Neir's Tavern Parking Guide
Neir’s Tavern stands at 87-48 78th Street in the Woodhaven neighborhood of Queens, New York. In continuous operation since 1829, this historic tavern attracts visitors for its heritage, neighborhood trivia nights, community events, and cultural connection to classic film history. Because the venue sits on a residential corner rather than inside a commercial entertainment district, planning your trip requires a different approach than heading to a major destination like the Barclays Center parking facilities or the expansive options detailed in our Javits Center parking guide.
Neir's Tavern does not have an official parking lot, private garage, or dedicated on-site parking stalls. Visitors must rely on free residential street parking along surrounding side streets (such as 78th Street, 79th Street, and 89th Avenue) or commercial metered spots on Jamaica Avenue. Street parking is shared directly with local residents and governed by New York City parking regulations, so arriving drivers should budget 15 to 20 minutes to find a curbside space or choose public transit via the MTA Subway J or Z trains to Forest Parkway, which sits just a 6-minute walk away.
Parking Snapshot: Quick Answer Before You Go
Neir’s Tavern has no private on-site lot or garage. Visitors park along residential side streets for free or use metered parking along Jamaica Avenue, while the subway remains the most reliable transit option.
Official Source Verification
Parking information can change by event, date, traffic control, construction, operator, or season. VenueGuideHQ checks the latest available official source before publishing each guide.
How We Check Parking Information
VenueGuideHQ relies on clear source hierarchy to maintain factual accuracy:
- Direct operational disclosures from the venue.
- Verified municipal records and official agency rules from the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
- Practical neighborhood ground checks and site evaluations.
We clearly separate three tiers of information across our articles:
- Confirmed Facts: The tavern operates with zero private off-street parking, valet is not offered, nearby street meters are governed by NYC DOT rules, and subway access is available along Jamaica Avenue.
- Unclear or Variable Details: Daily curbside availability varies by hour, evening residential demand, weather, and citywide Alternate Side Parking suspensions.
- Recommendations: Practical steps to help you avoid parking tickets, such as dropping off passengers before parking and verifying curbside signage on the exact block you use.
Official Parking Overview
Neir’s Tavern has occupied its wooden-frame structure at the corner of 78th Street and 89th Avenue since the early 19th century. Because the building is situated squarely within a residential and local commercial zoning overlay, there is no private parking lot, attached underground garage, or customer vehicle facility on the property.
- No Valet Service: Neir’s Tavern does not provide valet parking. Third-party valet teams do not operate along these residential residential streets.
- Commercial Vehicle & Bus Restrictions: Full-size motorcoaches, tour buses, and RVs cannot park on the surrounding residential blocks. Streets in this area are narrow one-way roads with tight intersections. NYC traffic rules also prohibit overnight commercial parking on residential streets.
- Public Curbside Dependency: All drivers visiting Neir's Tavern must share public curbside spaces with neighborhood residents or park at metered spaces along commercial arteries.
Best Parking Options for Most Visitors
Drivers and visitors to Woodhaven have four distinct ways to reach the tavern, ranging from unmetered residential parking to public transit.
Residential Side Streets
Best for: Evening pub visits and diners seeking free parking
- Located on 78th St, 79th St, 88th Ave, and 89th Ave (1 to 3-minute walk)
- Free public parking with no hourly meters
- Subject to NYC Alternate Side Parking street-cleaning rules
- Must keep 15 feet clear of hydrants and avoid blocking driveways
Jamaica Avenue Meters
Best for: Lunch stops and quick daytime visits
- Located along Jamaica Ave between 76th St and Forest Pkwy (2 to 4-minute walk)
- Regulated by standard NYC DOT multi-space parking meters
- Payable via physical curbside machines or the ParkNYC mobile app
- Meters are generally active Monday through Saturday; usually unmetered on Sundays
Remote Garages with Transit
Best for: Drivers who prefer guaranteed off-street facilities
- Commercial garages located in downtown Jamaica or along Queens Blvd
- Requires a 10 to 15-minute connection via subway or rideshare
- Eliminates street-sweeping and residential driveway parking worries
- Incurs standard commercial daily parking rates
MTA Subway & Bus Transit
Best for: Avoiding parking searches and enjoying pub drinks
- J and Z train service to 85th St–Forest Pkwy (0.3 miles, 6-minute walk)
- Q56 bus stops at Jamaica Ave and 78th Street (1 block away)
- Standard MTA transit fare payable via contactless OMNY
- Operates 24/7 without vehicle traffic delays
Parking Prices and Payment
Because street parking is governed by the City of New York rather than the venue, parking costs depend on which street you select and what day you arrive.
