"Mohawk Tavern" changes name

New Windsor Terrace bar drops ‘Mohawk Tavern’ name after locals and Native Americans deem it offensive

The firestorm over the Prospect Ave. pub erupted last week following its April 29 opening, which spurred dozens of locals to call for the name to be axed on a local website.

By Natalie MusumeciA newly opened “upstate”-themed bar in Windsor Terrace christened “Mohawk Tavern” in April has dropped the name after locals and Native Americans cried foul.

“Once we heard the comments and people of Native American ancestry come in and say it was offensive, we figured it would be best to change the name out of respect for them,” said owner Paul Hamill, who will switch the pub’s name to
“Adirondacks” in honor of the park and mountain range.

The firestorm over the Prospect Ave. pub erupted last week following its April 29 opening, which spurred dozens of locals to call for the name to be axed on a local website.

Many said that naming a bar after an Iroquois tribe that has endured centuries of alcoholism was insensitive.