Katz's Delicatessen, 1888
Established in 1888 by a Russian immigrant family in the Lower East Side, this iconic New York City eatery caters to a mixed clientele of tourists, residents and loyal patrons. Katz's Delicatessen upholds the time-honored legacy of Jewish kosher deli fare. Its renowned pastrami, corned beef and salami are all cured on premises and doled out in generous, hand-cut portions. Customers can opt for table service or place their orders at the counter.
Katz's Delicatessen had a legendary cameo of sorts in the 1989 romantic comedy, "When Harry Met Sally." A sign marks the table where lead actors Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan performed. It evokes the scene's most memorable line with the humorous declaration, "Where Harry met Sally...hope you have what she had!"
Katz's Delicatessen
205 E. Houston St.
New York, NY 10002
(212) 254-2246
katzdeli.com
Keen's Steakhouse, 1885
Keen's Steakhouse is an enduring New York City establishment that is fiercely loyal to its Victorian-era roots. The restaurant is appointed with dark paneled walls, chandeliers and network of banquet rooms. When it opened in 1885, Keen's Steakhouse was a gentlemen-only club until actress Lillie Langtry successfully sued for her right to dine there in 1905.
The menu offers a broad selection of unfussy cuts of beef, but mutton chops are the main draw at this steakhouse. Mutton chops have a reputation for being tough and gamy, but the dish at Keen's Steakhouse is coveted for its tenderness and delicate flavor. Although listed on the menu as a mutton chop, the meat served is a 26 oz. lamb chop.
Keen's Steakhouse
72 W. 36th St.
New York, NY 10018
(212) 947-3636
keens.com
Old Homestead Steakhouse, 1868
The Meatpacking District location is a business advantage for the Old Homestead Steakhouse. The restaurant claims it gets preferential treatment from butchers and that its chefs have first pick privilege in procuring meat. While it may not be revered for its dining ambiance, the Old Homestead Steakhouse is widely known for its large cuts of meat and proportionally large appetizers and side dishes. Regular customers affectionately refer to the mammoth-sized shrimp as "small bananas."
Although the neighborhood has grown progressively trendy over the years, the Old Homestead Steakhouse is a Meatpacking District mainstay that holds onto its relevancy. The restaurant was the first location in America to serve the Japanese specialty, Kobe beef.
Old Homestead Steakhouse
56 9th Ave.
New York, NY 10011
(212) 242-9040
theoldhomesteadsteakhouse.com
Landmark Tavern, 1868
The Landmark Tavern in Hell's Kitchen almost became a casualty of long-term mismanagement when it was temporarily closed in 2004. But in 2005, the restaurant underwent a transformation when it was acquired by proprietors Michael Young and Donnchadh O'Sullivan. Once an infamous dive bar, the Landmark Tavern has been given a second life as a dignified gastropub. The menu lists Anglo-Irish dishes like shepherd's pie, fish and chips, and bangers-and-mash alongside more exotic cuisine like spring rolls and vegetable dumplings. In addition to offering a prolific menu, owners Young and O'Sullivan renovated the facility to tastefully evoke its nineteenth century past.
The Landmark Tavern has been a resilient presence on New York's west-side waterfront. Before its brief closure in 2004, the business survived Prohibition when its third floor operated illegally as a speakeasy.
Landmark Tavern
626 11th Ave.
New York, NY 10036
(212) 247-2562
thelandmarktavern.org
Pete's Tavern, 1864
Pete's Tavern is a Gramercy Park establishment that luxuriates in its storied past. An official historic landmark adorns its exterior. Its' in-house brew, 1864 Ale, commemorates its first year of operation. And the institution reverently touts literary luminary O. Henry as its most notable patron. In fact, the author is said to have been such a bar fixture that he wrote "Gift of the Magi" while sitting in his favorite booth. Pete's Tavern is outfitted with antique-style furnishings such as a tin ceiling, dark wood and light fixtures that resemble gas lamps. In addition to making numerous appearances in advertisements and national commercials, Pete's Tavern has acted as a backdrop for New York-centric shows such as "Sex and the City" and "Law and Order."
Today, a largely Italian-American menu distinguishes Pete's Tavern from other bars that serve food. Unpretentious items like burgers and wings can still be had at Pete's Tavern.
Pete's Tavern
129 E. 18th St.
New York, NY 10003
(212) 473-7676
petestavern.com
McSorley's Old Ale House, 1854
Former American presidents Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt are said to have imbibed at this historic watering hole in the East Village. The walls of McSorley's Old Ale House are bedecked with New York artifacts, like newspaper articles, period photographs, political paraphernalia and other curiosities. New York's oldest Irish tavern has been resistant to change over the years. The managers continue the antiquated practice of covering the floors with sawdust and women have only been allowed to enter since 1970.
The central appeal of McSorley's is its colorful, reminiscent environment. Its menu is limited to a rotation of daily specials and its draft options are just as austere. The old-fashioned saloon only has two kinds of beer on tap, McSorley's Light and McSorley's Dark.
McSorley's Old Ale House
15 E. 7th St.
New York, NY 10003
(212) 473-9148
mcsorleysnewyork.com
Delmonico's Restaurant, 1837
This Financial District institution boasts the lofty distinction of being America's first restaurant. Before Delmonico's Restaurant, there was no other business in the United States dedicated exclusively to serving food. But besides its reputation as a pioneering business, Delmonico's Restaurant is credited with inventing dishes like the eponymous Steak Delmonico, Lobster Newburg and Baked Alaska. Today, the steakhouse prepares locally grown, sustainable and organic foods. The waitstaff is formally trained and impeccably attired in white aprons and suit ensembles.
The architecture of Delmonico's Restaurant is just as impressive as the area's stately old banks. Greco-Roman columns buttress the building and the opulent interior is furnished with chandeliers, gilded molding and over-sized artwork. Perhaps best known for its evening dining service, Delmonico's Restaurant is also a popular lunch destination for Wall Street bankers.
Delmonico's Restaurant
56 Beaver St.
New York, NY 10004
(212) 509-1144
delmonicosny.com
