Where was Goodfellas filmed?

As a boy, Henry (Christopher Serrone), from East New York, Brooklyn, was fascinated by the Lucchese crime family gangsters in his neighborhood. In one memorable scene, we see a young Henry observing the suave mobsters from his bedroom window, their allure triggering his decision to quit school in 1955 and join their ranks.

This scene was filmed at 24-09 32nd Street, just south of 24th Avenue, in Astoria, Queens, which served as the ‘Brooklyn’ home of young Henry. The area is predominantly residential and the house gives a perfect view of the street where the sharp-suited gangsters would park their Cadillacs. However, over the years, many filming locations from Goodfellas have either closed down or been demolished. This includes the building opposite the Hill family home, which was depicted as the Pitkin Ave Cab Co run by Tuddy Cicero, where Henry lands his first job.

Unfortunately, the house is privately owned and not open for public viewing or tours. However, fans wishing to visit the exterior can reach Astoria by subway. Trains stop at Astoria-Ditmars Boulevard, which is a short walk from the location.

Henry (Ray Liotta) takes his soon-to-be wife, Karen (Lorraine Bracco), to the Copacabana club. Despite her discomfort with Henry's criminal career, Karen finds herself drawn to the dangerous allure of his lifestyle.

The Copacabana, located at 10 East 60th Street at Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, is depicted as a hotspot for the couple, who frequent it two to three times a week. This location is particularly memorable due to the iconic tracking shot of Henry leading Karen through the club's kitchen entrance, a moment that makes a lasting impression on Karen.

Interestingly, the Copacabana has a rich history within the film industry, having been featured in other notable works such as Scorsese’s Raging Bull and Brian De Palma’s Carlito’s Way. However, the club closed its doors in 1992, and Avra Madison now occupies the premises. Avra Madison is an upscale Greek seafood restaurant renowned for its fresh fish by the pound, villa-style decor, and expansive outdoor seating.

Visitors can take the N, Q, or R trains to 59th Street—Lexington Avenue station or the 4 or 6 trains to 59th Street station to reach Avra Madison. From there, it's a short walk to the restaurant on 60th Street between Madison and Fifth Avenues.

One of the movie’s most memorable scenes is the lavish wedding ceremony of Henry and Karen. The scene showcases the luxury and extravagance of their mafia lifestyle, with guests showering the newlyweds with financial gifts.

The filming location for this grand reception was the Oriental Manor, located at 1818 86th Street in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. This building was once a famous catering hall for hosting weddings and events. Interestingly, the Oriental Manor was also known for its ghost stories, with staff and locals frequently reporting unexplained footsteps and doors opening and closing independently.

However, the Oriental Manor closed its doors in 2007, and the building has since been converted into a department store called American Place. While the original venue no longer exists, fans of Goodfellas can still visit the exterior of the building.

To reach American Place, take the D train to 20th Avenue station and walk to 86th Street. Hiring a car is also recommended to visit all filming sites at once. Remember to respect the privacy and business operations of the current occupants when visiting.

In December 1978, Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro) and his crew successfully pull off a record $6,000,000 heist from the Lufthansa cargo terminal at JFK International Airport. The post-heist celebration occurs at Neir's Tavern in Queens, where Jimmy welcomes Henry and chastises his crew for spending their newfound wealth too quickly.

Neir's Tavern, where this iconic scene was filmed, is one of the oldest bars in the United States, with an operation history dating back to 1829. The bar became a speakeasy during Prohibition and entertained many patrons from the nearby Union Course racetrack.

Although it's unconfirmed if the real-life gangsters depicted in Goodfellas frequented Neir's Tavern, the bar undeniably holds a significant place in the film's history, with a large chunk of the movie shot on location there. The tavern's connection with Goodfellas and its rich history draws tourists from worldwide. In 2017, renowned chef Anthony Bourdain even featured Neir's Tavern on his show Parts Unknown.

Fans of Goodfellas can visit Neir's Tavern, located in Woodhaven, Queens. To get there, take the train to 104th Street station, then walk to the corner of 78th Street and 88th Avenue. The bar remains open for visitors, offering a unique opportunity to step into a piece of cinematic and local history.

Henry meets Jimmy at a diner, where they wait for a call about Tommy (Joe Pesci). Jimmy asks Henry to travel on a hit assignment, but Henry becomes suspicious of the unusual request. Realizing Jimmy's plot to eliminate him, Henry opts to place his family in the witness protection program and collaborate as an informant.

The filming location for this pivotal scene was the Clinton Diner in New York, a chrome and neon-accented eatery known for its classic diner fare and all-day breakfast. Unfortunately, the diner, located at 56-26 Maspeth Ave., is now permanently closed due to a fire in 2018 that caused significant damage.

Initially opened in the early ‘60s under the name Clinton Diner, it was later renamed GoodFellas Diner by its owners. The renaming was a nod to the iconic movie scene filmed there. Over the years, the diner served as a set for various other movies, TV shows, music videos, and commercials, including The Americans, The Good Wife, Six Ways to Sunday, and Elementary.

Although the diner is no longer open, fans can still visit the exterior of the building. To get there, take the Q59 bus to Rust Street/Grand Avenue or the Q39 bus to Rust St/57 Dr, then walk a short distance to Maspeth Avenue.