The Emerald Inn has been reborn in a space on 72nd street that’s more than twice as big as its historic home, with more televisions and more beers on tap. It’s a nice upgrade, though it’s not clear yet whether the old-timers will like it as much as its former home on Columbus between 69th and 70th streets: part of the appeal of the old Emerald Inn was that it was a dive bar without any amenities. Location also helped. Producers at ABC, for instance, liked to walk over and grab a drink after finishing up working on Nightline. The original home was forced to close because of a rent increase and will soon become a Kate Spade store.
That said, the menu is the same, as are the cooks, bartenders, and owner Charlie Campbell himself. Campbell represents the third generation of his family to run the bar, which first opened on Columbus in 1943.
The old space was featured in the great Billy Wilder comedy The Apartment. The new space, on the South side of 72nd street between Amsterdam and West End Avenue, is also famous, but for a more tragic reason. In 1973, a woman left the bar (then called Tweeds) with a man, who raped and killed her. That story was told in a book and movie called Looking for Mr. Goodbar with Diane Keaton and Richard Gere. The All State Cafe, a favorite with locals, was in the space for decades until 2007. Most recently it was a branch of PD O’Hurley’s, but that closed after a few months.
The new Emerald Inn is much more spacious than the old location. The bar area up front has lots of televisions, and some new beers on tap (though there are fewer beers available by the bottle because of space limitations, a bartender told us). A back area offers lots of room for seating, and can be rented out for special occasions.
And the burgers, the bartender told us, “are just as good as ever.”
We had dinner here on Monday night – French Dip – and it was AMAZING! Everyone was very friendly and seemed happy to be in their new home. I really hope the neighborhood helps these guys make a go of it in their new location. We need a nice little local pub where you can get decent food and drinks on this stretch of 72nd Street. Good luck Emerald Inn!
The All State Closed and we were distraught. The Purple Fig opened and we laughed. PD O’Hurley’s opened and we sighed. The Emerald Inn opens and we are happy again!
Over the years this neighborhood has changed, maybe too much and maybe not for the best. We’ve lost so many local “beer and burger” joints, now we have gained back a little of what was lost. And missed.
Good luck! I’m confidant you will find success.
We had burgers and drinks on Wednesday… really wonderful.
We’ll try it, but we still miss All-State. The Tex-Mex burger, fried zucchini and pie (from Little Pie Company)….
WE ARE REALLY HAPPY IN OUR NEW HOME!!! Hope to become a pillar of our new community..The neighborhood is full of Mom and Pop Joints…. And are very gracious for the outpour of good wishes from all our neighbors!!!!
THE EMERALD INN
WHERE LOCALS MEET !!!
Large back room for Parties and Dining!!
Call for reservations
212 874-8840
Welcome to the block. We had a wonderful time with you and will return..often!!!
Was real sad when I heard old place was closing. Glad to hear not forced out of business as many businesses are on UWS. Good luck to them at new location. Looks great. Old place was very small with not much in the way of tables.
Glad to see an UWS tradition and institution survived the development craze and suburbanization of UWS.
Was there other night for dinner before ringo starr concert had spaghetti and meatballs but was not offered bread with meal that really surprised me