Glacken's Bar and Grill, a beloved local watering hole, celebrated its final weekend of operation after 84 years in business.

The establishment, located on 149th Street, first opened its doors in 1940 and became a popular gathering spot for police officers, sanitation workers and other municipal employees.


What You Need To Know

  • Glacken's Bar and Grill, a local institution in The Bronx since 1940, has closed its doors after 84 years of operation

  • The bar was a popular gathering place for police officers, sanitation workers and other municipal employees

  • Owner Thomas Glacken cited rising rent and a decrease in nearby city facilities as key reasons for the closure

Owner Thomas Glacken began working at the bar in the 1950s, and says after 84 years in business, the rent has become too expensive. Meanwhile, many of the city and government facilities — whose workers used to frequent the bar — have moved out of the neighborhood.

"Believe me, I'm brokenhearted about it but, seriously, my wife is happy. She'll see me on Saturdays now," Glacken said.

Longtime patrons said they are saddened to see the bar close and will miss the memories made in the establishment.

"Made a lot of good friends here, played dominos here, we had laughter in here, good memories," said Victor Santos.

"We started coming here for opening Yankee games 15 years ago," added Choncey Shaw. "And every Yankee game, we get a bus load and come here."

Glacken said his establishment was the oldest family-run bar in the Bronx, with his father being the original owner.