Gambino Mob History

Welcome to the “Teflon Don” headquarters, where you’ll find that the tiled floors are the only original interiors left in this 1887 building. Mobsters, including Lucky Luciano, Carlo Gambino, and John Gotti, paraded across that floor.

The address’s history as a mob “social club” began in 1926 when it was named “The Nights of Alto Social Club.” In the 1960s, Carlo Gambino bought the building and changed its name to “The Ravenite.” When Gambino died in 1976, he had presided over a vast underworld empire that brought in $500 Million per year through loan sharking, gambling, narcotics, and strong-armed construction contracts. On his deathbed, Gambio picked Paul Castellano as his successor.

Castellano held the top spot as “Don” until John Gotti had him rubbed out in 1985. The hit occurred at “Sparks Steakhouse” on 46th Street, just east of 3rd Avenue. Yes, you can still eat there!

After murdering his way to the top, Gotti made The Ravenite his headquarters. He held court there until 1990, when he was arrested outside the building. In 1997, the US Marshal service threw the club out for good.