Saints and Sinners 59-21 Roosevelt Ave. (Photo: Amy Brett)
Aug. 26, 2022 By Michael Dorgan
A beloved Irish bar in Woodside – known for its pints of Guinness, friendly atmosphere and food — will close Saturday after a 21-year run.
Saints and Sinners, located 59-21 Roosevelt Ave., will shutter for good Aug. 27, according to a statement released by the owner via social media Wednesday.
The post did not specify the reason for the closure although it alluded to extenuating circumstances.
“Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have decided to close down effective Saturday,” the post reads.
The post thanked the bar’s customers and staff for their support over the years.
“Customers more than anything, have become friends, and that is priceless,” the post reads. “We will see u all again soon!!!
The bar has been a neighborhood staple for more than two decades and often hosts Irish music sessions and viewing parties for sports games.
It is a popular after-party destination for participants of the annual St. Pats For All Parade. The TV series Law and Order Organized Crime was recorded at the bar in 2021.
Saints and Sinners has a distinctive round bar in the middle of the establishment with several side rooms and a dining area in the rear.
Some of its popular dishes include a full Irish breakfast, crispy salmon, beef curry, as well as a braised chicken which comes with mashed potatoes and vegetables. Its chicken sliders are a fan favorite along with its scotch eggs.
Saints and Sinners has a 4.3-star rating on Google (out of a possible 5) based on 337 reviews.
Many customers took to Facebook to share their thoughts on the closure.
“This is heartbreaking, I feel like a touchstone in my life is disappearing,” Lois Anne DeLong wrote.
“Very sad news,” wrote Robert Breen. “The staff made the place… with great food and beverages.”
Other posters paid tribute to Ronan Cooke, the bar’s owner. Cooke immigrated to America from County Kildare in Ireland in the late 1990s. He could not be reached for comment.
So sad to hear this, it was a great spot… Best wishes Ronan and crew, the end of another great Irish Bar in Woodside,” wrote Helen Delaney
“Very sad to read this, we all had wonderful times in saints and sinners, some days we were saints other days we were tipsy sinners,” Pam Tracy wrote. “Wishing you all the very best in your next chapter thank you for giving us a home away from home when in New York.
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35 Comments
I am sure they will open up some place else.
One of many bars to close. People are choosing to smoke weed over drinking alcohol. Its cheaper and trendy. Makes for a popular selfie. Plus sales are suppose help blk and brn people. https://www.thecity.nyc/2021/3/25/22351684/cuomo-marijuana-bill-black-hispanic-new-yorkers-equity?_amp=true
Believe it or not, weed was readily available in NYC before it was legal. Now the profits go to taxpayers instead of drug dealers.
I know the right isn’t fond of paying taxes so I understand your rage.
That isn’t fond of paying taxes.
The right don’t like the lazy lefties.
The billionaire dodged everything but $750 in taxes, did you pay more? Why do you think he’s hiding his taxes so hard ?
incorrect. Now the profits go to grifters connected to the corrupt NYC democrat machine. Plus as a bonus the quality is lower and the prices are higher. Fixed that for ya.
Surprise, followers of the man who says not paying taxes “makes me smart” opposes taxation. Back to Prohibition I guess, that worked out great ?
I think a bar for Queers would do great in that location. Perhaps with drag queens serving drinks.
That’s a great idea. I would frequent there.
If they need performers, I’m out of work at the moment
No surprise, imposter GW, since you do impersonations so well. Maybe you could get a job there, but get your own posting name.
Sorry to hear this. I have a large tour group from Albany coming to Queens in October and S & S was our afternoon go to in Woodside. You were the best Irish Bar in Queens- the Guinness, Fish and Chips and friendly staff will be missed!
Mickey went to closing night and had a blast.
whos Mickey ?
anyway when I first moved to Woodside I remeber trying to get corned beef & cabbage there on St Pats Day & was told they didnt serve that .Oh well
He’s a famous mouse created by Walt disney.
That’s because corned beef & cabbage is an American Irish dish, not a true Irish one. You won’t find it anywhere in Ireland. Being a traditional style place, of course they wouldn’t sell it. Your ignorance is showing
Sad to see Saints and Sinners closing knew original owner Kieran Clerkin
It was my go to spot with friends before going to Rangers games Always friendly with good food
This is very sad news since Woodside news more of these wonderful pubs. I hope they come back soon. O celebrated my engagement there ? 20 years ago. Sad ?
Why is it closing? C’mon guys, can’t we wait to go to print until we have something to report?
I’m joking. What a shame. I can’t believe that it has only been open 21 years. I was there 21 years ago, it already seemed like a staple.
Very sad to see when local pubs go away.
Even sadder when they burn down.
When bars close, you know the economy is in the dumps. Thanks Brandon.
That slogan that trended in Twitter for a couple hours a year ago?
What does that have to do with a local bar closing? The owner gave no reason, thanks for speculation!
Did you blame him when they were out of Everything bagels at your local shop this morning too?
easy to blame everything on trump when he is pres…but now magically presidents have no control or effect on the economy or covid or crime….until trump gets re-elected in 2024….then everything will be his fault again…why do progressives always embarrass themselves with silly childish takes that aren’t based in reality?
The land lord sold the lots to developers. That’s why they didn’t renew the lease. Nothing to do with Presidents. Just progress and change.
Keep chanting slogans that were invented at NASCAR rallies ?
Twenty one years ago y’all blamed dubya.
I have nothing to offer and cant debate the issues so I just make snarky comments. If I disagree with you it must be Trump or NASCAR or something. Because justice and equity or some other silly slogan I can tweet that I learned in my overpriced college.
Thanks vegan moron mayor.
It’s the rent, as they did not own the building—prime real estate for construction. And I thank Brandon every day you child.
the only time i ever went there i met my wife. ?
Me too.
That’s where we ALL met your wife