Apparently, someone decided that Whiskey Tavern NYC needed a little unnecessary drama.
Despite recent rumors suggesting that the longtime Chinatown bar at 79 Baxter Street is closing, the reality is considerably less exciting: Whiskey Tavern is still open and serving drinks, food and its famously rowdy downtown energy.
In fact, the bar’s official website currently lists 79 Baxter Street, New York, NY 10013 as its address and continues to publish regular operating hours.
And there’s plenty of evidence that the party is very much continuing.
Current listings show Whiskey Tavern hosting events at the Baxter Street location this October, including social gatherings and mixers. One event listing has the venue hosting a gathering on October 10, 2026, complete with food, drink specials and its own reserved section.
So where did the closing rumor come from?
That remains unclear—but it appears to be a classic case of NYC rumor mill meets social media telephone. One person says a bar is closing, someone else repeats it, and suddenly half of Manhattan is preparing to mourn a place they were planning to visit Friday night anyway.
Whiskey Tavern is hardly a newcomer. The Baxter Street institution has long been a favorite for whiskey, beers, burgers, wings, sports and late-night drinks, with hours extending as late as 4 a.m. Thursday through Sunday.
And city records provide another important reality check: NYC documentation continues to identify 79 Restaurant Corp. doing business as Whiskey Tavern at 79 Baxter Street, including recent licensing and outdoor-dining matters.
So, Chinatown, you can put the funeral flowers away.
Whiskey Tavern isn’t closing.
The whiskey is still pouring, the TVs are still on, and apparently the rumor mill needs another drink.
