No photo of this bar survives from the 2008 site.

Ginger Man

11 E. 36th St. · btwn Madison & 5th Ave.
Murray Hill, Manhattan

In 2026

Closed

Last licensed here under this name: 2019–20.

Checked October 17, 2026.

Show on the map Directions See the 2008 page

Overview

It's big, it's crowded and there's no better bar for blocks in any direction. If you have to go to this area, this is the place you'll want to drink.

History

From Texas, by way of J.P. Donleavy

Named after J.P. Donleavy's novel, the Ginger Man began as a mini chain of bars that Richard Precious started in Texas in 1985¹. In 1996 he opened one on East 36th Street near Fifth Avenue, and it poured at least 200 craft beers from around the United States and the world^{1, 2}. The Infatuation called it one of the best beer bars in the city and one of the best bars, full stop, near Bryant Park; we said there was no better bar for blocks in any direction³. It is permanently closed now^{2, 3}.

Sources

Researched October 2026.

What's nearby

Galway Hooker under 0.1 mi Closed; now 5th & Mad
Slattery's Midtown Pub under 0.1 mi Still pouring
Under the Volcano under 0.1 mi Closed; now The Archive
Believe Lounge under 0.1 mi A different business is licensed at this address: 5th & Mad
Katwalk 0.1 mi Closed
O'Reilly's Townhouse 0.1 mi A different business is licensed at this address
Morgans Bar (Morgans Hotel) 0.1 mi Closed
Blaggards Pub 0.1 mi A different business is licensed at this address: J. Kennedys
BUtterfield 8 0.1 mi Closed; now Mad Dog & Beans
IBop KARAOKE 0.1 mi Closed