Stuyvesant Square Spotlight: The Winslow

A neighborhood bar and restaurant rooted in hospitality and partnership has become a go-to meeting place for New Yorkers, supporting local organizations and fostering community on and around Stuyvesant Square.

By Nafissatou Yattassaye, SPNA

What began as a bold idea has grown into a neighborhood institution. The Winslow, founded by Mark Tafoya and Aidan Fogarty, has become one of 14th Street’s most distinctive gathering places, known for its gin-focused menu, comfort food, and strong ties to the local community. On any given evening, the space hums with conversation and clinking glasses, the kind of easy energy that invites people to stay a little longer than planned.

When Tafoya and Fogarty first opened their doors, they were met with skepticism. “People told us we were crazy, nobody drinks gin,” Tafoya recalls. But more than a decade later, The Winslow has proven otherwise, helping to popularize gin culture in New York City while building a loyal following. Gin, once a staple of British pub culture, has experienced a global resurgence in recent years, making The Winslow’s early focus on it feel especially prescient.

At a time when whiskey and tequila bars dominated the scene, the founders saw an opportunity. Inspired in part by the rise of gin and tonics in Spain, they introduced a different kind of bar experience to the neighborhood. Their partnership also reflects the city’s diversity: Tafoya brought experience from Arizona, while Fogarty, originally from Dublin, contributed both culinary expertise and a European sensibility.

“If we can lift someone’s mood, even just a little, then we’ve done our job,” says Mark Tafoya, co-founder of The Winslow.

(Photo by Nafissatou Yattassaye/SPNA)

From the beginning, The Winslow has aimed to be more than just a bar. That mission became especially clear during 2020, when the space remained a place where people could gather, celebrate, and reconnect during a difficult time for the city.

Today, The Winslow hosts everything from birthday parties and engagement celebrations to casual nights out with friends. For some, it has marked major life moments. Couples who met there have gone on to marry, and regulars have formed lasting friendships. A few devoted patrons have even tattooed the restaurant’s logo, a testament to the sense of belonging it inspires.

“This is what makes me happy,” Tafoya says. “It’s what makes me feel good about the work I’m doing.”

That commitment extends beyond the restaurant’s walls. The Winslow actively partners with local organizations, including the 14th Street Y, Union Square groups, and the Stuyvesant Park Neighborhood Association. The team regularly supports neighborhood efforts by hosting volunteer gatherings, contributing gift cards, and showing up for community events while prioritizing collaboration over competition.

“Some businesses go to war with their neighbors,” Tafoya says. “We believe that whatever lifts the neighborhood lifts all of us.”

Their location on 14th Street is no accident. Tafoya describes it as a natural meeting point, easily accessible from across Manhattan and Brooklyn, and a place where different communities intersect. With multiple subway lines converging nearby, The Winslow has become a convenient and welcoming hub for New Yorkers across the city.

The restaurant’s partnership with SPNA reflects this shared commitment. From supporting park events to engaging with local residents, The Winslow continues to play an active role in neighborhood life.

SPNA has also experienced The Winslow’s hospitality firsthand. At a recent volunteer meetup at the restaurant, the space delivered exactly what it promised: a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where people could connect and unwind. Standout menu favorites include fried pickles, crispy, tangy, and served with tartar sauce, and the loaded veggie chili nachos, topped with house-made three-bean chili, cheddar, jalapeños, and tomatoes. It’s the kind of place that makes it easy to linger, whether meeting neighbors for the first time or catching up with old friends.

At its core, the philosophy is simple: create a space where people feel good. “If we can lift someone’s mood, even just a little, then we’ve done our job,” Tafoya says.

As Stuyvesant Square continues to evolve, The Winslow remains a steady presence, bringing people together, one gathering at a time.

Visit Mark and the team at The Winslow, located at 243 East 14th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues. Follow the Winslow @thewinslownyc and SPNA @spna_nyc for updates and neighborhood stories. This story is part of Stuyvesant Square Spotlight, SPNA’s series highlighting the local businesses, people, and places that shape this neighborhood.