Chumley’s

Chumley’s is one of those Manhattan staples that has made New York history. Chumley’s opened as a speakeasy bar in 1922 during the Prohibition era, after which it became the hangout spot for America’s greatest writers of the 20^th century. We’re talking Steinbeck, Fitzgerald and Hemingway! It remained an iconic institution for decades… And then a chimney collapsed, which forced Chumley’s to close down in 2007. One saga after another, the legendary speakeasy only reopened its doors in 2016, keeping the name (I would have rebaptized it Chimney’s 😆 ), in the same place – aaand that’s about it.

Closed on Sundays

Chumley’s revamped – dark & cozy speakeasy-style dining room

The “new” Chumley’s is nothing like the original one. I’m a generation too late to have actually known the real Chumley’s, but ask any 35+ year old New Yorker about it, and you’ll most likely hear nostalgic whining about the new rendition. It goes something like: “the real Chumley’s was dark, dingy and dusty, smelled like old beer, packed with an eclectic clientele and would most likely have big smelly dog lying on the floor. It was kind of a shit hole. It was awesome.”

Sit in the Fitzgeralds’ old corner

Favorite corner seat

The revamped Chumley’s is definitely not a shit hole, but a far more upscale version of what it was back then. Once you’ve entered the unassuming door entrance on Bedford street and the lush velvet curtains, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time. The rebooted restaurant has been perfectly curated to get that stylish speakeasy vibe we millennials look for in a typical “prohibition speakeasy” spot. There are still no windows, the original book jackets have remained, and dark wood accents are everywhere. The interior is beautifully designed, with elegant leather banquettes, French-oak tables, and patterned walls covered with hundreds of portraits of the olden days’ regulars. I challenge you to identify the writers on the wall! It’s warm, it’s classy, it’s cozy and there is jazz playing in the background of course.

Chumley’s is run by the same guy who’s behind Sushi Nakazawa (go figure), so this is more of an upscale trendy West Village spot than your average neighborhood joint. The vibe is very welcoming and feels pretty casual though.

Dinner only

The iconic 86’d burger: bone marrow,, cripspy shallot, american cheese, chumley’s sauce ($28) 

The food is your expected gastro-pub comfort fare, but with a sophisticated American menu. Chumley’s is known for its gourmet, crazy decadent double-pattied burger, made with bone marrow! It’s a glorious burger, but a bit overrated IMHO (and 28 freakin’ dollars), considering you may get a clogged artery or two from it. It’s an incredible burger for sure, just crazy rich. The menu is small, but overall the food is very decent (even though the original highly-regarded chef Victoria Blamey left in early 2018) and overall on the heavy side! I love coming for their lobster dishes, pot pie cravings, and for their notable cocktail and beer list. The bar area in the back is a good place to come for an impromptu scotch drink with a date. The full menu is served at the bar, where stools are kept for walk-ins. Restaurant tables are for reservations, which are now a lot easier to come by.

I love their lobster dishes

Stunning plates & plating

Wild Mushroom Risotto, chanterelle, porcini, brandy ($29)

Chumley’s has salad too!

Incredible chocolate salted-caramel mousse dessert

I love Chumley’s for comfort food and a drink on a cold winter night. I never knew the original Chumley’s, but to me the best part about it is the beautiful space and awesome speakeasy vibe. The service is always friendly too. Come with a date (not 1^st), a boys’ night out (works for the ladies too!) or with the fam or colleagues.

Open for dinner service Monday-Saturday 5:30pm-10:30pm