PJ Hanley's Shuttered?
Either the folks over at P.J. Hanley's on Court Street are doing some extensive renovation, or the old-school neighborhood restaurant and bar has closed for good, as the owner predicted earlier this year. The place was one of the oldest in the city, opening in 1874. I might get skewered by long-time neighborhood people for this, but I never liked the place. I can't blame the people who'd been going there forever for very obviously not wanting anyone in their bar who wasn't born and raised in the neighborhood, but it certainly didn't endear any love from those who just moved in. It also wasn't really a place for women, and the few times I'd gather up the courage to walk in and have a beer, my entrance was marked by a complete silence at the bar. Who knows, maybe the boys would have warmed up after a few drinks, but the chilly reception was always enough to send me elsewhere. Still, I will raise a pint tonight in honor of the neighborhood institution that has fallen.
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62 Comments
I was just going to take some pictures today. We've had a very different experience with Pj Hanleys (although we never really go to the bar). We are relatively new folks to the neighborhood (6yrs), but we have always had great service there. We love the food (we were surprised that the food was so good) and the waitresses have gotten to know us a bit, willing to joke around, always very friendly. I will be very sad to see this place go, as it one of the only unpretentious, yummy, and old school neighborhood places left around. Plus they have that great huge side yard! Where will we go now for our penne with veggies (best thing on the menu)! I'm crossing my fingers for renovation!
I tended to avoid Hanley's. The local wanna be mafioso crowd made it their "he man woman haters club." Of the couple of times I have been in there, I have to say it was hilarious. One of the guys got mad at one of the parking meters and punched it with full force. Now that's Carroll Gardens entertainment!
Yep, there was this guy there we called "Angry Man". We'd see him stomping around the neighborhood miffed about something or another. He'd never make eye contact, just walk past like he was off to beat someone down. I'm sure it was Angry Man who punched the parking meter.
I went there a couple of times and also encountered the silence at the bar welcome - I occasionally go to bars alone and found this place to be cold and unfriendly.
I too gave that place lots of tries, and never found it very welcoming. Surly service, metal-heads at the bar, and puke consistently covering the toilet.
Good riddance. Hope a new owner who actually is interested in bringing in customers takes over. Another mystery for our sleuth though, what the hell is going on at Leonardo's? Now that was an institution I was very sad to see go- my favorite food and very nice people.
The very sad news on Leonardo's is that it is being replaced by a Dunkin Donuts! The horror.
I will truly miss the good pizza, the side yard, the St. Jospeh's statue and the freindly family that ran the place. Though they were the ones who told me about DD, and seemed very happy about it.
Dunkin Donuts!! Eww..
hanleys was owned by the owner of the property, I am sure they are renting it out, probably a bank.
Speaking of bars, any word on when that place on 3rd and Court is going to open?
All of you idiots need to leave our nieghborhood. Go back to Manhattan, and quit dressing so stupid. You look like you are trying to be so cool but you look ugly and I would not touch any of you skanks with 3 condoms on my huge dick.
Sal
Woo.. there goes the parking meter puncher! Maybe we should all go back to those Red States where we supposedly came from while were at it.
Rt on Sal. You "hipsters" are nothing more than hairdressers in disguise. Your superficiality and pretentious holier than thou attitudes suck. o excuse me, you are not hipsters as one of you flakes pointed out because you didn't move to wburg and walk around w/ the communist manifesto and a lunch box - you still are a bunch of muppets and tools.
pathetic
i will miss pj's because you could always overhear the greatest conversations as you walked by. although i must say the negativity here is not doing its memory any justice.
I was born and raised in the hood, but now I'm a red stater (so my opinion doesn't really count anymore). I agree with Sal and Dennis on most everything; Hanley's wasn't Cheers, but those who chose to hang out there probably didn't want the moronic Hipsters in the place anyway, so whats the big deal?
But don't tell me about Leonardo's becoming a Dunkin Donuts. I practically raise my kids on that pizza. That blows. Next I'll hear that Vinny's is becoming a Taco Bell. Then, I'm never coming back.
I meant Sal and Xavier. One more thing, if you want Penne with Veggies, go back to the Upper East Side.
Well, we can see why PJH was such a success. With friends like these guys you dont need enemies. But ya do need customers.
