NYC’s Most Iconic Restaurants That Are Still Worth The Visit
Melinda Kauffman / June 10, 2018
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Part of the experience of being in New York is witnessing firsthand the evolution of the food scene over time. Sometimes change is a good thing, but we are convinced that sometimes you shouldn’t mess with a good thing. Here are some of NYC’s most iconic restaurants that have been around for close to or over 100 years and still are worth the visit.
Katz’s Deli
PC: @katzdeliKatz’s Delicatessen is a family run deli that has been serving quality meats and deli sandwiches since 1888. The most popular item here is the pastrami on rye, but their salami and corned beef is delicious as well. The original destination is still serving sandwiches piled high with meats and cheeses on Ludlow street on the LES.
Nom Wah Tea Parlor
PC: @nomwahteaparlorIn 1920, Nom Wah Tea Parlor opened their doors on Doyers Street as a tea parlor and bakery where guests lined up for their homemade mooncakes and speciality teas. Now, they are a full Dim Sum restaurant that serves delicious buns and dumplings in a vintage space. They recently opened their second location in Nolita, but the original will always be our favorite.
Grand Central Oyster Bar
PC: @katemedleyGrand Central Station is an iconic destination for tourists and locals alike and the same is true for their renowned oyster bar. The Oyster Bar first opened in 1913 and quickly became a hotspot for fresh oysters and seafood. This large space offers an extensive menu with everything from fresh catches to seafood platters piled high with shrimp and lump crabmeat.
P.J. Clarkes
PC: @PJclarkesAt P.J. Clarkes you’ll find great burgers and beer in a nostalgic ambience. Not only did Buddy Holly propose to his wife here- 5 hours after they met actually-, but great artists like Frank Sinatra and Johnny Mercer frequented this place. Fun fact: rumor has it that Nat King Cole gave the Cadillac Burger it’s name.
21 Club
PC: @21clubIn January of 1930, 21 Club opened as an entertaining and fun food venue. The speakeasy survived years of dodging police during the prohibition era, serving as a hangout spot for prestigious writers like Ernest Hemingway, Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley and Lillian Hellman amongst many other celebrities. Now, the restaurant, bar and lounge does a little bit of everything, including a fantastic burger and one of our favorite renditions of steak tartare.
John’s of Bleecker Street
PC: @thefeastkingsSince 1929 John’s of Bleecker Street has been serving coal fired brick-oven pizza in their original Greenwich Village location. The black and white deco floors give off a retro vibe and the wooden booths covered in graffiti may seem abstract, but you too can contribute to the art at work and carve into the seats.
Delmonico’s
PC: @delmonicosnycDelmonico’s is an iconic New York establishment opened by the Delmonico brothers in 1837. As the first fine dining restaurant in the country, rest assured that you’ll be dining here for the experience as much as you will for their delicious dry aged steaks and fine wines.
Rao’s
PC: @jeniuseatsThis tiny ten table Italian restaurant isn’t so easy to get into, but it truly is an authentic southern Neapolitan Italian experience. Since 1896, Rao’s has served home style Italian family cooking and has housed greats like Woody Allen, Billy Crystal, Rob Reiner among politicians and sports figures.
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