Opened in 1961 by Fred Wintraub, the Bitter End is New York’s oldest rock club. In 1968 Paul Colby took over as manager and booking agent and by 1974 became the owner. Under Colby, the Bitter End was elevated from basement bistro to renowned rock club.

Its legendary hootenannies on Tuesday nights launched many careers in front of the famous red brick wall.

To namedrop just a few: comedians Woody Allen, Jay Leno, Bill Cosby and Billy Crystal.

Musicians like Billy Joel, Van Morrison, Neil Diamond, Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder or Norah Jones.

The Bitter End was designated a landmark by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission on July 23, 1992.