The Fedora Bar
239 W 4th St (between Charles and W. 10th Sts.)
New York, NY 10014
Hours: Mon, Wed–Sun 5–11pm
Phone: 212-242-9691
Travel: (Subway) Take the 1 train to Christopher Street–Sheridan
Square
The Fedora Bar is oddly placed in the middle of a residential block;
it is less of a bar and more of a quaint little restaurant, with
only about 20 tables. While the bar is open to those just wanting a
drink, it is mainly there to serve cocktails to the restaurant
customers.
During Prohibition, the restaurant (known as Charlie’s Garden) was
run as a law-abiding operation. However, as was the case with many
“legitimate” businesses during that time, they also ran a speakeasy
in the back of the building, complete with passwords and a hidden
door.
In approximately 1952, the son of the original owner took over and
renamed the place The Fedora Bar in honor of his wife (whose name is
actually Fedora). Fedora and her husband ran the bar as a team until
his death some years ago. After that, she assumed all duties as
owner/operator. To this day, she still tends bar and even does most
of the cooking.
According to Fedora, business has slowed down some but the
“regulars” still come in. I think they return for the conversation
and memories as much as they do for the food. Although the bar shows
sings of age, the warmth and history can be felt and I can see why
folks come back even after all these years. When I walked though the
doors for the first time, I felt as though I had done it a thousand
times before. As I sat down to the bar (third stool from the left) I
felt at home, like this was my seat and this was my bar. The sense
of belonging was immediate and I was treated like I had been a
customer from the early days. Talking to Fedora is like talking to
your favorite Grandma. But instead of giving you cookies and milk,
you get one hell of a stiff drink and an earful of history. I can’t
wait to go back.
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