Gilbey’s has been a Broadway stalwart for the past 28 years. Photo: Gilbey’s.
Aug. 19, 2024 by Shane O’Brien
Gilbey’s, a hugely popular Irish bar that has operated on Broadway for the past 28 years, will close its doors for the final time on Thursday.
The bar, located at 32-01 Broadway, announced the news in a post on Instagram, stating that Thursday, Aug. 22, will be the last day that it will be open to the public.
Gilbey’s co-owner Seamus King, a native of Ireland’s County Louth who opened the bar 28 years ago, said he had decided to close down because “it was time to move on, among many other factors.”
King said he has enjoyed a “great 28-run” at Gilbey’s, stating anecdotally that the bar has cultivated many long-term friendships and inspired many romances.
“Gilbey’s has been open for decades and holds many fond memories for those in the neighborhood,” King said.
He also paid tribute to his customers and thanked people for their messages of support since the bar announced it was closing down earlier last week.
“We greatly appreciate everyone’s well wishes and want to thank our customers for everything.”
In the Instagram post announcing the closure, Gilbey’s also paid tribute to the members of the local Astoria community who have patronized the establishment over the past 28 years.
“We want to thank our amazing community for your patronage throughout the years. Gilbey’s has been a pillar in Astoria for decades, and we will greatly miss sharing pints with our customers-turned-friends,” Gilbey’s said on Instagram.
The bar also encouraged customers to share any photographs or memories they had as a parting gift for King and fellow co-owner Mike Cremin.
Anyone willing to share any photographs or memories is encouraged to reach out to the bar on Instagram or to send an email to fionakingxoxo@hotmail.com.
In 2018, when rumors of Gilbey’s imminent closure circulated in the neighborhood, scores of customers visited the beloved establishment for one last drink, with some customers even flying in from Ireland to say farewell.
Gilbey’s, which was originally named Gibney’s when it opened 28 years ago before undergoing a name change in the late 90s, survived on that occasion, with King and Cremin signing a three-year lease at the location with an option to renew.
However, the bar is set to close its doors for good on this occasion, with just under a week left for customers to say a final farewell.
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