ABOUT US
A good bar is more than just a place to drink and eat, it is the center of a community that is anchored by the space itself and those involved in its creation. Ward III was founded in June of 2009 by three journeymen bartenders who took their individual ideas on what makes a bar good and combined them in an attempt to make something great.
The result is a beautiful amalgam of casual neighborhood bar, swanky cocktail den, serious whisk(e)y bar, and an all-around vibrant joint where the music is awesome, the service is genuine, and everyone is welcome.
The name Ward III was chosen to honor Tribeca (current site of New York's former political Ward #3), and to reflect the three operating partners who have worked in this neighborhood for so long. We are always open to 4am, serving food and drinks to people from Tribeca and beyond.
Any time you're downtown, please feel free to stop in.
Michael Neff
Proprietor
Mr. Neff opened bespoke cocktail bar Ward III in Tribeca in 2009, which features over 150 brown spirits. He opened The Rum House a year and a half later, because Times Square needs good cocktails too. Mr. Neff's bars and cocktails have been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, and many others. He also writes a weekly column about whisk(e)y, cocktails and the culture of bartending for SeriousEats.com entitled "From Behind the Bar." Mr. Neff lives in Brooklyn with a very patient wife, and two daughters who both have cocktails named after them.
Kenneth McCoy
Proprietor
Mr. McCoy was literally raised in the New York bar business; his father owned four bars in Manhattan in the 70's and 80's, and Kenneth began his career working in them. With over eighteen years in the business, he has worked at some of the most renowned spirits bars in New York, including The Bridge Cafe and Dylan Prime. Currently a partner at Ward III in Tribeca, Mr. McCoy is quickly gaining noteriety for his brown-spirit cocktails, particularly those made with Single Malt Scotch. This year, he holds the title of Iron Bartender 2010 and 2011.
Abdul Tabini
Proprietor
Born in Casablanca, Mr. Tabini immigrated to New York City and procured a position as Barback at one of New York's most storied bars, The Odeon in Tribeca. Within six months, he had earned the title of Bartender, and spent the next fourteen years as The Odeon's primary bartender and mixologist. He currently brings his years of experience to Ward III, where he is a co-proprietor with Mr. Neff and Mr. McCoy. His cocktails have been featured in books and articles, and he has won cocktail competitions with Stoli Ohranj, Gran Marnier, and 10-Cane Rum.