Maybe someone should define what these vile Carroll Gardens hipsters are. After all, we picked the neighborhood because it wasn't Williamsburg. It's sounding to me like "Hipster" is a tag for any outsider at this point. ARRGGGGHHH *** Smashes closest parking meter with fist, kicks dog, and spits on a passer by ***
>One more thing, if you want Penne with Veggies, >go back to the Upper East Side.
Wtf? This person actually said the food was good, so why the hostility? I don't want the whole neighborhood to become faceless and gentrified, either, but this ain't helping anything.
PJ Hanley's has been listed for sale for almost 2 years, so this shouldn't really come as a surprise.
So Max, you WANTED to be a B-burg hipster but couldn't afford it, so you came to Carroll Gardens instead?
all of you people seem mostly sort of insane.
sucks to see all the original interior features and fixtures of a 100+ year-old place get ripped out and thrown in a trash heap. i hope the new place isn't still a bar because it'd be a damn shame to not have kept all that.
and i agree with the people who said the food was surprisingly good but the people unwelcoming. it was their neighborhood first so i figure if i were them, i'd resent me too.
hopefully that blue place (abilene) that used to be red will open soon. though i heard that was mobbed-up and to avoid it. anyone know?
It's a shame PJH closed. I remember watching the Yanks win the WS in '96 there, while some of the old timers lost huge bets they had placed against them (Mets fans I guess). I would occasionally hang out there. The place was a hangout for locals not a trendy lounge to be explored by newcomers to the neighborhood seeking $12 faggotinis.
"Outsiders", "Hipsters" or whatever you want to call them, shouldn't complain about not feeling comfortable there. I can't imagine the regulars at Galapagos or The Boat Bar making blue collar types feel comfortable in their bar.
While we're at it, who the HELL made up the name BoCoCa?? I think it sucks!
Well, I hope the portrait of Dianna Ross survived. Really I wish the entire restaurant
had survived but oh well, now I'm just crossing my fingers for something other than a chain.
Wow-
Judging from some of the angry comments here I'm glad that I live in Clinton Hill. I'm not a hipster or a guy looking for a '$12 faggotini' (as Sout' Bklyn Boy so eloquently put it) but you have to remember one thing about this whole upscaling of Cobble Hill: someone in Cobble Hill loved the money they made off of the sale of their overpriced properties, and now that these Manhattanites are in your hood people are upset?
It's just the nature of this real estate flipping beast. You love their bank accounts and despise them in the same breath.
Definitely a lot of anger... begs the question if some people are insecure about their situation. Really, why would you care enough to get so angry?
Uh, Miss Lo, I think you might be confused. The name of the commentator is at the bottom of the comment. Dont see any of my comments refering to W'burg. And FYI, I am way to old to ever be mistaken for a hipster, so I will take that as a compliment.
Leonardo's was the best brick oven pizza I'd ever had. I was actually there on the last night, we were joking with the owners (owner's wife and son, I think) they asked how it was and my friend complained it was terrible and I said "I'm never coming back!" They had a good laugh at that. We got the sense that the owner, who I think still lives upstairs, was glad to give it up after so much time and probably making better money selling out to Dunkin Doughnuts. Perhaps if it HAD been found out by the tourist and hipster crowds who filled the inferior Grimaldis every day, Leonardo's would still be open
We had a friend in from LA and walked down to Leonardo's and was saddened to see that it's closed.
Dunkin Donuts?
We are already getting one on the corner of Bergen & Smith.
Lovely.
Viva White People!
and what makes you think Dunken Donuts will be loved by white people.. I hate it
Sorry. I was being sarcastic.
I am sure all sorts of people will enjoy their products.
There are too many great places that are leaving us. I will go ballistic on the day ANYONE forces out my favorite store, Sahadi's, or even attempts to upscale Carroll's.
Just face it, all the oldsters are going to dye, and people like me, who look like Paris and have a lot of shoes are going to take over the streets. Fuck your old, smelly bars, I want cute waiters and 9 dollar drinks. I am beautiful, and I demand that you be to.
I will miss watching my beloved Jets at Leonardo's while ordering my pie.
Umm.. I don't think most of the "new kids" in the neighborhood who are quickly labeled as "Hipsters" really want that either.. $9 drinks? Lots of shoes? People be real.. So you get a few uppity restaurants in the neighborhood and you act as if the world has ended.
What the f*** is that? Really, examine your own holier than thou attitudes! You sound exactly like what you're claiming to hate..
