There's Scaffolding on P&G and, I Don't Know, I Just Don't Like It

In what seems like another portent of doom, a flight of scaffolding has been placed around the old P&G Bar on the Upper West Side. The structure envelopes the tavern— which is waiting out a not-to-renewed lease that ends at the end of 2009—on both the south and west walls of the corner space.

The workmen said they were just giving the building a wash, but, I don't know, I just think it's another way for the scurvy landlord to make P&G unwelcome. Said landlord has wanted the barkeepers out for some time now, because, well, Jesus, Bank of America can't wait forever!

The scaffolding obscures what is safely one of the best neon signs in Manhattan. What's worse, the cleaning appears to have forced the bar to shear the outside walls of the dark green paneling that was always part of what made the bar visually distinctive. (See below.) That bare cement sure looks purty, don't it?

P & G Bar's Future Not Rosy

I stopped by the endangered Upper West Side P&G tavern recently to check up on its battle for survival, but learned nothing encouraging. The bartender, who seemed quite knowledgeable, said nothing had changed, and the landlord wasn't even negotiating anymore. "He just wants his money," he said.

To refresh your memory, the landlord's animal instincts long ago sniffed out the whacked-out real-estate market and started measuring out 65-year-old P & G for a coffin. Word was a bank was interested in the space. (Banks are interested in just about any place, really, these days.)

P&G's lease expires at the end of 2008, so the bar's still got a couple Christmases in it. But beyond that, it doesn't look good. There had been talk of the owners bringing in food to boost income. (The landlord wants $25,000 a month.) But there was no sign of the backroom kitchen being revved up. The bar once serve steaks, chops and the works, but let things lapse in the '90s.

One change I did notice. They now have on tap Sixpoint Beer, an excellent brew made in Red Hook. The bartender said it made its debut five months ago. Good stuff. Classic New York beer in a classic New York bar.