Jimmy's Corner, a legendary Times Square dive bar founded in 1971 by former boxer Jimmy Glenn, is fighting for its survival against eviction by landlord Durst Organization, sparking a lawsuit and heartbreak among its loyal patrons.
Founded in 1971 by former boxer and trainer Jimmy Glenn, Jimmy's Corner has remained a defiant, unchanged institution in Times Square, known for its decades-old decor, remarkably low prices ($3 beers), and intimate atmosphere. This beloved New York City landmark, a stark contrast to the modernized area, is now facing closure after the building's owner, the Durst Organization, ordered its current proprietor, Adam Glenn (Jimmy's son), to shut down. Adam Glenn, who took over in 2015, has filed a lawsuit against the developer, alleging they exploited his father during a lease renegotiation a decade ago, which he believes included a provision for eviction upon Jimmy's death in 2020. Patrons cherish Jimmy's Corner for its authentic "dive bar" experience, lack of frills like Wi-Fi, and the genuine conversations it fosters, calling it a "landmark" and a place that "brings out the best in people." Adam Glenn, who grew up working in the bar, highlights its deep personal and family significance, having hosted major life events there. Jimmy Glenn himself was a respected figure, a boxing cutman and friend to legends, who maintained the bar as a safe haven in the once-gritty Times Square. While a Durst spokeswoman claims they offered favorable rent and a $250,000 severance (disputed by Glenn), the potential loss of this "last vestige of an older New York" is a source of heartbreak for its community. Glenn hopes to reopen a similar establishment if forced to vacate, preserving its unique spirit and pricing.
