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Popular NYC sports bar Abbey Tavern closes after rent deal falls through

Third Avenue in Murray Hill was a little quieter Monday after the unexpected closing of Abbey Tavern, a popular sports bar that first opened in the area 60 years ago.

A manager, who declined to be named, told Realty Check that the bar's owners were unable to reach an agreement on rent with landlord KSR, who owns numerous commercial properties in Manhattan.

A sign posted on the door Monday announces the closing of Abbey Tavern, 354 Third Ave. michael nagle

The building above the corner venue at 354 Third Ave. on East 26th Street is a 40-unit apartment co-op.

The Abbey Tavern, which opened in 1963 as a casual bar-restaurant, was a sports viewing mecca with 12 big-screen televisions. Patrons preparing to gather to watch Monday's College Football Playoff national championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame were stunned by the closure.

The Abbey Tavern first opened in 1963 on the corner of Murray Hill. michael nagle

“We are devastated,” said an anonymous customer. “My wife and I came here to watch everything. Our TV is about a third the size of the TV here.”

When it first opened, the bar's giant painting of a cruise ship and large, cozy booths delighted customers.

In 2004, it transitioned under different owners to venues called Vertigo and Manhattan Brewhouse, before the original owners took it back in 2014.

They revived the old name, but without the ship. The sign advertised happy hour discounts Monday through Friday all the way through.

The happy time is over.

The normally lively bar and its large-screen TV were dark Monday. michael nagle

KSR posted availability for the 4,000-square-foot corner on its website.

The company did not respond to requests for comment.

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