| Option | Best for | Key note |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Side Streets | Evening diners & event visitors | Free; strictly governed by Alternate Side Parking street cleaning signs |
| Jamaica Avenue Meters | Daytime arrivals & quick lunches | Standard NYC DOT meter rates; pay via coins, card, or ParkNYC app |
| Commercial Garages (Remote) | Guaranteed off-street parking | Located 1+ miles away; requires short subway ride or rideshare link |
| MTA Subway & Local Buses | Worry-free visits & pub events | Standard base transit fare per person using OMNY tap-and-go |
Meter Payment with ParkNYC
If you park in a metered space along Jamaica Avenue or its immediate commercial cross-streets, you can pay using physical multi-space green meters with coins or credit cards. You can also pay remotely using the official ParkNYC mobile app. The app allows you to enter your parking zone number, select your vehicle plate, and extend your time up to the maximum allowable limit on that block without returning to your vehicle.
Enforcement and Violation Risks
New York City Department of Transportation and the NYPD strictly enforce residential and commercial parking rules. Common violations in Woodhaven include:
- Fire Hydrant Clearance: Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant carries an immediate fine and potential towing.
- Driveway Obstruction: Blocking even a small portion of a sloped curb cut leading to a private home or garage will trigger an immediate ticket and private tow.
- Street Sweeping: Parking during active Alternate Side Parking (ASP) hours without moving your car results in a city violation notice.
Accessible Parking
Neir’s Tavern does not have private off-street parking, meaning there are no venue-controlled ADA parking stalls.
Public curbside spaces on residential streets are open to general parking. New York City traffic regulations do not exempt general standard disability placards from local street parking restrictions. Only vehicles holding a valid NYC DOT Special Parking Identification Permit (SPIP) are granted specific municipal parking privileges in designated on-street areas. Unlike regional cultural destinations that maintain dedicated accessible surface stalls-such as those covered in our Brooklyn Museum parking guide-neighborhood venues require relying on city curbs.
For visitors with limited mobility, the practical choice is to arrange a curbside drop-off directly at the corner of 78th Street and 89th Avenue before the driver looks for a parking space. Sidewalk curb ramps are located at this corner, providing a level transition from the street to the entrance.
Rideshare and Drop-Off
Using rideshare services (such as Uber, Lyft, or local yellow/green cabs) removes the challenge of hunting for a residential parking space.
- Destination Pin: Set your drop-off destination directly to 87-48 78th St, Woodhaven, NY 11421.
- Preferred Drop-Off Location: Request that your driver pull up along the 89th Avenue curb of the corner rather than stopping on 78th Street. 78th Street is a narrow one-way residential roadway; stopping in the travel lane quickly blocks neighborhood traffic.
- Pick-Up Coordination: When leaving after an evening event, wait inside the tavern lobby until your vehicle has arrived at the curb. Woodhaven is a quiet residential neighborhood, so keeping outdoor conversations low late at night helps respect nearby residents.
Public Transit and Shuttle Options
Public transportation is often faster and more convenient than driving and circling for street parking. Neir’s Tavern does not operate private shuttles or charter vans, but municipal transit options stop within easy walking distance.
