Popular Teaneck Bar To Close, Reopen Under New Ownership: 'Very Sad Day'

It's the end of an era for The Cottage Bar.

The popular Teaneck watering hole opened by Mickey Dawson in 2000 on Cedar Lane will be closing on Wednesday, July 31, and then reopening under new ownership, Dawson tells Daily Voice.

The owner of a nearby deli expressed interest in buying The Cottage Bar for quite some time, Dawson said. So, he sold it to him and his wife. Dawson said the couple plans on opening next month as Bar 178, an homage to the street address.

Bartender and owner of The Cottage Bar, Mickey Dawson, pours a tall glass of beer for a customer in 2015.

Looking after The Cottage Bar has become increasingly difficult for Dawson, an Ireland native, who has two young children at home, he said.

The pub will still be an official affiliate of the Liverpool FC Supporters Club, Dawson said.

"It’s bittersweet," Dawson said of his next chapter as a stay-at-home dad. "I’m looking forward to concentrating on the kids. A lot of friends were in on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and it was nice to catch up."

Teaneck Mayor Michael Pagan said The Cottage Bar's closing marked a "very sad day" for the township.

"Everyone went to The Cottage," he said. "From cops to teachers to nurses, to average guys like me. The Cottage was like family to all of us in town."

Saying goodbye to The Cottage Bar on Cedar Lane. Thank you for all the fun memories over the years 😊

Posted by Michael Pagan on Sunday, July 28, 2024

When asked if he plans on visiting Bar 178 Dawson said simply, "Yes. It will be an excuse to get out of the house."