Legendary NYC Cocktail Bar Angel’s Share May Shutter

Cooper Union, the landlord for Angel’s Share, says that the bar — and its owners’ other adjoining businesses — are leaving the East Village space. “Unfortunately, the tenant informed us of their decision to vacate the property,” a representative for Cooper Union says in an email. “They were not asked to move out, despite the fact that they haven’t paid any rent since 2020.” The bar’s ownership has not responded to requests for comment from Eater.

Rumors are flying about the uncertain future of famed East Village speakeasy Angel’s Share. Last week, New York Times reporter Alex Vadukul tweeted that the cocktail bar, along with the adjoining izakaya Village Yokocho and next-door Japanese grocery and bakery Sunrise Mart and Pan Ya, respectively, were facing a “massive rent hike” and appeared likely to close at the end of the month. An Angel’s Share bartender told Grub Street later in the week that the bar was likely going to close, although plans were in the works to relocate. Gothamist heard the same story on a similar visit. The bar’s ownership has not responded to requests for comment from anyone — including Eater — and the building’s landlord, Cooper Union, initially remained silent amid the recent news frenzy.

The legendary bar — named after the bit of alcohol lost to evaporation as liquor is aged in casks — has been a staple in the East Village for nearly 30 years. It is widely known as a trailblazer in NYC’s upscale, craft cocktail movement.

Update: March 15, 2022, 4:40 p.m.: This article was updated to include comments from a representative for Cooper Union.

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