New York, New York: Famous Speakeasy Door 86
Chumley's speakeasy had a blank door with only the street number, 86. It became the slang term "86'd" for getting rid of something -- such as Chumley's customers, who would run out a back alley when the cops arrived.
- Address:
- 86 Bedford St., New York, NY
- Directions:
- One block west of 7th Ave., on the east side of Bedford St. just north of its intersection with Barrow St.
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Chumley's Bar at 86 Bedford Street was a famous Greenwich Village speakeasy during Prohibition. There has never been a sign with the Chumley's name on it. The address, 86, became the slang term "86'd" for getting rid of something -- in this case Chumley's customers, who would disappear out a back alley whenever the police arrived. The alley is visible around the corner on Barrow Street.
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This was a fun local hangout as recently as the early 2000s -- customers entered and exited through the back alley -- but it closed in 2007. Now it's a reservation-only restaurant, and the door's best side is the outside.