“One block east of the New Penn R.R. Depot” says the caption of the postcard advertising Rieboldt’s a bar and restaurant, established in 1880. This small fragment of Commerce Street, located in the Ironbound, runs east for one block from the rear of Penn Station to Raymond Blvd. The site of Rieboldt’s has been absorbed into a large parking lot.
Newark's Attic 
Rieboldt’s Tavern was eventually acquired by an alleged organized syndicate for the purpose of operating gambling and prostitution services for the booming Port Newark shipping and airport operations. Later known as “The Commerce Longe” the tavern hosted several celebrities including Lou Costello and Red Fox who was arrested in a side alley for participating in an illegal game of craps. The Commerce Lounge was also the 1972 location of an alleged “Mob Hit,” where a drug kingpin was seriously wounded and his bodyguard was killed instantly via a barrage of 19 semi-automatic weapon shots. The Commerce Lounge notoriously hosted parties for local and state elected officials through 1987 when the site was sold to a developer and subsequently level to expand a parking lot.
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Fascinating, thank you for taking the time to write. Always something to learn !
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When it was The Commerce Lounge my mom managed it for about 20 or so years. Her name was Cinnamon and was very well known. Frank was the owner and he had one leg. Remember going in there after school to see my mom on my way home from school.
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Hi Nichole
I believe your mother and I were neighbors when she lived on MLK Blvd. in Jay Johnson’s house. I remember meeting you and your sister. I called her Cynthia. If you wish to email further I can be reached at johnlipari@aol.com.
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