PD O’Hurley’s Pub & Restaurant, a favorite hangout for many locals and visitors at 174 West 72nd Street just East of Broadway, was forced to relocate after its lease ran out and the landlord jacked up the rent, a manager there told us.
“We’re not really happy about the move, but it’s New York City and that’s what’s happening,” she said.
The bar will shut down on January 15 and move about a block away, to 250 72nd Street, which is near West End Avenue. That’s the spot that briefly housed The Purple Fig, a high-end restaurant that flamed out within months. The space has since reopened as a PD O’Hurley’s annex (given that there’s already a PD O’Hurley’s at 250 West 72nd, this move could also be characterized as a closing).
The spot at 174 West 72nd Street has a long history as an Irish Pub. For decades it held Donohue’s, an Irish dive bar owned by the beloved Jack Donohue. Check out this line from a Times story about Donohue’s funeral in 1995:
“Jack was a pre-yuppie, pre-gentrification person,” said Roni Wattman, a neighbor. “He was somewhat conservative and extremely human, and everyone has a story about him.” Ms. Wattman’s own story dates to the 1970’s, when she was a teacher on strike. “He made very clear that he absolutely did not approve of teachers striking,” she said. “Then he said, ‘However, while you are on strike — run a tab.’ “
Paul Hurley, an Irish immigrant, opened PD O’Hurley’s in 1999 after Donohue’s closed. Hurley turned it from a dive bar into a slightly more upscale spot that still attracted drinkers, sports fans, tourists, and locals of all stripes. The food got high marks, particularly the steaks.
If PD O’Hurley’s, which was generally packed, couldn’t make it at that spot, will another bar be able to move in? That seems unlikely — but because the site is landmarked it could be difficult to change the facade, meaning it might not work as a bank or Duane Reade either.
So PD Hurley’s is moving to… PD Hurley’s?
Seriously, that’s a shame. Since it opened, it was one of the bright spots on that block. Wonder if the rent will be going up on the shops/restaurants on either side.
Just wait until the landlord tries to get rid of Gray’s Papaya!
I only went to this bar once and was completely unimpressed (overpriced, subpar food), I vastly prefer Malachy’s up the block. What I am confused by is why is the facade landmarked? There’s nothing special about it. I do find it astounding that they’re moving though, it was always packed and a total blight on the block on certain “holidays.” Can’t lie, not gonna miss it.
It’s a rare blue collar bar in white collar ‘hood. They did do a nice renovation a few years back…
The landlord did not hike the rent. Hurley has a long history of not paying employees, suppliers and rent. Stiffed landlord for two years!