Where can I find a list of bars and restaurants that existed in the City of New York prior to 1899 >?

Question

I know that prior to the early 1900's bars and restaurants in the City of NY were licensed by the City. However ,in the early 1900s these establishments were required to turn in their licenses and become licensed by the State of New York. There is a data base with this information in the municipal archives but no one I speak to in the municipal govenment can tell me where to find it. I am attempting to compile a list bars and restaurants that existed in the City of New York prior to 1899 and are still extant. Any suggestions ?

Answer 1

If you go to the Library - Science and Industry on Madison and 35th Street, ask to go through the business directories - they are sorted by classification - for some of the years you're interested in - it's all in there. (The Brooklyn Public Library has an excellent Business Library at Cadman Plaza near Tillary Street - near the Supreme Court Building - they have this information, too)

Also, the librarian at the Mid-Manhattan branch on Fifth and 40th, in the food section should be able to help you.

Check The New York Historical Society, 2 West 77th Street, New York, NY 10024 [212] 873-3400

I can think of quite a few bars and restaurants that were opened in the nineteenth century:

McSorley's Old Ale House in the East Village on East 7th and Third Avenue;
Chumley's in Greenwich Village on Bedford and Barrow;
The White Horse Tavern on Hudson and 11th (not sure if this is its original location):
The Ear Inn on Spring Street;
The Bridge Cafe on Water and Dover (I think is the oldest still running establishment);
Delmonico's on Beaver and William Streets
Fanelli's on Prince Street in Soho

Good luck.

Answer 2

I only know of one, and I'm drawing a blank on the name right now, it's down by the Wall Street area. I suggest that you check Zagats. They would probably be the best source for listing restaurants and would probably have this one listed.

Answer 3

do no longer flow to Soho or the West Village. flow to Little Italy in ny, i might think of they could be displaying international Cup video games there. i do no longer stay in ny so i in my view does not have the skill to show out any particular places.

Answer 4

check libraries or historical society for phone books, business directories or criss cross books good luck