Has Legendary Speakeasy Chumley's Closed For Good?

A little less than four years after the return of infamous 1920s speakeasy and iconic literary haunt Chumley's, it seems the spot might be 86'd for good. 

As reported by Grub Street, the entirety of the Greenwich Village watering hole, which reopened at 86 Bedford in 2016 with a more upscale vibe, was recently listed on A.J. Willner Auctions. Though the sale, which was set for previews today and tomorrow, was cancelled at the last minute "at the request of client," the site's original listing still shows that everything from the kitchen equipment to the leather booths to the extensive collection of framed author portraits and book covers that line the walls were up for grabs. 

Its rather bleak description? "This fabled West Village, NY location is closed for good and everything must be sold regardless of price." Ouch.

While no confirmation has come yet from owner Alessandro Borgognone (who revived the spot to much fanfare), and the restaurant's website still says that it's only temporarily closed, it wouldn't be the first New York City institution to fall victim to the coronavirus. Then again, if Chumley's could survive having Hemingway as a regular, it may be more resilient than we know.

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