The Mean Fiddler Celebrates 20 Years of Celebrity Encounters and Colorful History
The Theater District pub marks its anniversary with tales of celebrity visits, from Jimmy Fallon's bachelor party antics to Bono and Johnny Depp's impromptu stops.
The Mean Fiddler, a New York City pub located in the Theater District, is celebrating its 20th anniversary by reminiscing about its storied past and the parade of celebrities who have frequented its establishment.
Opened in 2006 by Irish brothers Patrick and Mike McNamee, the bar, which was formerly a "raunchy gay bar" called Stella's, has become a notable spot for celebrities. In 2007, comedian Jimmy Fallon held his bachelor party at The Mean Fiddler. His entourage of about 25 guests, including family members, celebrated by watching a UFC fight in the downstairs bar. According to co-owner Patrick McNamee, Fallon ended the night by kissing him and expressing his enjoyment of the venue.
Other notable celebrity patrons include Bono and Johnny Depp, who visited the bar together. Actor Pierce Brosnan was a regular, reportedly sitting at the bar at a 45-degree angle to avoid being recognized. Billionaire Mark Cuban, minority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, would also visit the bar whenever his team played the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. McNamee recalled Cuban turning the bar into a "full dance club" on such occasions, buying drinks for everyone and playing his own music.
Not all celebrity encounters were described as positive. Patrick McNamee recounted an incident with "Game of Thrones" actor Peter Dinklage, who reportedly refused a fan's request for a photograph. McNamee recalled telling Dinklage, "You're big right now, but remember in 10 years from now, you'll be wishing you did that photograph."
The pub's owners, Patrick and Mike McNamee, have since opened 11 other venues in Manhattan. They noted that the bar's more "divey" atmosphere initially attracted more celebrities. While still a draw for famous faces, the frequency of celebrity visits has changed since the pub's renovation in 2019.
To commemorate its 20th anniversary, The Mean Fiddler is offering throwback prices on cocktails and shots during the week of September 21. The bar also anticipates its popular Halloween celebration, where many A-list celebrities attend in costume, often unrecognizably. Patrick McNamee mentioned that he checks IDs at the door, aware of the true identities of his patrons, who he says return in different disguises each year.