INWOOD — A favorite bar that's served the community for almost three decades is in negotiations to sell to a new owner, DNAinfo New York has learned.
Piper’s Kilt on 4946 Broadway, known for its burgers and karaoke events, will remain open, although Mike Bowe, the restaurant’s general manager, wouldn’t confirm if the name and method of operations will remain the same. Bowe said he’s been with the business since it opened, approximately 28 years ago.
The karaoke company currently contracted with Piper’s Kilt, Expressway Music, confirmed that their company’s last day will be in a couple of weeks, a spokeswoman said.
For locals, like Eric Vetter, this is the closing of an era. Vetter said although he’s been living in Washington Heights and Inwood for most of his life, he only started to hang out at the Kilt “quite by accident” a few years ago.
“I ended up making a whole bunch of friends,” Vetter said, “and met some of the people most important in my life through there.”
Vetter said that although he enjoyed going to the bar, and remembers when it first opened, he thinks Piper’s just wasn’t able to keep up with the times.
“They opened when there weren’t too many nice options around,” Vetter said, adding that Piper’s first came into the scene when the only eating options were local Irish bars. “Now, you can, just right across the street.”
Bowe said that although they are in negotiations, the restaurant remains open.
“We’re here,” he said. “Come through for lunch!”
