It's Closing Time for the Campbell Apartment

Hidden in Plain Sight
by Desiree Savini | 07/27/2016 | 6:06pm

Customers fear the classy yet cozy atmosphere of the Campbell Apartment will be lost when the establishment changes ownership.

Last call took on a whole new meaning for the Campbell Apartment. The century-old room has been an office, a storage space, a jail, and finally a bar. After seventeen years as a "speakeasy"-style bar, it's serving its final rounds of fancy cocktails tonight.

Tucked away in the balcony level of Grand Central Station, the bar is kind of difficult to find. That's just what one of its regulars, Dick Maitland, liked about the place. "It's the one hideaway place we just don't tell tourists about," he said over a $22 rum concoction. "It's worth every penny." 

A few customers were first-timers looking to see the famous bar while they still had the chance. However, most of the crowd consisted of longtime patrons paying their respects. Paula Guerrero came with a friend to drink a final glass of "Prohibition Punch." 

"I wouldn't pour out any liquor over it," Guerrero said with a laugh. "It's too expensive. But I would definitely imbibe with gusto. This is something that my children, if I decide to have them, might not be able to see." Guerrero said she always thought a place like this could never be seen as disposable, and she hopes the new owners at least respect its historical integrity. 

Guerrero is not the only one who thinks that way. Thousands signed a petition to prevent the bar from changing hands to a higher bidder. When the current owner, Mark Grossich, lost his lease, he brought the issue to court -- only to receive a 30-day eviction notice. Although he has to move out on Thursday, he's still fighting for an appeal. 

Perhaps it's not last call after all. 

 

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