’s may go the way of other historic pubs such as Chumley’s, an investor group swooped in to save it just a year later. Amongst the names in the celebrity-ridden investment group were the likes of George Steinbrenner, Timothy Hutton and Bernie Madoff (prior to his 2008 arrest at least).
The locale here at 913 Third Avenue is the original P.J. Clarke’s location, although the saloon’s popularity has spawned a small franchise. Currently there are two additional locations here in New York (near Lincoln Center Plaza and the World Trade Center) and sites in Chicago, Las Vegas, Washington D.C., and Sao Paulo, Brazil. When asked about plans for further expansion in January 2010, its owners commented that no significant plans were underway although there is a potential Boston franchise on the horizon.

Lastly, those who frequent our tours know that we like to help our listeners recall instances of popular culture via sites visited on our walks. P.J. Clarke’s has both appeared and been referenced on multiple occasions as a popular watering hole in the television series Mad Men. Movie fans may recall a team of bartenders from P.J. Clarke’s in an intense competition versus the Coyote Ugly team in 2002. And hard core fans of the Dave Matthews Band may recognize an unreleased track from the 2005 album Stand Up, titled, “Stolen Away on 55th & 3rd.” This song is reportedly about a former love interest that Dave Matthews met in the bar.

• Website: http://pjclarkes.com/55-street-location.php


• Address: 913 Third Avenue, New York City, NY


• Cost: $$


• Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30 am – 3 am