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Still looking for a way to spend Super Bowl Sunday? Why not bid goodbye to a beloved Hell’s Kitchen staple: The Pony Bar.
The Pony Bar, an eight-year-old native bar in Hell’s Kitchen, was one of the first to bring the craft beer trend to the area, with a focus on American small-batch breweries. Now, it is closing the doors to its West Side location…but the space will remain in operation under co-owner Patrick Hughes (who will also retain ownership of nearby Lansdowne Road and Kiabacca). Following a series of renovations, it will re-open as Hellcat Annie’s Tap Room, named in tribute to fellow founder Dan McLaughlin’s mother, who ran a bar in Hell’s Kitchen in its pre-gentrification days. Hughes and McLaughlin co-owned 4 bars together over the years, but have decided to part ways amicably.
Hellcat Annie’s will have many of the trademarks fans have come to associate with The Pony Bar (including, yes, lots of craft beers on tap!) but will also include an expanded cocktail and happy hour menu, as well as some updates to the famous pub grub offerings.
The Upper East Side Pony Bar location will still remain open under Dan McLaughlin, and is easier to get to than ever thanks to the opening of the Second Avenue subway.