New York City has one of the most exciting food scenes in the world. Here’s my honest take on oldest restaurants in New York City. the tips, the tricks, and what to skip entirely. Every year, the city welcomes hungry visitors with open arms, offering an array of cuisines that span the gamut. However, some folks find themselves curious about the oldest restaurants in NYC, if you’re in the same boat then I’m here to help.
It’s wild to think that some of New York City’s oldest restaurants predate iconic landmarks like Central Park and the Statue of Liberty, but it’s true. Remarkably, these time-honored eateries continue to serve customers to this day.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (10 Best Neighborhoods +3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Oldest Restaurants in New York City
Table of Contents. Historic Restaurants NYC
Table of Contents. New York City’s Oldest Restaurants
#10. Katz’s Delicatessen (1888)
Website. Katz Delicatessen
Neighborhood. Lower East Side
Address. 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
Established in 1888, Katz’s Delicatessen is the 10th-oldest restaurant in New York City, and (officially) the oldest delicatessen in the country.
The deli was opened in the Lower East Side by two brothers, Morris and Hyman Iceland, who catered to the growing Jewish population in the area. It was initially named Iceland Brothers, but when the brothers introduced a new business partner named Willy Katz, the named changed to Iceland & Katz.
So how’d we get from Iceland & Katz to Katz, you might be asking. Well, when Willy’s cousin joined the team in 1910, the duo bought out the Iceland brothers and settled one final name change, Katz’s Deli.
Renowned for traditional Jewish fare, this kosher-style deli is best known for world-famous mile-high pastrami sandwiches. The sandwiches are so popular, in fact, that Katz’s sells more than 15,000 pound of pastrami per week!
Local’s Tip.Upon entering, you’ll be handed a ticket. Don’t lose it! You’ll use this ticket to order your sandwich, and when it’s time to leave, you’ll need to hand the ticket to the cashier to pay. However, if you lose the ticket, you’ll be charged $50.
#9. Keens Steakhouse (1885)
Website. Keens Steakhouse
Neighborhood. Midtown
Address. 72 W 36th St., New York, NY 10018
What do Teddy Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, and Babe Ruth have in common? They’ve all enjoyed a meal at one of the oldest restaurants in New York City. Keens Steakhouse. Established in 1885 by Albert Keen, the steakhouse quickly became a hot spot for producers, playwrights, and publishers.
Known for top-notch steaks and delicious mutton chops (they serve more than 400 per week!), Keens is widely regarded as one of the city’s best steakhouses. But between you and me, the fascinating history alone is worth a visit.
Take, for example, the pipes covering the ceiling. Dating back to the early 20th century, this historic NYC restaurant had a tradition of checking pipes for frequent patrons. At that time, pipes were deemed too fragile to be carried in a saddlebag or purse, so Keen’s created the Pipe Club, a membership program so popular the roster included more than 90,000 names!
Some of the most famous patrons of the Pipe Club included Teddy Roosevelt, Babe Ruth, Will Rogers, Albert Einstein, J.P. Morgan and “Buffalo Bill” Cody. You can admire the display of celebrity pipes up front, or simply look up to find the ceiling adorned with pipes from less-famous patrons.
This one of those places that makes you fall for New York City all over again.
#8. P.J. Clarke’s (1884)
Website. P.J. Clarke’s
Neighborhood. Midtown East
Address. 915 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022
Come early. Seriously. The crowds hit hard by noon.
There’s currently three P.J. Clarke’s locations in Manhattan, but the oldest locale (which dates back to 1884), is on Third Avenue on the Upper East Side. Celebrating more than 140 years in business, there’s no denying that the saloon-turned-restaurant has weathered many storms over the years.
P.J. Clarke’s went through two owners before an Irish immigrant named Paddy J. Clarke joined the crew as a bartender. A decade later, Clarke bought the joint and renamed it (after himself, to boot).
Clarke kept the saloon afloat during the prohibition era by selling bathtub gin and smuggling Canadian scotch for patrons. The historic restaurant thrived and became a regular spot for celebrities like Johnny Mercer and Frank Sinatra in the post-prohibition era as well.
P.J. Clarke’s started being seen as an NYC institution around the 1950s when Nat King Cole dubbed the restaurant’s cheeseburger “the Cadillac of burgers.” Deserving of the accolades inherent to the oldest restaurants in New York City, this spot is a favorite among locals for burgers to this day.
