You are reading

Gastropub moves into Lounge 47 location, faces restrictions to appease neighbors’ noise fears

47-10 Vernon Blvd

47-10 Vernon Blvd

May 17, 2013 By Christian Murray

A gastropub is scheduled to open in August where the storied Lounge 47 used to operate.

The pub, to be called Woodbines, will be owned by Pat Burke, who runs three other bar/restaurants throughout the city—including the Courtyard in Sunnyside.

Burke said that Woodbines, named after the cigarettes his grandfather smoked in Ireland, would offer 16 craft beers and a high-end bar menu.

“We want a bit of an older-styled place,” Burke said, adding that the interior would feature “distressed wood” to create a comfortable atmosphere. He said the exterior of the pub would be changed to reflect that too.

Last week Burke told Community Board 2 that he would not use the backyard space—acknowledging the noise complaints that local residents lodged against the former owner of Lounge 47. Those complaints led to Lounge 47 having to close the backyard space, playing a role in its closure earlier this year.

Burke told the community board that he is in the midst of soundproofing the ceiling and some of the walls—costing about $28,000—which he was not required to do so  by law or by his landlord.

The community board has given Burke the approval to operate Woodbines until 2 am on weeknights and until 4 am on Friday and Saturdays nights. The board has also stipulated that he can’t use the back yard.

William Garrett, who represented many of the neighbors at the Community board meeting, wanted the board to limit the hours until 11pm on weeknights and 1 am on weekends. However, the board—acknowledging Burke’s decision not to use the backyard—was more lenient.

“We don’t anticipate being open that late, but we like to have the flexibility to have that option,” Burke said.

Burke, 39, who is originally from County Cork,  came to the US when he was 20.

He became the owner of the Courtyard when he was 25—and then opened the Brickyard Gastropub in Manhattan 3 ½ years ago. Last year, he established a bar in Williamsburg called the Kent Ale House.

Burke is excited to be venturing into Long Island City.  “Looking at the neighborhood and all the new residents…it’s a great opportunity.”

Pat Burke, the owner of Windbines, at the Courtyard

Pat Burke, the owner of Woodbines, at the Courtyard

email the author: news@queenspost.com

11 Comments

Click for Comments 
Sonny

Just ignore Garrett, he’s just a crotchety old wind bag with nothing better to do than disrupt the lives of others – why else did he join the community board. . . .

Reply
LIC Dude

What restaurant can afford to close at 11pm on a weeknight? SO stupid to even request that.

I love that the community board said yes to 4am on weekends! They finally grew a pair.

Reply
r185

And of course the irony is that all those restaurants he complains about probably tripled the value of his own property.

Reply
LICer

Shame on William Garrett and he should not live in LIC anymore because the area is changing and apparently he can not catch the pace! Time for you to move and all of us will be happy forever!

Reply
Anonymous

Good luck Woodbines. Love how business venture from Sunnyside to LIC.
Just ignore WG, his behaviour and ‘art’ (or what he thinks art is) won’t get any better.

Reply
r185

Garrett buys a former storefront on a commercially zoned block and is shocked when someone uses next door for a commercial purpose. It’s an outrage (to him).

Reply
Roger

Garrett represents himself and no one else. His is a misguided one-man crusade to do injury to the businesses that, in fact, elevate the value of his property, simply because, apparently, his sleep patterns resemble that of the princess and the pea.

Reply
Diddy

William Garrett does not represent any of us or our neighbors. The residents of LIC wish any and all new businesses well in our community, especially during difficult economic times where these businesses employ our friends and neighbors.

Reply
Krissi

Courtyard is a nice crowd, can’t wait to see what’s in store for Woodbines!
I will say though, from what I hear the “complainers” are more or less just one guy who has a stick up his bum and is very “well connected”.

Reply
Grumpy Gus

Good luck with those neighbors…you are going to need it.
I think that when it rains…God gets noise complaints.

Reply

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

May races in Queens: JFK Airport 5K, Forest Park trail classic and a Queensborough 5K

May. 16, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The energy of May is on full display across Queens, with a lineup of local races that invite runners of all levels to hit the pavement and the trails. With mild temperatures and sunny skies setting the stage, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the spring weather before the summer heat sets in. From the Forest Park 4 Mile Road and Trail Classic to the festive Great Hawaiian Luau 5K at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, these events offer more than just a workout—they foster community spirit and personal growth. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen before lacing up and heading out. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or new to the sport, these May races offer a chance to challenge yourself and connect with others in motion.

Mayor Adams marks one year of ‘Padlock to Protect’ with pizza and progress in Queens

Mayor Eric Adams marked the one-year anniversary of the launch of the city’s “Operation Padlock to Protect” initiative at a pizzeria on the Rego Park and Middle Village border on Wednesday and touted the significant progress in shutting down more than 1,400 illegal smoke shops across the five boroughs and seizing more than $95 million in illegal product since last May.

“The city was fed up. We heard it at every town hall. This time last year, there were thousands of illegal smoke shops plaguing our city with unlicensed cannabis endangering our children,” Adams said. “One year later, we are proud to announce that we have turned the tide. Thanks to the tireless efforts by our city’s law enforcement officers, we’ve padlocked thousands of illegal shops and created safer streets for children and families. But we’re not stopping there.”