Since a chimney collapse caused the legendary speakeasy Chumley's to close in 2007 we've been anxiously awaiting its return to the West Village. After all, it had been active since 1831 and everyone from Faulkner to Steinbeck had done their time there. Plus, it is where the term 86'd comes from. But now it might finally be coming back and we (and apparently some neighbors) are worried. Is a Chumley's-as-sports bar still Chumley's? That might fly in Pennsylvania, but Pennsylvania is a far cry from New York. more ›

Is the long-shuttered age-old West Village "speakeasy" Chumley's finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, or is this just more false hope? After closing in April 2007 because an interior wall collapsed during repair work, the classic landmark bar, which opened in 1831, has had more false starts and rumored advances than the Arrested Development movie. At one point, the owner described the state of his establishment as "a bombed-out farmhouse" from a WWII movie. But now it's been learned that Chumley's is applying for a liquor license and seeking the blessing of the local Community Board, which it most definitely deserves. Keep hope alive! On second thought, forget it. more ›