In the heart of Rockefeller Center, where corporate towers dominate the skyline, a four-story townhouse quietly defies the rules of New York real estate. Pebble Bar isn’t just another upscale cocktail spot—it’s a living landmark, a love letter to Midtown’s past, and a new chapter in NYC nightlife crafted by some of the city's most influential hospitality veterans. What started as a rebellious saloon in the 1890s has now evolved into one of Manhattan’s most compelling modern bars.

Source: Vogue

A Legacy Carved in Brick and Spirits

The story begins in the 1870s with the construction of the unassuming brick townhouse on the corner of Sixth Avenue and 49th Street. By 1892, the space had transformed into Hurley’s, an Irish pub opened by Patrick Daly and the Hurley brothers. It quickly became a favorite for locals, journalists, and entertainers. During Prohibition, the bar disguised its operations by turning the front into a flower shop and running a secret speakeasy upstairs.

When Rockefeller Center was being constructed in the 1930s, developers tried to evict Hurley’s. The bar refused—and won. As a result, 30 Rock was literally built around it. That single act of defiance preserved a piece of Manhattan's pre-skyscraper soul, a rare win for local business in the face of city-changing development.

Through the decades, Hurley’s became a haunt for everyone from Jack Kerouac to Johnny Carson (who reportedly had his own private entrance). The bar remained in operation until 1999, when it closed its doors—temporarily.

Source: Rockefeller Center

Pebble Bar: A Revival with Downtown Soul

In 2022, the space was reborn as Pebble Bar, launched by nightlife veterans Matt Kliegman, Carlos Quirarte, and Matthew Charles—names behind hits like Ray’s, Bar Calico, and Jac’s on Bond. With backing from celebrities like Pete Davidson, Mark Ronson, and Nicholas Braun, the relaunch wasn’t just about restoring a bar. It was about honoring a narrative—and giving Midtown a bar that felt lived-in, unfussy, and unmistakably New York.

Designed by Gachot Studios, Pebble Bar occupies three floors. The second floor is a walk-in bar with a vintage pub feel. The third is a reservation-only dining room with seafood-forward small plates. The top floor, called Johnny’s, hosts private events. Throughout, there are nods to the past—custom terrazzo floors, monogrammed ice cubes, curated books, Ojas hi-fi speakers, and framed New Yorker cartoons. It’s a space that whispers history without getting stuck in it.

Source: The New York Times

Summer 2025: Pebble Bar Moves Outdoors

In a recent twist, Pebble Bar took its legendary cocktails to the open air. “Pebble Bar at The Rink,” which debuted in May 2025, transforms the Rockefeller ice rink into a courtyard-inspired lounge during the summer months. Spritzes, frozen cocktails, lawn games, and sleek outdoor seating now bring a casual, European-style drinking experience to Midtown. The food comes courtesy of Jupiter, the Italian restaurant also located at Rock Center, completing a full-circle celebration of old New York with a modern facelift.

Source: Secret NYC

Pebble Bar isn’t just a place to drink—it’s a survivor, a time capsule, and now, a stage for the next era of New York hospitality. It stands not just because of what it offers today, but because of what it never let go of. In a city that reinvents itself daily, Pebble Bar reminds us that some stories deserve to be retold—over oysters, under vintage lighting, and with a damn good cocktail in hand.