Toots Shor, American businessman, founded Toots Shor's Restaurant (b. 1903)
Bernard "Toots" Shor (May 6, 1903 – January 23, 1977) was an iconic figure in mid-20th century New York, renowned primarily as the charismatic proprietor of his eponymous and legendary Manhattan saloon and restaurant, Toots Shor's Restaurant. More than just an eating establishment, it became a cultural institution and an unofficial club for the era's most prominent personalities.
Shor's unique blend of gruff charm, unwavering loyalty, and an almost familial approach to his clientele created an atmosphere unlike any other. He famously greeted his famous friends with affectionate insults like "crum-bum," fostering an environment of unpretentious camaraderie where celebrities could unwind away from the public eye. His personality was inextricably linked to the establishment's success, making him a central attraction.
The Legendary Toots Shor's Restaurant
Toots Shor's Restaurant was distinguished not by gourmet cuisine – though it served hearty American fare like steaks, chops, and seafood – but by its vibrant, boisterous, and exclusive yet welcoming atmosphere. It was often described as a "club without dues," where a handshake from Toots was your membership card. The restaurant was a hub where deals were struck, stories were shared, and friendships were forged among the elite of sports, entertainment, and media.
Key Locations and Eras
Over the decades, Toots Shor operated three establishments under the revered "Toots Shor's Restaurant" name, each with its own significant period:
- 51 West 51st Street (1940-1959): This was the original, and by far the most celebrated, incarnation of Toots Shor's. Located strategically in Midtown Manhattan, it was the epicenter of its golden age, the backdrop for countless legendary anecdotes and the preferred haunt for the biggest names of the time. This location cemented its status as a New York institution.
- 33 West 52nd Street (1960-1971): Following the sale of the 51st Street property due to rising real estate values, Shor opened a new, larger, and more modern establishment built from scratch. While still popular, the move coincided with increasing financial pressures and changing social dynamics that eventually challenged his business model.
- 120 West 52nd Street (1972-1977): Shor's final venture was a smaller, more modest space. Though he continued to preside over it with his characteristic spirit, this period reflected the waning of his fortunes and the end of an era for the legendary saloon.
A Haven for Celebrities and Confidant to the Stars
Toots Shor cultivated deep personal relationships with a who's who of his time. He was more than a mere saloonkeeper; he was a friend, a confidant, and a trusted figure to many of New York's biggest celebrities. His establishment became an extension of their living rooms, a place where they could truly be themselves. This unique dynamic made Toots Shor's an unparalleled celebrity hotspot.
Among his most famous patrons were luminaries such as:
- Frank Sinatra: The legendary crooner was a close friend and frequent visitor, often holding court at the bar.
- Joe DiMaggio: The iconic New York Yankees baseball star was a regular, finding solace and camaraderie within Shor's walls.
- Jackie Gleason: The beloved comedian and actor was known to spend countless hours there, often entertaining fellow patrons.
- Ernest Hemingway: The famed author was a notorious patron, known for lively discussions and memorable antics, including one instance where he reputedly smashed a U.S. Open tennis trophy that Shor was keeping for a friend.
- Walter Winchell: The influential gossip columnist often used the restaurant as his unofficial office, gathering and disseminating news.
- Edward R. Murrow: The pioneering broadcast journalist was also a notable fixture, appreciating the establishment's unique atmosphere.
Shor's ability to navigate the demanding personalities of these stars, while simultaneously providing an environment of privacy and genuine camaraderie, solidified his place in New York's social history. His legacy endures as a quintessential representation of a bygone era in Manhattan's vibrant cultural landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toots Shor's Restaurant
- What was Toots Shor's Restaurant most famous for?
- Toots Shor's Restaurant was primarily famous for being a legendary Manhattan saloon and restaurant that served as a premier social hub for celebrities and influential figures from the mid-20th century. Its fame stemmed less from its simple American cuisine and more from its unique, boisterous atmosphere, the unparalleled camaraderie among its A-list clientele, and the larger-than-life personality of its proprietor, Bernard "Toots" Shor, who served as a friend and confidant to many.
- Which celebrities frequently visited Toots Shor's?
- The restaurant was a regular haunt for a vast array of prominent figures across sports, entertainment, and media. Notable frequenters included Frank Sinatra, Joe DiMaggio, Jackie Gleason, Ernest Hemingway, Walter Winchell, Edward R. Murrow, and many other stars, athletes, and journalists of the era.
- How many Toots Shor's restaurants were there in New York?
- Bernard "Toots" Shor operated three distinct establishments under the name Toots Shor's Restaurant in Manhattan. The first and most renowned was located at 51 West 51st Street (1940-1959), followed by a second at 33 West 52nd Street (1960-1971), and a final, smaller venue at 120 West 52nd Street (1972-1977).