#7. Old Homestead Steakhouse (1868)
Website. Old Homestead Steakhouse
Neighborhood. Chelsea
Address. 56 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Established as a family butcher shop in the Meatpacking District in 1868, Old Homestead Steakhouse has grown to become one of New York City’s longest-run restaurants. Around the 1940s, long-time employee (and former dishwasher) Harry Sherry purchased the restaurant and found himself determined to maintain the legacy at one of the longest-running restaurants in NYC.
The restaurant transformed into a full-fledged dining joint in 1946 and gained popularity with celebrities like Frank Sinatra (I’m beginning to suspect Sinatra was the equivalent of a foodie influencer of his time) and former President Theodore Roosevelt.
The Sherry family continues to oversee the operations of the historic steakhouse, helmed by Harry’s grandsons, Greg and Marc. Driven by the motto, “Why change something that has worked for 150 years?” the Sherry brothers are committed to maintaining the same high-quality standard folks have come to love at one of the oldest NYC restaurants.
Local tip. Between you and me, the seasonal menu is always better than the regular one. Ask what’s fresh today.
#6. Landmark Tavern (1868)
Website. Landmark Tavern
Neighborhood. Midtown West
Address. 626 11th Ave, New York, NY 10036
This one of those New York moments that makes you fall in love with the city all over again.
Landmark Tavern dates back to 1868 and has withstood significant historical events, including Prohibition and the construction of the Lincoln Tunnel.
Over its 150-year history, Landmark Tavern has hosted notable personalities like Diamond Jim Brady and Buffalo Bill Cody. Today, it remains a cherished destination, known for a Victorian-era ambiance, warm hospitality and the occasional ghost sighting.
On the second floor of the tavern, you’ll find a bathtub in the restroom with a unique backstory. Legend has it that a Confederate soldier, stabbed in a bar fight, made his way up the stairs and died in that very tub. The tub has stayed put, and some say the soldier’s spirit still lingers, adding a touch of haunting history to one of the oldest restaurants in New York City.
#5. Pete’s Tavern (1864)
Website. Pete’s Tavern
Neighborhood. Gramercy Park
Address. 129 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003
I’ve been here in every season. My favorite? Fall, when the light hits just right.
Established in 1864, Pete’s Tavern served New Yorkers for over a century and a half, surviving the Prohibition by moonlighting as a flower shop. In 1969, the historic restaurant was designated a New York City Landmark.
Over its long history, Pete’s Tavern has been a favorite spot for both locals and notable figures, including the author O. Henry, who is said to have written “The Gift of the Magi” at the establishment.
The story has many iterations, like when Minnie Mouse trades her watch to buy Mickey a case for his harmonica. Likewise, Mickey sells his harmonica to buy Minnie a chain for her watch. Even if the name is unfamiliar, there’s a chance you know the story well.
Today, Pete’s Tavern remains a historic NYC establishment, offering classic American fare and serves as one of the oldest New York City restaurants. The bar is full of folks looking to enjoy a cold beer in a cozy, old-world setting.
#4. Delmonico’s (1827)
Website. Delmonico’s
Neighborhood. Financial District
Address. 56 Beaver St, New York, NY 10004
Established in 1827 (almost 200 years ago, imagine!), Delmonico’s recently re-opened after being closed for three years due to the pandemic and some trademark disputes (go figure). I guess three years is nothing in the grand scheme of things, considering this one of the oldest restaurants in New York City.
Delmonico’s was a pioneering force in fine dining in the United States during the 19th century and was the first restaurant to introduce an à la carte menu in 1834 (before then restaurants served set meals).
Throughout its history, Delmonico’s has been a favored haunt for the city’s elite. Celebrating 200 years in 2027, stylish locals still rely on Delmonico’s for celebratory meals. Heavy hitters include tender Rib eyes, fresh oysters and luxurious caviar.
#3. Neir’s Tavern (1829)
Website. Neir’s Tavern
Neighborhood. Woodhaven
Address. 87-48 78th St, Woodhaven, NY 11421
Located in the Woodhaven area of Queens, Neir’s Tavern is one of country’s oldest and most historic bars. With a legacy spanning over 190 years, it’s one of a few establishments that has operated continuously from the same location.