MTA Subway
- J Train & Z Train (Forest Parkway): Get off at the 85th St–Forest Pkwy station. Exit toward Jamaica Avenue, walk west along Jamaica Avenue to 78th Street, and walk one block north to 89th Avenue. Total walking distance is roughly 0.3 miles (a 6-minute walk).
- J Train & Z Train (Elderts Lane): You can also exit at the 75th St–Elderts Lane station. Walk east along Jamaica Avenue to 78th Street and turn north toward 89th Avenue. This route is roughly 0.4 miles (an 8-minute walk).
MTA Bus Lines
- Q56 Bus: Travels along Jamaica Avenue directly beneath the elevated subway line. Exit at the 78th Street stop and walk one short block north.
- Q11 & Q21 Buses: Run along Woodhaven Boulevard. Get off at Jamaica Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard, then walk approximately 5 blocks west to reach 78th Street.
What to Do if Parking Is Full
If the immediate blocks surrounding Neir’s Tavern are full when you arrive, use this step-by-step search strategy:
- Circle North Toward Forest Park: Drive north along 78th Street or 79th Street toward 88th Avenue, 87th Avenue, and Park Lane South. Blocks bordering the southern edge of Forest Park often have lower evening density and offer street parking within a 4 to 7-minute walk.
- Check Jamaica Avenue Commercial Spaces: If you arrive after 7:00 PM, commercial retail shops along Jamaica Avenue close, which regularly opens up curbside metered spaces. Verify posted signs to confirm when meter regulations end for the evening.
- Search South of Jamaica Avenue: Cross south across Jamaica Avenue and inspect the residential streets along 78th Street, 79th Street, and 80th Street down toward 91st Avenue.
- Avoid Private Strip-Mall Lots: Never leave your vehicle in private commercial lots or retail parking plazas along Jamaica Avenue. These lots carry strict customer-only parking limits and utilize 24-hour private towing companies.
Day-of Parking Tips From VenueGuideHQ
Make your arrival in Woodhaven straightforward by keeping these street-parking practices in mind.
- Check the daily Alternate Side Parking calendar. Review NYC 311 or the NYC DOT website on the morning of your trip to confirm whether street sweeping is suspended, helping you safely park on sweeping-restricted blocks without a ticket.
- Check clearance from fire hydrants and driveways. Step out of your vehicle to ensure your bumper is at least 15 feet away from fire hydrants and fully clear of sloped driveway cuts to prevent immediate city towing.
- Download the ParkNYC app in advance. Register your license plate and payment method before driving so you can pay for Jamaica Avenue meters straight from your table without feeding machines.
- Target 89th Avenue when circling. Drive along 89th Avenue rather than narrower side streets, giving you better visibility for open curbside spaces and avoiding one-way delivery bottlenecks.
- Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early for events. Community gatherings, trivia nights, and film anniversary events quickly fill nearby street spots, so early arrival secures spaces within a two-block walk.
- Choose the subway for evening pub visits. Taking the J or Z train to 85th St–Forest Pkwy eliminates circling residential streets and allows you to enjoy historic craft drafts without driving.
Category-Specific Arrival Tips: Historic Neighborhood Pub
- Community Trivia & Event Nights: Neir’s Tavern frequently organizes neighborhood trivia, historical discussions, comedy performances, and anniversary screenings celebrating its role in Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas. On these dates, interior seating reaches capacity quickly, and curbside parking within two blocks fills up by 6:30 PM.
- Temporary Filming & Street Event Closures: The immediate block of 78th Street in front of the building is occasionally closed for street fairs, landmark celebrations, or location filming. When closures occur, watch for temporary paper "No Parking" signs posted on street poles by the city.
- Residential Neighborhood Respect: Woodhaven is an established residential community with family homes framing the tavern. When leaving late at night, close car doors quietly, avoid revving engines, and keep conversation volume down on neighborhood sidewalks.
Before You Go Checklist
- [ ] Verified current day Alternate Side Parking (ASP) status via NYC 311.
- [ ] Installed and configured the ParkNYC mobile app on your smartphone.