Your neighborhood? Ha! Get over it.. the only thing constant in the world is change, if you can't handle change then maybe YOU should leave.. I guess you'd rather the neighborhood devolve into a bombed-out crack haven.
Why do you care so much? Do you look like a horse's ass and you're so insecure you need to lash out like that? Did one of these "Hipsters" pee on your corn flakes this morning?
Now that you've put it that way, D-Bomb, I guess I - for one - can learn to appreciate even a Duncan Donuts where Leonardo's used to be. Now all I gotta do is dig out my old Pumas and wallet chain and I'm good to go!
So it's the "hipster's" fault that Leonardo's is closing? If these kids are so eager to leave the burbs, do you not think they're also trying to get away from the facelessness of strip malls and corporate chain stores?
How convinent is it to blame the newcomers for all the ills. I'd rather not have a Dunken Donuts near me, nor would anyone I know want one around.
By all means.. go put on your chain wallet, make-up and do whatever it is you have to do..
furthermore.. Carroll Gardens is probably the most surburban neighborhood I've lived in any city in the last 8 years..
Lighten up, D-Train. I'd venture to guess that everyone who reads this site loves the neighborhood and, relatively speaking, do not want "change" if it means Dunkin Donuts. That being said, there's been alot of change that we'd all agree is good, some not so good. For instance, I don't hear anyone complaining about the changes at PS58 - which is now a rockin' good school. I have other examples, I bet you do too.
So what's the point of this debate other than how much fun it is to get you riled up?
It's my job to get people riled up ;)
Actually, I was pointing out the hypocrisy of the earlier comments I quoted.
I was a bus boy at haneleys fro a year ( 2003-2004). Yes you are all right about the wannabe mafiosos. They spent their everyday life in that place and reallyu thought they were the coolest thing going. No it is not owned by a bank. Hanelys was family owned. We had the same regulars all the time, it got pretty annoying. Overal it was my first real job experience and i miss it very much. Tell that south bkln guy to shut up, this world has no time for narrow minded punks like him. I hope hanleys becomes something good. Ill miss it.
If you live in the area you know the guys, no jobs or on disability from the NYSD... Like the guy with curly hair and the bull dog, who had a tat of his dead brother on his arm. He is a dime bag coke dealer, or well over weight guy with a woman's name who takes your bets on sunday... or the former military guy who still thinks his Sinatra hat are in style and would love love nothing better then to clip your shoulder as you walk by.
and if you ever had the Sheppard's Pie at PJH you experienced one of the most vile meals of your life.
I just can't understand how no one has re- openned Sparky's... any word on that??? as for Leonardo's. I loved the pizza but they killed themselves with the odd hours, and why was there never anyone there??? did Frankie's kill umm?
I am glad someone mentioned the weird hours at Leonardo's. Any explanations?
I live on Luquer st right near PJ's. Was disturbed to hear from your post that they were closing however a little investigation has yielded that this is not the case. They are actually doing some renovation believe it or not. Or so said the workmen stationed there the other day.
So, "Hipster" spots Peter Braunstein in his cafe, serves him coffee and collects a tip. Braunstein gets away.
What would have happened if Peter Braunstein went to Hanley's for his cup of morning Joe?
Bang Zoom!!
Here is the story. I am a former bartender at Hanley's (some of you might know me). A friend of mine bought it and is renovating the place. It should be open soon (possibly this week). You should check it out when it re-opens. I know what is happening in there and it is going to be much friendlier.
Good news for Hanley's. It is re-opening this Sunday. Hopefully it will be able to draw a crowd from both old neighborhood people and new neighborhood people. I'll be there for the opening. See you then.
Its good to see all the talk about the neighborhood. I live on Luquer and I just asked one of the guys what was going on at Hanley's. Very simple, the place was renovated, reopening this week and brought very close to what it used to be 131 years ago, contrary to the previous state few months ago. The new guys are trying to get it right and to get the feel of the old neighborhood bar. Lots of details and cool stories, I suggest you ask them. By the way, these are not the guys throwing history away.
For Leonardo's, its a shame. Looks like Dunkin D. pays great rent.
Walked by today and the chairs were on the floor--a good sign that an opening is imminent. Now if only Abilene would show some life...
Maybe all you assholes on here should go back to Arkansas where you all belong. These people that you knock throughout this web page that patronized Hanley's are the same people that have kept this neighborhood safe for all you assholes that moved in here the past few years. All the men that have moved in should stop wearing there mother's house dresses, while their girl friends are wearing the pants in the relationship..
