Reporters like bars. In New York City, Jimmy’s Corner Bar is their hangout, and New Orleans has Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. Until Inweekly came around 1999, News Journal reporters drank at Trader Jon’s.
But in 2003, New York Nick’s opened on Palafox and the “pub n grub” quickly became the late night spot for our staff and the younger writers for the daily newspaper.
Owner Nick Zangari – Bruce Springsteen roadie, Syracuse supporter and Washington Redskins Football Team fanatic – had been a fixture on the music and bar scene for two decades. He had been a DJ for TK 101 (Nick at Night) and parties (Rock on Wheels), bartender (1991 “Ugliest Bartender” at Seventh Annual Bartenders Ball) and general manager of The Dock, Olde Town Tavern, North Hill Grille and Trader Jon’s.
His original concept was a 24-hour sports pub with 17 televisions, DJ booth, and stage for a live band – a place that was “part Hard Rock Cafe and part ESPN End Zone.” He played no rap or funk. His opening live band was Mama Trish & the Citizens.
The food was simple but consistent, using Zangari’s grandmother’s meatball recipe. The lunches started at $4.95, dinners at $6.95 – which were perfect for a reporter’s income.
Gradually the number of televisions grew and so did the place’s popularity. The music was always played loud enough to keep surrounding tables from hearing your conversations – which made it the perfect spot for interviews.
Though New York Nick’s closed in 2016 and reopened as NY Nick’s Badlands – a bar a few doors down from the original location, it and Intermission are the hub of Palafox for Walker Holmes and his crew in Blood in the Water.
Readers will enjoy getting to the place.
Blood in the Water can be purchased on Amazon or locally at Bodacious Books and The Fish House Gift Shop.