Welcome to Coogan's, the Washington Heights equivalent of Rick's Place in "Casablanca," a neighborhood saloon with an Irish feel and a multicultural clientele.  In Coogan's there are many dimensions.  Situated on Broadway off 169th Street, it mirrors the neighborhood and surrounding institutions.

Since 1985, local politicians have broken bread, made deals, smoked peace pipes.  On any given day, doctors in white coats sit across from workers in hard hats during lunch.  Actors and musicians blend with local residents and hospital workers to celebrate the evening.

Here, even the decor and menu reflect the diversity in the neighborhood.  Posters of President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy are hung side by side with pictures of Leonel Fernandez Reyna, President of the Dominican Republic and oil paintings by Sam Garcia, a local artist with a penchant for using likenesses of local politicians and police officials in his paintings of medieval and modern street settings.  In addition to meatloaf and burgers, a customer can get rice and beans, as well as pastelitos, flaky turnovers filled with chicken. The steak sizzles and the salmon is always fresh! The chicken piccata will make you a regular customer!

Who is behind Coogan's