- [ ] Scheduled your departure to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before your table reservation or event start time.
- [ ] Confirmed the destination address: 87-48 78th Street, Woodhaven, NY 11421.
- [ ] Checked MTA Subway service alerts for the J and Z lines.
- [ ] Identified secondary parking blocks along 88th Avenue and Park Lane South.
- [ ] Verified your parked vehicle sits at least 15 feet away from any fire hydrant.
- [ ] Checked that your tires and bumpers are completely clear of all private driveway cuts.
- [ ] Read the physical curbside metal parking signs on the exact block where you park.
- [ ] Planned for curbside drop-off along 89th Avenue if traveling with guests who have limited mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Neir’s Tavern have its own parking lot?
No. Neir’s Tavern does not have a private customer parking lot or garage. The building is a historic 1829 landmark on a residential street corner, so all visitors driving to the pub park on surrounding public streets.
Where is the best place to park when visiting Neir’s Tavern?
The best parking option is residential street parking along 78th Street, 79th Street, or 89th Avenue within a 1 to 3-minute walk. If those residential streets are full, commercial metered parking on Jamaica Avenue is the next closest option.
Is street parking free near Neir’s Tavern?
Yes, parking along surrounding residential side streets is free of charge. You must, however, obey posted New York City Alternate Side Parking (street sweeping) signs and maintain proper clearance from hydrants and driveways.
How do parking meters work on Jamaica Avenue?
Meters along Jamaica Avenue are governed by standard NYC DOT parking rates. They generally operate Monday through Saturday from morning until 7:00 PM and are usually unmetered on Sundays. Drivers can pay at curbside meters or via the ParkNYC mobile app.
Can I reserve a parking space in advance for Neir’s Tavern?
No. Because there are no commercial parking garages in the immediate Woodhaven residential blocks, parking reservations are not available. Curbside spaces operate strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.
What subway train stops closest to Neir’s Tavern?
The MTA Subway J and Z lines stop at 85th St–Forest Pkwy (a 6-minute walk, roughly 0.3 miles away) and 75th St–Elderts Lane (an 8-minute walk, roughly 0.4 miles away).
Is accessible ADA parking available at Neir’s Tavern?
There are no dedicated off-street ADA parking stalls at the tavern. Visitors traveling with guests who use wheelchairs or mobility aids should complete a curbside drop-off at the corner of 78th Street and 89th Avenue, where sidewalk ramps are installed.
What is the penalty for blocking a driveway near the tavern?
Blocking any portion of an active residential driveway in Woodhaven results in a steep NYC parking violation ticket and often leads to the homeowner requesting an immediate private tow at the vehicle owner's expense.
Where should rideshare drivers drop off passengers?
Direct your driver to pull up along the curb on 89th Avenue right at the 78th Street corner. Dropping off on 89th Avenue prevents blocking one-way traffic on narrower 78th Street.
What should I do if all residential street parking is full?
If immediate residential blocks are full, expand your search northward toward Forest Park and Park Lane South, or check Jamaica Avenue meters, which frequently open up after retail businesses close in the evening.
Conclusion
Visiting Neir’s Tavern offers an authentic historic New York pub experience, but its residential Woodhaven setting means you must plan ahead for parking. Because there is no on-site lot, finding a spot requires circling neighborhood side streets for free parking or using metered spaces along Jamaica Avenue. Arriving 20 minutes before your planned reservation gives you ample time to locate a space, verify street-cleaning signs, and ensure your vehicle is parked safely clear of hydrants and driveways. For visits during weekend evenings, trivia nights, or film screenings, taking the MTA J or Z subway train to Forest Parkway offers the most reliable way to arrive without vehicle delays.
Parking information can change by event, date, season, traffic control, construction, and parking operator. Always confirm the latest parking details on the official venue, airport, park, attraction, city, transportation, parking operator, organizer, or event website before you leave. Information is checked for 2026 where available, but official sources should always be treated as the final authority.