[VIDEO] Infamous Eateries: The Bridge Cafe

The video chronicles the long and often notorious history of The Bridge Cafe, New York City's oldest wood-frame structure and longest-running business, located at 279 Water Street in Manhattan. Established possibly as early as 1794, the building initially housed a grocery and wine business. It quickly descended into infamy when it became a haven for river pirates, thieves, smugglers, and prostitutes in the city's notorious Fourth Ward. Over the decades, it hosted colorful characters like the formidable bouncer Gallus Mag and was the scene of at least one murder. The establishment survived Prohibition by operating as a speakeasy, maintaining its charm. After decades of continuous operation and being declared a favorite by former New York City Mayor Ed Koch, The Bridge Cafe tragically closed after sustaining severe damage from Hurricane Sandy in 2012. However, there is recent hope for its resurrection, with plans approved in 2025 for a new LLC to reopen the historic bar and restaurant.