Pal Joey’s, located at 2245 Washington St. in Jamestown, has closed its doors after 33 years in business. Owner Mary Pintagro thanked her many customers for years of loyal service. P-J photo by Jay Young

The easiest way to spot a newcomer at Pal Joey’s was that they entered through the front doors. That’s because, according to owner Mary Pintagro, those who frequented the 2245 Washington St. bar and restaurant always came in through the back.

“It was just one large party,” said Pintagro, who announced that Pal Joey’s had closed its doors after more than 33 years in business in Jamestown. “People were always glad to see others come back. It just had that atmosphere.”

Pintagro said her husband, Joe, had always dreamed of owning a bar and restaurant. That dream came true in 1987, when the pair opened Pal Joey’s.

“My husband had one dream,” she said, “and that was to have a place where your girlfriend or wife could walk in by themselves and feel safe. It was just this nice little bar.”

Joe Pintagro died in 2011, and Mary Pintagro said her goal was to keep the business going as her husband would have wanted. The place was known for its chicken wings; among the notable flavors was the Long Island wing sauce — a concoction Pintagro said was “a little hard to explain” but was famous at Pal Joey’s.

In a message posted Tuesday morning to Facebook, she wrote:

“When customers become friends and friends become family you know that you have created something really special. There is no denying that Pal’s has been a special place in all of our lives.

“So it is with great sadness that we share with you that Pal Joey’s will not be re-opening. Although our initial shutdown was mandated due to COVID, this is not the reason we are closing. After 33 years of serving our community it is just time for us to say farewell. This decision was not one that came easily, but we feel it is the right one.

“Words can not express how grateful we are to each and every one of our loyal customers and friends. You were with us through the ups and downs, and helped support us for more than three decades!

“Pal’s did not have employees, we had family. And most of that family has been with us from the start! Without you, there would have been no Pal’s. Thank you for all that you have done, for making this place like home for so many! We are truly lucky to have had each of you, past and present, as part of this family.

“This is undoubtedly the end of an era, and such a hard goodbye. We will always remember the good times down at Pal Joey’s, where everybody really does know your name.”

Pintagro said no immediate plans for the building have been made. She alluded to the first in many “small steps” that are taking place.

“I just want to thank everyone for making my husband’s dream become possible and for being so loyal,” she said. “I loved them all.”