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Corner Bistro, the self-described "last of the bohemian bars in West Greenwich Village," and a popular last stop for late night snacks, may have just become a little less appetizing. BlackBook published a first hand account today by Nick Haramis, who recently went to the establishment for a midnight meal with his boyfriend and some other friends. Shortly after sitting down, a waiter or busboy allegedly threw Haramis to the floor: "The side of my head the last thing to hit the ground. There was some confusion as my boyfriend tried to stop the whole thing, and was then punched in the face, while the Bistro worker screamed 'faggots' a few times, for good measure."
After leaving they spotted some NYPD officers, who couldn't do much since they hadn't seen anything and there was no evidence of assault. Haramis decided not to file an official claim and instead, along with his boyfriend, went back seeking some form of justice. They talked to "the older of two mainstay bartenders," who was nearby when the incident took place, but he denied seeing anything, and told them “Get out and don’t ever, ever come back.”
We just spoke with Greg, a bartender at Corner Bistro (the manager is allegedly on vacation), and he told us he "heard something from a bartender" about the incident, but wasn't there himself and "can't give any details."
UPDATE: Since posting, another former customer of Corner Bistro, who would like to remain anonymous, has sent us his own story, which is after the jump.
A few years ago, I was actually beat up by the waiter of Corner Bistro (Muscly Asian guy - always wears a Yankees hat). The bartender had said something really insulting to me out of nowhere, and I responded in a like manner. The next thing I know, my hands were being held behind my back and I was pummeled several times, leaving me bruised on my face and neck.While it had nothing to do with gay bashing (I'm straight, for one), the incident left me feeling incredibly helpless. At the time, I was under 21, and I didn't think there was anything I could do without incriminating myself. My brother even went to the bar the following day to find out their perspective on the situation, only to hear denial from the white-haired bartender/owner ("Um...I don't know what you're talking about...", etc.).
I'm sure these incidents are not isolated; I would guarantee that many other patrons have been put in similar situations. An employee of any business should never touch, hit, push, or punch any customer, no matter the situation, especially if you run an operation that serves alcohol.
Anyway, I was just going to say, if you could offer my support to the victim, at least tell him he's not the only one.
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Uh and none of the other patrons would step in or call the cops or *anything*?
There's obviously more to this story.
Agreed. And who flags down a cop? They should have called 911 and then the cops would have to respond and made a report.
The cops were willing to make a report. If you read the Blackbook account, the author decides not to do so.
I read it. And it sounds like a lot of BS.
And he is an idiot. If he could do this:
"I scream a few lies about working for The New York Times, about “taking them down,” and demand that he write his name down for me."
and he didn't file a report because why? he was embarrassed? He should be, by his own behavior.
didn't you watch "what would you do?" on ABC last night?
and, what's so great about their burgers?
the reputation of the burgers is built on drunk west village going douches looking for an authentic experience.
yeah... something doesn't add up... Obviously beating someone is never the the civil solution, but the total lack of bystander interaction sounds suspiciously like these guys did SOMETHING to provoke this...
this story doesn't add up at all. wait-staff don't start physical fights "for no reason"
With everybody who says there's more to the story here... It's just too crowded a place at all times during the evening to have something like this happen. The crowds are larger there but definetly not tolerant of such behavior
So one is thrown to the floor, another is punched in the face and the NYPD won't investigate? Sounds a bit fishy.
If as Blackbook says, this was on a Friday night around midnight, the place would be jammed packed. You can barely get in the door at the time.
I've been in the Corner Bistro many, many times. The place is tiny and usually very crowded. The waiters that I've seen in the place huff and puff after lifting a pint of beer, much less roughing up some people.
I think someone got angry at something that happened and made up a story. (12 is a bit too early for the tina tweakers to be causing trouble). I have my doubts about this story.
2 points for the bus boy
sounds suspicious... very chill vibe in that bar... seems like there's more to this story.
Not that I wouldn't sympathize with the alleged victim if this is true, but if it isn't, could Gothamist open itself up to a lawsuit for publishing what amounts, at least for right now, to hearsay?
This is a Village institution and I can't imagine they'd be happy with this kind of publicity, especially if it can't be verified.
I know this site likes sensationalism, but maybe it jumped on this story prematurely.
Personally I'd have written it a little more skeptically, and simply calling it a "first hand account" implies a level of veracity. The word "allegedly" is in there once, though, and someone at the place was given a chance to respond.
I don't see any grounds for Gothamist to be liable in any way, as they're just reporting what was said and quoting what was published elsewhere. If the story is groundless it'd be the person writing it and publicly making the claims who could be a target for legal action.
Having spent plenty of time in bars as both customer and employee, I'll say that they "two sides to every story" principle is more in play in bar situations than practically any others. I wouldn't make any judgment based on only one person's account of anything.
By the way: might a person who has no problem claiming in public to be a writer for the Times be inclined to, well... stretch the truth at other times as well?