Neir’s Tavern dates back to 1829 when it opened as The Blue Pump Room. It was later renamed Neir’s Social Hall after new ownership by Louis Neir, and has worn many hats over the years, like being used as a polling site and meeting place.
Despite facing threats of closure in 2009, the tavern was saved by community efforts. Today, it remains a cherished neighborhood bar with a storied past few can resist.
Apart from being one of the oldest restaurants in New York City, Neir’s is best known for making a cameo in the epic mob-film, Goodfellas. This the bar where Robert DeNiro and Ray Liotta celebrated the Lufthansa heist.
Fun fact. There’s a vintage growler that dates back to the 1800s on display at Neir’s. In 1980, the growler was going to get tossed, but a bartender refused to let a piece of history end up in the trash and took it home. In 2009, he gifted the growler to the new owner of Neir’s Tavern, ensuring the growler returned to its original home.
#2. Ear Inn (1817)
Website. Ear Inn
Neighborhood. Hudson Square
Address. 326 Spring St, New York, NY 10013
This building was originally the home of James Brown House, an African-American Revolutionary War veteran and proprietor of a tobacco store on the lower level of the house. Brown sold the building in the mid-19th century to two apothecaries and moved on with his life.
Records show that a tavern has been operating from the location since 1835, but it was most likely a bar even earlier than that (1817), officially making it one of the oldest taverns in New York City.
Time passed, as it usually does, and it 1890 the home was purchased by an Irish immigrant named Thomas Cloke, whose primary clientele were longshoremen and sailors. Cloke was a shrewd businessman and had the foresight to sell the business in anticipation of the Prohibition, but the restaurant later re-opened as a speakeasy by the new owners.
The bar’s historic atmosphere, marked by a distinctive neon sign and maritime artifacts, has been preserved over the years. Renamed the Ear Inn in the mid-20th century, it remains a beloved landmark in the historic Hudson Square neighborhood.
Fun fact — Wondering how Ear Inn got its name? Since the building is a designated landmark, changes can’t be made without extensive reviews and bureaucratic hoops. The solution? The owners manipulated the neon sign to read “Ear” instead of “Bar” to avoid the paperwork (and inevitable hassle) of installing a new sign. How clever!
#1. Fraunces Tavern (1762)
Website. Fraunces Tavern
Neighborhood. Financial District
Address. 54 Pearl St, New York, NY 10004
Fraunces Tavern dates back to 1762, making it the oldest restaurant in New York City. It’s famous for being the place where the Sons of Liberty Secret Society met during colonial days. This also where negotiations were made for British surrender.
After the end of the Revolutionary War, Fraunces Tavern hosted a victory feast, where George Washington bid an emotional farewell to his commanding officers. Needless to say, enjoying a pint (or cocktail) at Fraunces Tavern is one of the best things to do in the Financial District, if not for the history alone.
As one of the oldest restaurants in NYC, it’s surprising that locals frequent this place more than visitors. There’s a small museum upstairs with interesting relics and a staged setting to show how the room would have looked when Washington gave his troops the farewell speech, it’s pretty cool to check out.
List of the Oldest Restaurants in New York City (Post Summary)
- Fraunces Tavern
- Ear Inn
- Neir’s Tavern
- Delmonico’s
- Pete’s Tavern
- The Landmark Tavern
- Old Homestead Steakhouse
- PJ Clarke’s
- Keens Steakhouse
- Katz Deli
Famous Spots in NYC Everyone Needs to Try
Best Pizza in NYC. 15 Best Pizza Joints in New York City
Famous Restaurants in NYC. 10 Famous New York City Restaurants Every Local Needs to Try
Mouthwatering Bagels in NYC. 15 BEST Bagels in New York City
Unbelievable Brunch Spots in NYC. 18 Prime Brunch Spots in New York City Worth the (Inevitable) Wait
Map of New York City’s Most Historic Restaurants
I hope you enjoyed this list of the oldest restaurants in NYC, let me know if I missed any!
Cheers.
Final Thoughts
That wraps up our guide to The 10 Oldest Restaurants in New York City (History Buffs Can’t Help But Love). Have a favorite spot we missed?
Planning a visit soon?
If you liked this guide, you might also enjoy exploring my other local recommendations.
Leave a Reply