Jimmy’s Corner Keeps It Real

You can see the neon lights of Times Square, just a block or so from Jimmy’s Corner.

I was saddened to read about the passing of boxing great and treasured community figure, Jimmy Glenn. He died from complications due to coronavirus. He was 89.

Some years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Jimmy at his namesake tavern, Jimmy’s Corner. He was a friendly character hanging out at the end of the bar, which I’ve heard was his usual spot.

I shared my experience from that fun night in a blog post, and I’m sharing it again today.

Rest in Peace, Jimmy. May your legacy live on.

 

Stepping through the front door of Jimmy’s Corner felt as if I had mistakenly landed on a New York movie set. This West 44th Street tavern sits mere steps from the frenzy of Times Square,  yet it’s a world away from the bright lights and throngs of tourists. The narrow saloon is adorned with dollar bills, multi-colored Christmas lights, and pictures of boxing legends like Muhammad Ali––it’s one of the few true dive bars left in Manhattan. 

My husband Mike had told me about this hole-in-the-wall many times; he’d hung out here one night in the early ’90s when he was in NYC for a wedding. His stories from that evening had piqued my interest over the years, so I knew it was only a matter of time until I made it to Jimmy’s Corner.

Our cousin Steven and his soon-to-be bride Andrea were in town for one night only. After a decadent dinner at Lidia Bastianich’s Becco (one of our favorite Italian restaurants, by the way!), we felt spontaneous and landed at the Midtown watering hole.

According to both Michael and Steven, who had jointly imbibed at the bar that single night in the fall of 1991, with the exception of the flat screen TVs, Jimmy’s Corner had not changed one bit. Oozing quirkiness and charm and loaded with boxing memorabilia, Jimmy’s Corner is the real deal, much like Jimmy himself.

The joint’s front room was relatively quiet with a group of what felt like colorful regulars chilling at the bar. The last seat, farthest from the door, was occupied by none other than Jimmy Glenn.

This longtime hangout for locals is a friendly place where your glass never runs dry, and to say Jimmy’s Corner is affordable is an understatement. We ordered four drinks and the total tab was just $18. And beyond the $3 beers and $4 and $5 cocktails, this bar has the best jukebox in town, playing a medley of standards mixed with ’70s hits.

At Jimmy’s Corner, the atmosphere and mellow vibe transport nostalgic patrons to another time and place –– a forgotten New York.

When it comes to New York bars,  Jimmy’s Corner is the real deal.

Steven, Andrea, and Mike chill out.

Dollar bills adorn the back bar at Jimmy’s.

Mike and I felt comfortable as soon as we walked into Jimmy’s Corner.

Slow dancing is permitted!

Mike and Steven hang out with Jimmy.

Making drinks is what it’s all about! Jimmy’s Corner, 144 W 44th St, NYC

Posted on May 14, 2020