17 Spots in New York That Feel Untouched by Time: Part 2
From former speakeasies and mob hangouts to luncheonettes and Gilded Age steakhouses.
If you know me, you know that one of my simplest pleasures in life is passing the time at a historic old bar. I look at the menu, very well already knowing what I am ordering, but scanning it anyways, just incase. I order a martini (dirty, gin), a burger or steak, fries, and a Caesar Salad. It’s the perfect order, and sitting there, eating this combination at a bar where so many before be have done the same, is a transcendent experience. I prefer this to small plates and natural wine. I prefer this to a trendy new spot with a hot young chef. All I want is an old New York joint that has been doing the same thing for a century, and doing it well.
And I figured I am not the only one who feels this way. So without further ado, Part 2 of Spots in New York That Feel Untouched by Time—a list of bars and restaurants that feel untouched by time, many of which claim to be the oldest continuously operated restaurant and bar in New York—who are we to believe?! All of these spots are places I know and love, with a few honorable mentions I’ve heard good things about… but haven’t personally vetted much myself. Enjoy.
Restaurants
Cafe Luxembourg, Upper West Side
This Parisian-style bistro encapsulates the classic quality of the Upper West Side that we all know and love. Expect white tablecloths, flawless service, and incredible people watching
What to Order: A martini, Moules Frites, and Harry’s hot fudge sundae
Fanelli Cafe, Soho
This circa-1847 no-frills, bustling bar and restaurant once operated as a speakeasy during prohibition. Today, it’s quite the scene with everyone from models to 90-year-old academics sitting at the bar.
What to Order: A martini (which is the case at most places on this list), a burger & fries, and spaghetti
Gage & Tollner, Downtown Brooklyn
This opulent, storied Brooklyn restaurant has been open since 1879 and acts as a portal to the past with it’s Victorian architecture and Gilded Age grandeur. If you ever want to feel fancy pants, this is the place to do it.
What to Order: Parker House rolls, steak, oysters, and every dessert on the menu
JG Melon, Upper East Side
Ahh… my favorite restaurant in the entire city. This historic 1920s tavern is as New York as New York gets, with waiters in bowties, a cash-only policy, and old men slinging martinis at the bar. Be sure to take in the massive collection of melon-themed paintings.
What to Order: A martini, chili, fries, a hamburger, and a slice of pie
Nom Wah Tea Parlor, Chinatown
This iconic dim sum parlor in the heart of Chinatown dates back to 1920. The original tile floors and red leather seats add such a sense the nostalgia.
What to Order: A pot of tea and every dumpling your heart desires
Keens Steakhouse, Herald Square
Keen’s is fine dining at it’s finest. The cozy, old school chophouse has been serving the perfect steak since 1885. Be sure to take note of the ancient wood pipes hanging from the ceilings which once belonged to playwrights, publishers, and the many notable men who were once regulars at Keens
What to Order: A martini (duh), a shrimp cocktail, prime rib, creamed spinach, and Bananas Foster
El Quijote, Chelsea
El Quijote opened in 1930 in the iconic Chelsea Hotel and quickly became the best (and coolest) Spanish restaurant in New York. In the late 1960s, you could walk in and find everyone from Patti Smith to Jimi Hendrix sipping sangria and eating paella. This is a total “if walls could talk” type place, and I absolutely love it.
What to Order: Sangria, Tortilla de Patata, Gambas al Ajillo, and so many more tapas
S&P Lunch, Flatiron
Formerly known as Eisenberg’s, S&P is a relic of a Jewish-style lunch counter that takes you right back in time. It’s been open since 1928 and once served as a lunch room, fueling the thousands of garment workers who worked in the area. In the almost 100 years since opening, it feels as if nothing has changed.
What to Order: The tuna melt, a bowl of matzo ball soup, pancakes, and a chocolate malt
Bamonte’s, Williamsburg
This former mob hangout and retro Italian-American joint is like something off the set of The Godfather. It’s been open since the 1900s and they haven’t changed a thing since. The original phone booths are my favorite.
What to Order: Don’t expect culinary excellence here, but their Rigatoni alla Vodka is my go-to
Barney Greengrass, Upper West Side
This old-school cash-only Jewish deli and appetizing store has been operating since 1908—and feels like what New York used to be. I love coming here solo with a good book or the crossword.
What to Order: My order is Gravlox (salt-cured salmon), a pumpernickel bagel, latkes, and coffee
Lexington Candy Shop, Upper East Side
This 100-year-old luncheonette has been owned by the same family since it first opened in 1925. It’s a true gem and gives you a sense of what New York once was.
What to Order: A Coca Cola, made the old-fashioned way with seltzer water and syrup whisked together
Sevilla, West Village
This West Village staple has been around since 1936 and has more charm than it knows what to do with. It’s buzzing and welcoming and full of people from every walk of life. Sitting at one of their booths, sharing paella and watching the world go by, is one of the best ways to spend a Friday night.
What to Order: A pitcher of sangria and seafood paella
Bars
The Long Island Bar, Cobble Hill
The Long Island Bar is a family-owned joint serving my favorite martini in Brooklyn. It opened in 1951 and much of that era remains, from the original bar to the booths to the grumpy bartenders. It’s absolutely perfect.
What to Order: A burger and fries, cheese curds, and A Martini
Old Town Bar, Union Square
The legendary Old Town Bar has stood on 18th Street between Broadway and Park Avenue for over 130 years. Like most storied bars in the city, it acted as a speakeasy during Prohibition—and still sort of feels like one today. The original 55-foot-long mahogany bar is weathered and welcoming, making it one of my favorite places to grab a drink solo and read a book.
What to Order: Chicken wings and a beer
McSorley’s Old Ale House, East Village
Opened in 1954, this relic of a saloon once served beer to Abe Lincoln, John Lennon, and so many other legends. The walls are lined with ancient documents and art, and the floor is covered in saw dust.
What to Order: There are only two drinks you can order at McSorley’s: Light or Dark beer
Ear Inn, Tribeca
This cluttered, cozy dive bar has been open since 1817. The Federal style building has acted as a boarding house, a smuggler’s den, and a brothel over the years before becoming a clubhouse where sailors could eat drink, and gamble. Be sure to come on a night where there is live music!
What to Order: I’ve only ever ordered a beer, but their cocktails, buffalo wings, and burger look pretty damn good
Pete’s Tavern, Gramercy
This landmark bar is a stones throw away from from the magical (and exclusive) Gramercy Park. The building has been around since 1851, but Pete’s didn’t open until 1922. Inside, you’ll find original fixtures like the 40-foot rosewood bar, tin ceiling, and tile floor. Like many spots on this list, Pete’s stayed open during prohibition, but disguised itself as a florist. Love. Be sure to visit Pete’s around the holidays for some of my favorite Christmas decorations in the city.
What to Order: I’ve only ever ordered a beer and I can’t attest to their menu, but I spy steaks and burgers. What more do you need?
Honorable Mentions
Dublin House
B&H Dairy
Corner Bistro
Minetta Tavern
The Odeon
La Bonbonniere
2nd Avenue Deli
Grand Central Oyster Bar
Thanks so much for reading and sharing. Enjoy your little dose time travel!
xo, Claudia
Martini, burger, fries, and cesar salad is the best meal in the world!! We need to hang out haha! I love Ear Inn and McSworley's -- always a great time!
Once again adding these to my growing list of things to do in NYC the next time I go!