Pace Press

Bars written into history by authors, artists and musicians

Pubs that flourish in late 19th century play host to famous patrons

Issue date: 3/12/08 Section: Features

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These three bars have far more in common than the fact they all share names with members of the animal kingdom. Whether you're fond of the jungle, the countryside or the open ocean, there's a bar with not only a name to match, but also a rich past rooted in literature.

This historical bar's proximity to water was the reason fishermen were the chief source of clientele in the late 19th century, but the pub's most famous patrons didn't order a drink or two (or 18) for about another 70 years. Hunter S. Thomson, Dylan Thomas, Bob Dylan, and plenty of other notable figures (whose names don't fit the pattern) all caused The White Horse Tavern to become the literary hotspot it is today.

Thomas, a Welsh poet, had a huge impact on the world of literature, and also made his mark on the history of The White Horse Tavern. In the early 50s, Thomas became a regular at the bar. According to Dr. Walter Raubicheck, English department chair, Thomas would "go on poetry tours, live in the Chelsea hotel and drink at the White Horse every night." Raubicheck also noted Thomas was a driving influence in spurring the popularity of poetry readings.

On a November night in 1953, the poet went to the White Horse as usual, but it turned out to be quite an irregular evening. Beating his personal best, Thomas downed 18 shots of whiskey; there was no cause for celebration, as he soon collapsed outside of the bar. Later he was brought back to his room at the Chelsea Hotel and transferred to St. Vincent's Hospital in the morning. Thomas died soon after, according to poets.org

In the 50s and 60s, the White Horse Tavern was a hangout for the best writers of the Beat Generation. Jack Kerouac, Thomson, Norman Mailer, Dylan and Jim Morrison frequented the pub. They've all since moved on in one way or another. The scene today is predominantly made up of students, tourists and many attempting to prove they know a thing or two about the city's past.

Another nightly hangout for Beat authors in the late 1950s was The Lion's Head on Christopher Street. Besides poets and writers, there were always figures from various disciplines present at The Lion's Head, including politicians, musicians, artists and actors. It was a premier spot for editors and writers of mainstream New York City newspapers.

According to Dennis Duggan in his article "Roar of the Lion's Head," "Newspapermen and women who fought bare-knuckled over stories for their respective papers by day, stood shoulder to shoulder at the long, wooden bar by night, cracking wise, singing Irish war songs, and crowing over their latest exclusive in that day's newspapers."

The Kettle of Fish has moved often during its years, but its third (and perhaps final) location unites two bars with fascinating pasts. Since its inception in the 1950s, the pub has been a hang out for many poets, writers and musicians; most notably, Dylan was a frequent visitor in the 60s. The singer "wrote about it in 'Chronicles,' his auto-biography," Raubicheck said.

You don't need to have the name Dylan or even the talent of either man to seek out these taverns today. Bring someone who will be interested when you flaunt your newfound knowledge; if that doesn't work, there's always the method of offering to buy a drink.

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