Inside The Folly's Enduring Nautical Charm

In the ever-shifting landscape of New York City nightlife, where trends flare and fade, The Folly, nestled at 92 West Houston Street, stands as a testament to enduring appeal. More than just a bar, it's a meticulously crafted experience, a nautical-themed escape that has quietly become a Greenwich Village institution for over a decade.

The story of The Folly begins, not with a grand, pre-conceived vision, but with a feeling. Co-founder Aron Watman, a veteran of the NYC bar scene (formerly of The Brooklyneer), recalls walking into the space – then a lackluster Irish pub called Buskers – and being struck by its inherent "ship-like" quality. Low ceilings in the front gave way to a soaring back room with skylights, evoking the feeling of ascending to a captain's deck. The seed of an idea was planted.

"It just kind of felt like a ship," Watman explains. Inspired by a nautical bar he'd frequented in Los Angeles, The Brig, he and his then-partner, Andreas, decided to embrace the maritime theme. The name "The Folly," a term often associated with nautical adventures and unexpected journeys, felt like a perfect fit.

While the nautical theme is undeniably striking – think rich wood, brass accents, and porthole-like windows – The Folly's success isn't solely reliant on aesthetics. It's a carefully curated blend of atmosphere, quality, and unique features that keeps patrons coming back.

The space itself is designed for conviviality. Cozy nooks and booths offer intimate spaces for conversation, while the back room, with its DJ sets on weekends, provides a lively, yet not overwhelming, dance floor. The absence of a cover charge and the willingness to accommodate reservations without minimum spends (when space allows) are deliberate choices, reflecting a commitment to accessibility.

But perhaps the most unexpected draw is a relic of a bygone era: a vintage chemical photo booth. One of the few remaining in the city that still develops actual film strips, it offers a tangible, nostalgic memento of a night out. "It's part of the bar now," Watman says, noting the machine's sheer size and the fact that it was brought in piecemeal. The New York Times even plan to release an article on this photobooth.

The Folly's commitment to quality extends beyond the atmosphere. The menu eschews standard pub fare, offering elevated dishes with a distinct seafood focus. Think shrimp nachos, salt cod tater tots, and, of course, expertly prepared fish and chips. The cocktail list is equally considered, with a signature frozen Painkiller – a potent, tropical concoction dispensed from a slushy machine – holding a place of honor.

The details, too, contribute to the overall effect. A striking collage of tea-dyed anatomical illustrations, sourced from an old medical journal and meticulously applied to the walls near the restrooms, adds an unexpected artistic touch. Murals by local New York artists further enhance the space. The art found at the Folly are all by artists from New York City.

The Folly's layout, with its distinct zones – the main bar area, the more flexible center room, and the intimate, skylit mezzanine – makes it a popular choice for private events. From birthday parties to corporate gatherings, the venue can accommodate groups of up to 200, offering open bar packages and customizable food platters. Watman notes that the venue has hosted its share of celebrity gatherings, though he remains discreet about specifics.

The Folly's location in Greenwich Village is integral to its identity. "It's an iconic area," Watman says, highlighting the neighborhood's rich history and proximity to landmarks like Washington Square Park. He mentions the area's storied past, noting that luminaries like Bob Dylan and Anna Wintour once resided within blocks of the bar.

In a city saturated with options, The Folly offers something increasingly rare: a sense of place and personality. It's a bar that feels both timeless and relevant, a testament to the power of thoughtful design, quality offerings, and a genuine connection to its neighborhood. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best discoveries are the ones that feel like they've been there all along, waiting to be found. Whether it's the unique cocktails, vintage photobooth, or the incredible nautical design, The Folly has something to offer everyone.