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.
Visitor Tips and News About Famous Speakeasy Door 86
Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.
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.
[Gary Spino, 09/29/2019]Nearby Offbeat Places



Latest Tips Across Roadside America
Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.
Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!
Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.
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.