Exploring the Filming Locations of 'Saturday Night Fever'

Saturday Night Fever, a classic 1977 film directed by John Badham, captured the essence of New York City's disco culture. The film, based on the memoir 'Stayin' Alive' by Nik Cohn, takes viewers to the gritty yet vibrant neighborhoods of Brooklyn and Queens. Here, we delve into the locations where John Travolta's character, Tony Manero, brought to life the energy and spirit of the '70s disco scene.

Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

Bay Ridge, a neighborhood in southwestern Brooklyn, serves as the primary setting for the film. Many of the iconic scenes were shot here, transforming a slice of New York life into an unforgettable summer backdrop.

1. Stayin' Alive - 86th Street, Bay Ridge

The opening scene sees Tony Manero swagger down 86th Street, Bay Ridge. His hometown can be found at the intersection of 86th Street and Bay 20th Street in Bensonhurst. This bustling street was chosen for its authenticity, capturing the essence of working-class Brooklyn life.

2. Lenny's Pizza - 1969 86th Street, Bay Ridge

Captured during a pivotal scene, Tony Manero is seen buying a double-decker pizza at Lenny's Pizza. While the original location may look different over the years, the restaurant still stands, serving up fresh and delicious pizza. Visitors can still enjoy the same flavors that were a staple of the film's soundtrack.

3. Bay Ridge Home Center - 7305 Fifth Avenue, Bay Ridge

Bay Ridge Home Center, where Tony Manero works, is the hardware store mentioned in the film. Despite being renovated, it remains a functional hardware store. A visit to this location provides a glimpse into the real-life setting of the film's romantic scenes.

4. Phillips Dance Studio - 1301 West Seventh Street, Bensonhurst

A key location for the film's dance scenes, Phillips Dance Studio, still operates in Bensonhurst. Here, Tony meets Stephanie Mangano, played by Karen Lynn Gorney, for the first time. The studio's continued operation ensures that the film's love story remains poignant and relatable.

5. Kelly's Tavern - 9259 Fourth Avenue, Bay Ridge

Another site of pivotal interaction between the characters, Kelly's Tavern is now a car dealership, but the location remains. The elderly couple walks past this tavern in one memorable scene. While the tavern itself is no longer there, the car dealership continues to serve as a tribute to the film's enduring appeal.

6. Manero House - 221 79th Street, Bay Ridge

The Manero house, a middle-class woodland house in Bay Ridge, stands as a symbol of Tony's neighborhood. The home has undergone a thorough makeover, but it remains recognizable as the same location. This house represents the essence of the character's journey and aspirations.

7. Spectrum - 802 64th Street, Bay Ridge

The iconic disco Spectrum, where Tony Manero performs, is now gone. The club operated as 2001 Odyssey before becoming Spectrum for gay men, and has since closed. Sadly, the disco was demolished, but it remains a significant part of the film's legacy, symbolizing the height of the '70s disco era.

8. Verrazano Narrows Bridge

Finally, the Verrazano Narrows Bridge serves as a setting for Tony's macho boasts. This iconic bridge, which connects Brooklyn to Staten Island, plays a symbolic role in the film, representing the boundaries that characters cross in their pursuit of identity and happiness.

If you're a fan of Saturday Night Fever, visiting these locations can be a thrilling experience. These sites not only offer a physical connection to the film but also serve as a reminder of the cultural impact it had on New York City and beyond.