March 29, 2009
Sad to learn that Chumleys is closed. One of those places that made NYC unique. Classic old-school place with great history. RIP

February 7, 2008
I am sad to see this place gone. I used to go often and love to see Al at the bar on Fridays. He is also a regular at the Tiger so I get to hear a few of his jokes then. The food here wa awesome and the staff was great. I loved the fact that you had to know where to go to get in and once you were in it still felt like a speakeasy. The beers on tap, mostly or all from Chelsea wa a plus to add to a great night.

October 30, 2006
Have been here on quite a few occassions with my New York peeps. Big wooden tables and lots of friendly people. The whole hidden aspect is interesting the first time, less upon return as it is very crowded. Good beer selection.

October 4, 2005
Agree to the comments below. Cool place, side doors, hard to find, lots of FDNY stuff & connections, way overcrowded, fair food, beers very mundane & average. It’s fun to check out. Go in more off hours. One of those to say "Hey, I’ve been there" places.

August 16, 2004 [ Updated October 26, 2004 ]
More of a novelty than anything else. I understand Chelsea Brewing brews their house beers. Very nhidden away with no sign outside. Ask someone in the area where it is and most people know. Food was a tad above average.

January 22, 2004 [ Updated July 26, 2005 ]
Ahh, Chumley’s - what can I say about this charming, quaint, one-of-a-kind, extremely well-hidden speakeasy that Fodor’s hasn’t already told you. Well, bring a map, because it’s hard as all hell to find. Second, know that all of its brews, except the Widmer’s Cider, are brewed by Chelsea Brewing and are no better and no worse than Chelsea’s output. This place gets packed and is grungy (avoid the bathrooms and the food if possible), so drinks-only is a good call. Its charm is its history as a speakeasy, and the fact that the current 86 Bedford entrance used to lead to a flower shop back during Prohibition. You’d walk to the back of the flower shop, step through the refrigerated flower case, through a secret door and you’d be in Chumley’s, which was then an illegal tavern. Cops knew about it, but turned a blind eye (wink wink) due to graft and corruption. Nine taps should keep you busy tasting. The bar has loads of FDNY (fire dept) memorabilia and has some sort of affiliation with a local firehouse.

January 12, 2004
In every tourist guide book - that is why that well hidden place, which is rumored to be haunted - is so overcrowded. Nice atmosphere though. Service has problems because of the crowded situation. Beer selection is ok.