Ok people. 1. Police can only make an arrest when a felony is committed in their presence, or they have probable cause to make an arrest, hence the 'you arent visably hurt' comment from the Cop. This also plays into liberal lunatics wanting to make a citizens arrest on Dick Cheney. Morons, you can only do that when a felony is committed in your presence. And second, to the other moron, what law is gothamist breaking? Heresay? That is a judicial term regarding courtroom testimony. If you dont know the law, dont pretend like you do. You make yourself look like an idiot.
"1. Police can only make an arrest when a felony is committed in their presence, or they have probable cause to make an arrest, hence the 'you arent visably hurt' comment from the Cop."
In Jen Carlson's desperation to slant the story, she leaves out that the author in the Blackbook account says that the police said the author could file a complaint. If you read the story, the author chooses not to do that. It seems to me the police were willing to do as much as they could.
"1. Police can only make an arrest when a felony is committed in their presence, or they have probable cause to make an arrest, hence the 'you arent visably hurt' comment from the Cop."
What? Only a felony? There are no more misdemeanor arrests?
Seriously, you are headed in the right direction in that what was in play here what the cops needed proof, and an identification. The alleged victim could have filed (and still could file) a report and a criminal complaint, which would then be referred to a detective for investigation. If the cops had walked in while it was going on that wouldn't be necessary because they themselves could swear the complaint. In the case of visible injury they may or may not have been able to proceed, depending on whether the other person involved could be unquestionably identified. If not, you're back to needing an investigation.
Generally in a bar fight? There's a good chance they'll lean towards two possible options: everyone involved goes home and gets over it, or everyone involved gets arrested and the DA and courts sort it out.
Gay Bashing sure beats Midget Throwing ANY DAY.
I used "hearsay" more in the colloquial sense, because this case wouldn't even make it to trial based on what is reported, at least. I didn't say they are breaking some imaginary "hearsay" law, jerky. I only said that the alleged victims have no independent witnesses and no physical evidence of assault. Their story amounts to hearsay.
Gothamist is not breaking a law, of course, but you don't have to break a law to get sued. Publishing something that could severely and negatively affect CB's reputation and business -- some posters on BlackBook have already said they won't eat there anymore -- could amount to defamation. A civil suit could be warranted, so Gothamist should just be careful and more responsible.
Jen Carlson slants the story leaving out the portion where the author refuses to file a complaint. Not against the law, but certainly not ethical journalism.
Please. Gothamist is a BLOG. She can write whatever she wants. AND she posted the link to the original "story", like always.
Wow if I were a friend of Jen's, maybe I too can get my fantasy stories on here.
"I scream a few lies about working for The New York Times, about “taking them down,” and demand that he write his name down for me. "
And he wonders why no one is taking him seriously? Idiot.
If I was there I would have probably bitch slapped him as well.
Whoah, the "update" story is great.
"The bartender had said something really insulting to me out of nowhere, and I responded in a like manner."
Lesson one: if you talk trash in a bar, the situation is likely to escalate. Lesson two: Never talk back a bartender or employee of a bar. This isn't the high school cafeteria.
Now, who doesn't know that? Oh yeah...
"At the time, I was under 21"
OK, this is the second time I've heard of this rude Asian waiter at the corner bistro.
if you're going to be in a bar fight, make sure you have back up. sucks being the only guy throwing a chair around.
i'm willing to put down money that this nick haramis is a self-entitled douchebag.
Makes me want to hang out and drink at the Corner Bistro. Only thing is that the rats go crazy there at about 4am. Dancing rats, I tell you. It's not gross or even scary. A little surreal, is all.
What about the silence and the timid denials coming from the Corner Bistro's management? Wouldn't they have investigated this and then vociferously voiced their side? Their survival could be at stake here. I smells a rat and it be in da house.
The Bistro would have to prove that the editors of this site had malicious intent to injure the restaurant's reputation/business. That's clearly not true. On the other hand, the alleged victim could be liable if the story turns out to be false and if the Bistro proves it lost business.
Unlikely that they will lose business judging by the crowd that hangs out/eats there. If anything, I think it will drum UP business!
My last comment was in response to #10's question as to whether Gothamist could face legal trouble for reprinting this story.
one time i was at the corner bistro & the busboy turned me into a newt.
a newt?
He got better.
Defamation is almost impossible to prove. You have to show damages. The plaintiff must show that the person knows what they are saying is false, almost an impossible burden, which is 100% on the plaintiff.
Oh, there are misdemeanor arrests, based on probable cause ie you are walking down the street with an open beer, that is probable cause. If I walk up to an officer and say somebody punched me, unless they have probable cause ie obvious injury, like in domestic violence a woman says her husband hit her and face is bruised, that is probable cause...otherwise, a complaint must be filed, the officer can not make an arrest right there.
"Oh, there are misdemeanor arrests, based on probable cause ie you are walking down the street with an open beer, that is probable cause."
That wouldn't be a misdemeanor. An open container is a violation. Most assaults, on the other hand, are charged as Class A misdemeanors (that is, assault in the third degree). This situation, even if it happened exactly as reported, would certainly not result in felony charges. No weapon, no serious injuries, the victim is an adult... nothing to bring it above the third degree charge.
Sorry, but you said it first in an earlier comment to someone else: "If you dont [sic] know the law, dont [sic] pretend like you do."
