The iconic music club CBGB in New York City’s East Village had its last run in 2006 with the tunes of a farewell concert with Patti Smith. Now it’s rumored to be reopening as a restaurant in a New Jersey airport.
According to Gothamist, the club will rise again as a restaurant in Newark Airport. The club was famous for “Hilly’s Chili” which would occasionally be seasoned with cigarette ashes or bodily fluids courtesy of the chef, who also kept a pet rat. The restroom were a public health hazard, and Hilly’s dog, Jonathan, left droppings anywhere and everywhere, including on stage. The once iconic club will now sell fairly expensive “American fare in a fun environment recalling the legendary music venue.”
CBGB stands for Country, Bluegrass, and Blues. The bar was home to famed bands such as the Ramones, Television, Patti Smith Group, Blondie, and Talking Heads. From the early 1980s and on, CBGB was known for hardcore punk. The bar eventually closed due to unpaid rent.
The owner of the CBGB brand declined to comment to Gothamist. Word on the street is that the restaurant may open next year.
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