Mugz’s, as we know it, has been a place full of memories, laughter and joy. For years and generations of Fordham University students, it wasn’t just a bar, it was a go-to place of comfort where students could go and relieve stress and blow off steam. The neon lights, sticky floors and familiar playlists provided more than just a night out; they created a sense of community. Whether it was Thursday night karaoke, post-midterm celebrations or the first place you went with new friends during your first year of college, Mugz’s was woven into the student experience at Rose Hill.
But unfortunately, all of this is coming to an end. On April 2, Daniel Morse — known as “Suits” — announced on Instagram that Mugz’s would be closing its doors after being in business for decades. The message was clear and somber: Management had tried to secure a lease that would keep Mugz’s alive, but the rising rent prices made it impossible to stay open.
“The proposed rent would make it impossible for us to sustain the business,” Suits wrote, expressing disappointment and appreciation for the decades of support.
Students were also quick to respond. Not much later, the Instagram account @SaveMugz appeared almost overnight. With over 1,200 followers and counting, its mission is boldly stated in its bio: “save mugz.” While little information has been released about the campaign’s next steps, the account represents unwavering support from some Fordham students and a clear desire to preserve a vital part of Fordham’s social culture. In my opinion, Mugz’s closure is truly tragic as it is a landmark that encapsulates the spirit of student life and countless memories made on off-campus grounds. It is undeniable that Mugz’s closure is a definitive step in losing such an iconic place that’s part of Fordham’s identity.
The Mugz’s closure is not an isolated event; it marks the latest in a string of establishment shutdowns that have reshaped the Fordham bar scene. Within the last year, two other student staples, Cantina and Last Call Bar & Grill, also closed.
This chain of events includes the closure of other prominent bars around the Bronx such as Glacken’s Bar and Grill. The Glacken’s website said of the closure, “Glacken’s Bar and Grill, a beloved local watering hole, celebrated its final weekend of operation after 84 years in business. The establishment, located on 149th street, first opened its doors in 1940 and became a popular gathering spot for police officers, sanitation workers and other municipal employees.”
These closures have left a void not only in nightlife options, but also in the collective student identity at Fordham, and goes to show the current economic conditions of the Bronx and the rising prices in rent, which make living conditions unbearable.
For many, these bars were more than just a place to grab a drink; they were pillars of social life on and off campus. They provided spaces for students to gather, relax and celebrate milestones together. Their disappearance signals a shift in the landscape that once defined student weekends.
Part of the problem lies in the complicated relationship these bars have had with licensing and regulations. The histories of these establishments are peppered with challenges involving alcohol permits and compliance with New York City codes. These regulatory hurdles, combined with the rapidly increasing cost of rent in the Bronx, have made it increasingly difficult for student-friendly venues to survive. In response to this growing crisis, students and local supporters have turned their attention toward preserving what’s left.
One such effort centers around Barnyard BBQ, a restaurant and bar located not far from campus. Once overlooked as a go-to hangout spot, Barnyard has recently become the focus of revitalization efforts. A petition circulating among students encourages the Fordham community to “reclaim Barnyard” and turn it into a new hub for student life. The initiative has gained traction, with some even suggesting hosting themed nights, live music and Fordham-sponsored events to boost its appeal. In fact, a recent article in The Fordham Ram detailed a shift, highlighting the potential of Barnyard to become more than just a backup option. As students lose beloved hangout establishments like Mugz’s, there’s a renewed interest in making the remaining spaces thrive both as social environments and as safe, welcoming places for students to unwind.
Still, the loss of Mugz’s hits hard. There’s a certain nostalgia wrapped up in the place that’s difficult to replicate. Alumni share stories of meeting lifelong friends, celebrating birthdays and dancing through the night. For other students, there’s disappointment in never getting the chance to make these memories for themselves. The closure marks the end of an era.
Looking ahead, the future of the Fordham bar scene remains uncertain. While students are making active efforts to preserve and reinvent what remains, the broader forces of gentrification, rising rent and licensing complications continue to present obstacles. Yet, in the face of these challenges, the Fordham community remains resilient. Whether through grassroots campaigns like SaveMugz, petitions to revive Barnyard BBQ or future ventures that haven’t even been imagined yet, the spirit of Fordham nightlife will live on — as a shell of its former self. Despite Mugz’s potential demise, its legacy will endure in the hearts, stories and efforts of the students who danced, laughed and lived within its walls.
Eduardo Mateo, FCRH ’28, is a political science major from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
