The historic Neir’s Tavern, a Queens landmark in Woodhaven, New York, renowned for its classic American pub fare, has opened a new location at Terminal 8 of JFK International Airport. Situated in Concourse C near Gate 32, Neir’s Tavern offers Terminal 8 passengers an authentic New York experience right before takeoff.
As part of the $125 million commercial transformation of Terminal 8, the new Neir’s Tavern emulates the look, feel, and ambiance of the original 1829 Woodhaven landmark, which at 196 years old stands as one of America’s oldest continuously operating bars.
Through a partnership with MERA, ASUR Airports, American Airlines, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the historic Queens institution is bringing nearly 200 years of local heritage to one of the nation’s busiest international gateways.
Neir’s Tavern, owned by Loycent Gordon, a graduate of the Port Authority’s Institute of Concessions, will provide travelers at Terminal 8 with a genuine Queens dining experience rooted in the historic tavern’s nearly two centuries of community heritage. Founded in 1829 and located in Woodhaven, Neir’s Tavern has long served as a gathering place for residents, visitors, and generations of New Yorkers.
This airport spot blends old-time charm with a modern flavor. The rich, dark wood creates a cozy, nostalgic vibe of the original Queens location, while polished brass details and clean lines make the venue feel fresh and refined. Designed for travelers on the go, the space is open with plenty of comfortable seating. It is the perfect spot to grab a drink or a classic pub meal before your flight.
Inside the tavern, the walls are lined with historic photos and memorabilia that tell the story of how the original tavern survived Prohibition, how entertainer Mae West was reputed to have performed there, and how the tavern landed a cameo in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas.
The new location at JFK Terminal 8 features some of Neir’s most popular menu items, including the Goodfella’s Burger, Chicken Wings, and Grilled Chicken Sandwich, alongside a curated selection of cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages designed for travelers seeking a genuine New York dining experience before departure or upon arrival.
Prior to the ribbon cutting, airport partners, Port Authority, MERA, ASUR, and elected officials spoke about how the opening of Neir’s Tavern at JFK represents more than the expansion of a restaurant.
“Bringing Neir’s Tavern to Terminal 8 reflects the kind of authentic, locally rooted experience that today’s travelers are seeking,” said Ian Carter, Vice President of Operations, ASUR Airports, JFK. “Our partnership with Neir’s not only expands the airport’s dining options but also reinforces the culture and character of Queens in a meaningful way. We are thrilled to welcome the historic tavern to the terminal. This is an example of how JFK continues to evolve into a gateway that feels distinctly connected to New York.”
“For nearly two centuries, since 1829, Neir’s Tavern has been a cornerstone of Queens,” said Loycent Gordon, owner of Neir’s Tavern. “Like many small businesses, our future has often felt uncertain, and my personal journey as a Jamaican working to save a historic American tavern has been demanding. But today is a profoundly historic milestone, making it worthwhile: we are opening our first new location in nearly 200 years, right as America approaches its 250th anniversary!
Amanda Zhang, Vice President of Corporate Real Estate at American Airlines, said, “Everything we do at Terminal 8 is designed around one goal: delivering a better experience for our customers and our partners. This opening brings the energy and authenticity of Queens directly into Terminal 8, giving customers a taste of the city from the moment they arrive. It’s another way we’re elevating the travel experience to make every step of the journey more enjoyable.”
The arrival of Neir’s Tavern at JFK International Airport is a proud moment for Queens and Terminal 8. By sharing this legendary neighborhood institution with the world, the expansion keeps local New York City history alive. It ensures that one of New York’s oldest gathering places continues to thrive for years to come.
Neir’s Tavern , A Historian’s Perspective…
Seated at the opening reception of Neir’s Tavern at JFK Terminal 8 was Edward Wendell, President of the Woodhaven Cultural and Historical Society.
While enjoying a cold beverage, Mr. Wendell reflected on Neir’s Tavern’s legacy.
“Neir’s Tavern, itself, is very much connected to the history of my community within Queens. But it’s also closely connected to the history of the Union Course Racetrack, which opened in 1821 and, in 1823, hosted one of the greatest sporting events of its time: a horse race between ‘American Eclipse’ and ‘Sir Henry’. It was a tremendous race and one of the first big sporting events in United States history. So, it’s got a lot of this great, rich history—not only with Hollywood, Goodfellas, and Mae West. To see it open up here is kind of like what I love to do with it, and that is to share this great history! So now, when I see these walls, the pictures on the wall, and people coming through here, they’re going to learn a little bit about that history. They’re going to look it up and find out what’s gone on. Maybe they’ll even come to Woodhaven, but at the very least, they’ll learn about this history.”
“It’s just really wonderful for the owner of the Tavern, Loy Gordon, because a couple of years ago it [the original Neir’s in Woodhaven] almost closed. And I was there that night, and on that night, when Loy told us it was going to close, if you told me it would still be open a few years later, and that now this would be happening at JFK…that would’ve been unfathomable! For us to be sitting here today is just like a miracle happening, and it’s emotional.”
“ I’m also thinking about some of my friends, like the Woodhaven resident historian before me, Allan Smith. He passed away last year, and I did tell him about this opening, and at that time, I remember we were both trying to figure out how we were going to get out of here. We were joking, saying, ‘I think we’re going to have to buy tickets for a flight to come here!’ And Allan said, ‘Just get the cheapest tickets, and I’ll treat you!’ And I wish he were here today, as this is for all the old patrons of Neir’s, over almost 200 years. It’s wonderful, a very emotional day, I’m very happy for Loy and his family… his wife, Aisha, and his son Evan. They’re great people, they really are!”
