Pelkey's Tavern

Pelkey’s Tavern is so much more than a business — it’s a lifelong dream come true.

For more than two decades, I worked in publishing, as a production director, photographer, writer and designer, but the off-duty me was the real me: hiking and fly-fishing, building motorcycles and hot rods, firing up the grill and smoker, and mixing drinks for friends and family. I had been looking for the right spot to open a bar-restaurant for years before I found the perfect place — a roadside barroom and barn in the quiet hamlet of Hankins, New York. It has a laid-back vibe and a long history, which dates back to the 1890s — first as a home, then a boarding house, and then many different bars and pubs.

I want Pelkey’s Tavern to follow in these great traditions. I’m creating a tavern that will feel like home to all the old joint’s longtime fans, while at the same time welcoming new ones. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to share my passion for great food, cocktails, and beers with great people. That’s why I poured my heart and soul into renovating and opening this tavern — and why I’m proud to put my name on it.

-William Pelkey Jr.