In response to this posting by the former bartender named Eric, whom wrote this piece listed below. Hopefully, your friend will not bring you back to work there because it was funny on Saturday's when you worked the night shift that all the customers would get up and leave when you came on because you were nothing but a big jerkoff that worked there. When you worked there, you couldn't get a crowd if you were working an open bar.
Here is the story. I am a former bartender at Hanley's (some of you might know me). A friend of mine bought it and is renovating the place. It should be open soon (possibly this week). You should check it out when it re-opens. I know what is happening in there and it is going to be much friendlier.
You're an AOL user that like to use all CAPS... 'nuff said.
Eric we all remember you. You were an asshole to the five people who came in when you were working.If the time came and one of us wanted a beer you were like a jerk off because the Man Show was on. I thought you were being a dick because of the people I was with but it turns out thats just you. I thought you left to go to bigger and better places. You made it far asshole. See you soon asshole.
I agree Tibz. :) Besides, all the yuppies and hipsters in all the world can't make us leave our own neighborhood...so those of you out there who don't like the metal-heads at the bar...GET USED TO IT! If you don't like it...go to Boat. I can't believe all these people that hide behind their computers. If you don't like us, why not come up to us in the bar and say so? OR are you scared that we will knock the pennies out of your loafers?? I'll see you all real soon! I hope you have something to say in person :)
It's easy to agree with someone when you are the person you agree with, or maybe he's sitting at the same computer with you (on your lap maybe?).. just an observation. Why hide behind different screen names or fake your comment thread? This comment of your's seems all the more ironic:
If you don't like a bar or the regular crowd or the bartender, then use your brain and GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!!! Do you go to the apollo and bitch that theres too many blacks, or walk around chinatown and bitch about too many chinese, or Utah and bitch about the Mormons!!! If you go to a neighborhood bar how can you bitch about a neighborhood crowd? If you are too good to be somewhere, move a couple of doors down Frankies and pay $10 for a drink and rub elbows with Liberal sellout Anti USA assholes like Tim Robbins. Or are you afraid they might think they're better than you? Oh and by the way for the Paris lookalike, you might think you're hot shit but all your friends think you're a retarded whore...just like Paris!!!
You know Dennis...I do know tibz...you are sooooo smart. See, we are talking about a neighborhood bar, and what a fucking shock...WE ARE BOTH FROM THIS NEIGHBORHOOD!!! Also, I am not going to hide behind my screen name...you'll know me when you meet me...I'll be the metal-head at the bar. And to give a little hint sherlock, I AM A WOMAN. Yes...that's right...a woman hanging out in the anti-woman bar. Crazy, huh? I'll see you there. :)
Hey Dennis...you related to Alan and Dom? Just wonderin.
~ L
Not related to either of them. Look, I've done a reverse look-up on your IPs and know for a fact you're on the same computer connected though the same AOL account. Maybe you're the same person, maybe you are two people, or maybe a whole fiesta around the same PC? I really don't care. Facts can speak for themselves.
We do moderate this site, malicious comments are removed. I'm not stopping you from posting or will I remove snarky, smartass remarks. I make plenty of those myself.
This thread has gotten a little too long and we will probably shut down the comments soon.
Well, it has been awhile since new ownership took over and it looks like the supposed "New Look Hanley's" is not getting off the ground as well as Eric the former bartender was so inclined to say on his friend buying the bar . The food is so, so...the waitress service got worse(45 minutes for a hamburger with minimal customers in the place).....secondly, it is being advertised as a sports bar and up until this week there was not one TV in place working for the biggest College Football week of the year. I think we have a case of a person with money to burn that has no experience on running a true sports bar. I guess University of Miami does not have courses on opening a sports bar. Now all they need is for Eric to start working there again and the new owner will be turning the bar back over to the original owners because he will have tumble weed blowing around in there.
Well, it is really good to see that the jackass "angry man" has decided to take his bafoonery to another location since the "New Hanley's" opened. Things are looking swell with new faces and the older characters not really stopping by for their $1.00 beers and video game playing antics. I will tell you the tobacco spitting "angry man" is not missed one bit because women and children are no longer afraid of stopping by for a bite and a drink.
Alrighty... they level of debate on this post has gone beyond mentally defective and it's time for it to die.