Cedar Tavern

The Cedar Tavern was a bar located at 24 University Place in Greenwich Village that featured a distinctive mahogany counter made from South American wood. The three-story building housed this establishment, which became well-known in the neighborhood over the decades.

The bar opened in 1866 and relocated multiple times during its 140 years of operation, beginning on Cedar Street before settling in Greenwich Village. It closed in 2006, though its mahogany counter now resides at a restaurant in Austin, Texas.

The tavern served as a gathering place for Abstract Expressionist artists who met there to exchange ideas about their work. This community of painters left a lasting mark on the artistic life of the neighborhood.

The original location no longer exists, but visitors can explore other bars in Greenwich Village that maintain a similar historical feel from that era. Those interested in seeing the famous mahogany counter can visit the restaurant in Austin, Texas, where it is now displayed.

A well-known artist was once banned from the bar after damaging the restroom, revealing just how lively and sometimes chaotic the artistic scene there could be. This incident illustrates the raw energy and passion that visitors brought to the space.