Julius’

Julius’ is a Greenwich Village bar with a long place in New York LGBTQ+ history. The tavern dates to the 19th century and became particularly significant as the setting for the 1966 “Sip-In,” when members of the Mattachine Society challenged rules that barred gay people from being served. In 2016, the bar was nominated for the National Register of Historic Places, and approved by the National Park Service. Today, Julius’ remains a neighborhood bar serving drinks in its historic space. They also regularly host events, and serve a menu of bar food, including fries, onion rings, and their hamburger, which they consider to be the bar’s best-kept secret.

Since its origins as a grocery store in 1826, Julius’ has evolved into a storied bar at the corner of Waverly Place and West 10th Street. Opened as a bar in 1864, Julius’ became a notable cultural landmark by the 1930s, attracting sports figures and celebrities. In the 1960s, it gained prominence within the LGBTQ+ community, marking a significant chapter in its history. On April 21, 1966, Julius’ was the site of the “Sip-In,” a pivotal protest organized by the Mattachine Society to challenge discriminatory liquor laws that barred service to gay patrons. This landmark event catalyzed changes in city policies and contributed to the emergence of a more open gay bar culture. Julius’ is now recognized for its historical importance, earning landmark designations from the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places.