Baker Street Irregulars to Celebrate Legendary Past — From TGI Fridays Origins to 'Cocktail' Fame — on March 15

There are few places in New York City where history, pop culture, and neighborhood charm intersect quite like Baker Street Irregulars, a beloved Upper East Side tavern that quietly holds one of the most colorful legacies in the city.

Located on the corner of 63rd and 1st Avenue, Baker Street Irregulars sits on hallowed ground — the very site where the first-ever TGI Fridays opened its doors on March 15, 1965, sparking a national phenomenon of casual dining and flair bartending. And if that wasn’t enough to claim its place in pop culture lore, the bar famously appeared in Tom Cruise’s 1988 hit Cocktail, where Cruise’s character learned to toss bottles and mix drinks behind the same bar that still stands today.

Now, nearly 60 years later, Baker Street Irregulars is gearing up to celebrate this iconic history with a special anniversary event on March 15, paying homage to its roots while embracing its role as a modern neighborhood gathering place.

“We’re so proud to be a part of New York City history, but we also want to be a place where locals feel at home,” says Mike Egan, proprietor and one of the partners who re-opened the tavern three years ago after it temporarily shuttered during the pandemic. “This anniversary is a chance to celebrate where we’ve been — and where we’re going.”

In many ways, Baker Street Irregulars has become a symbol of resilience and reinvention, reflecting the changing face of the Upper East Side while holding on to its storied past. Since reopening, Egan and his team have worked hard to create a warm, family-friendly atmosphere — a far cry from the pick-up bar scene TGI Fridays made famous.

Today, live entertainment fills the space, drawing in regulars and newcomers alike. A revamped menu of comfort food favorites — set to launch soon — aims to elevate the classic pub vibe with dishes that are both nostalgic and fresh. And of course, for fans of Cocktail, there are signature drinks inspired by the film, and occasional bottle-slinging demonstrations to bring back a bit of that movie magic.

With its refreshed ambiance, Baker Street Irregulars is now a spot where families, friends, and fans of NYC history can gather — whether to watch a game, enjoy live music, or toast to a piece of New York legend.

As the March 15 celebration approaches, visitors can expect a night filled with nods to the past, including special cocktails, music, and more — all in honor of the bar that started as a groundbreaking eatery and grew into a Hollywood landmark.

For anyone who loves a good story — and a good drink — Baker Street Irregulars is ready to serve up both.