Yankee Tavern Owner Charged With $1 Million Tax Evasion

The owner of a popular bar and restaurant near Yankee Stadium was charged with allegedly evading over $1 million in state and city taxes. Joe Bastone, who is also president of the Yankee Tavern on 161st Street in the Bronx, was being investigated by the Department of Finance for two years; the DOF looked at five years worth of business records, customer receipts and more. The NY Times notes, "Because of its proximity to Yankee Stadium, and its history as a haunt for New York Yankee legends past and present, including Babe Ruth, the tavern has long been a popular watering hole for the team’s fans." Bastone pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include grand larceny and false returns, but sources tell NY1 that his lawyers are looking to make a deal with prosecutors.