I've eaten there several times with openly gay friends. There was never even the slightest homophobic vibe. Just a typical late night joint with baconfat burgers for soaking up your drinks.
However, I was over legal age and didn't make any smartass remarks to the bartender, so maybe they spared us.
Seriously, it's some drunk guys word against an establishment till we hear more. It's a bar, people get thrown out all the time. As for any alleged epithats, not sure that's enough to call it 'bashing.'
C'mon guys, you didn't know their burgers were made from the meat of gays?
Approximately 30% of sexual abuse offenders are relatives of the child - most often fathers, uncles or cousins.
Around 60% are other acquaintances such as friends of the family, babysitters, or neighbors.
Strangers are the offenders in approximately 10% of child sexual abuse cases.
I WAS THERE.
Full Disclosure: I have been frequenting Corner Bistro for about five years. Big fan of the Bistro Burger, in spite of the rats...
The first part of this story is TRUE. Someone was called a "faggot" and pushed down. I do not accept or condone the use of this type of language at all, but I can imagine the preceding interaction going something like this: Waiter: What can I get for you? Haramis et al: The five of us will split an order of fries.'
The waiter/busboy who did the pushing is not one to be messed with. He has been pushy/rude to myself and friends of mine many times....GET A CLUE! Ordering one item for a group of five at a table in a standing room, cash only establishment is not going to get you VIP treatment.
I have digressed... the main point that I wanted to make is that this guy left CB for about an hour before coming back and screaming at the bartender, who, though it may seem hard to believe, didn't see the original scuffle go down. Mr. Haramis (I feel for him, I do....he was clearly wasted) yelled at the bartender. He demanded he write down his name on a napkin. When the bartender refused, he claimed that he worked for the New York Times. The bartender, been around the block a few times, laughed and told Haramis to get lost. At this point Haramis THREW A SALT SHAKER AT THE BARTENDER. Hitting only a row of glasses behind the bar and receiving a round of laughter and (unsupportive) applause from the crowd, Haramis left CB. The cops stopped by about 10 minutes later, asked a few questions of the SCARY ASIAN WAITER OMG YELLOW PERIL!!! and the bartender, Tom, and that was it. No arrests. No charges. Just a really lame entry on Blackbook.
Post Script: THE WAITER WHO PUSHED HARAMIS AT CORNER BISTRO, IS NOT ONLY A HOMOPHOBE, HE IS A BIG ASSHOLE GENERALLY---A HUMAPHOBE...BUT HE DOSN'T WORK EVERYDAY! AS FAR AS I HAVE GATHERED, CB IS SAFE MONDAY-WEDNESDAY FROM SHORT, TAN, RUDE MAN.
I was the victim of an anti-gay bias attack on the subway last summer. My story is here/
The many people who questioned my story and the anti-gay comments I heard here only made the problem worse.
I'm sorry this happened to the victims. I hope you'll get a police report and check in with the AVP.org
I remember the first incident that was told. About an asian guy assulting you. I witness the whole incident. You were drunk and was laying you head on the bar, that's when the bartender repeately told you to get up and go home. When you told him to give you a F**king break and that your girlfriend just broke up with you.r You went in a rage and try to go behind the bar. That's when an asian employer grab you and drag you out. He was just trying to protect the bartender which is like 60 years of age. In terms of punching that is all made up. You probably got your bruise from him grabbing you and throwing and depress dump drunk like you out of the estabishment. Why were you even drinking when you are underage?
First of I want to state that I'm investagaing this case. I have watch the video of the incident from an inside source. The video clearly shows that the employee was attack first. In Nick's statement he said that the waiter grab him by his T-shirt and throw him on the floor, which is a complete fairy tale. The employee was smack in the face first and that's when the waiter push and then threw him on the floor. If you have 5 guys against one, you need to protect yourself and that was the case. It has nothing of him being gay, when you are in anger insulting words will come out, I'm sure everyone knows that. Corner Bistro would never suvive in the West Villiage if they were homophobic but yet they have been there for almost 45 years. I,m pretty sure Nick is trying to make money or to make a name for himself. The truth will be out there once I post the video of the incident on U-Tube once I have permission. Corner Bistro can counter sue for incident. They have video evidence that the employee was attack first. Secondly they can sue of false statement effecting their business. Since Nick and the owner agree to drop charges and call it even, there will be not lawsuit at the moment.
I remember the incident about an asian guy assulting the underage kid. I witness the whole incident cause I was at the scene when it happened. He was drunk and was laying his head on the bar, that's when the bartender repeately told him to get up and go home. When he told the bartender to give him a F**king break and that his girlfriend has just broke up with him. The bartender then told him "That's life, stop crying over it and go home, tomorrow's another day" that's when he went into a rage and try to go behind the bar and attack the (I say about over 50 years bartender). That's when an asian employee grab him and drag him out. He was just trying to protect the bartender which is like 4 times his age. In terms of punching that is all made up. He probably got bruises from the asian guy grabbing him and throwing his depress just got dump drunk ass out of the estabishment. Why were you even drinking when you are underage? Ahh loser that starts young I guess..