In this city that never stops, restaurants are as dense as New York’s streets, but there are very few restaurants that can truly cross centuries and retain the memories of generations. New York’s old restaurants are not just places to fill people’s stomachs, but also pages of urban history soaked in fireworks. Some people have their first date here, and some people taste the familiar taste after leaving their hometown in these stores.
1. Katz’s Delicatessen: The legendary inheritance of hand-cut corned beef
Founded: 1888
Address: 205 E Houston St, Lower East Side, Manhattan
Representative dishes: Pastrami on Rye (corned beef sandwich on rye), beef hot dogs, self-pickled cucumbers
Reservation method: No online reservations are accepted, on-site number queuing, groups can call to coordinate seats
When mentioning “Katz’s” on the streets of New York, no one will not think of the incredibly thick corned beef sandwich. Since its opening in 1888, this Jewish delicatessen restaurant has become a permanent landmark on the Lower East Side. Generations of Eastern European immigrants have found the taste of their hometown here, and have also brought New York-style Jewish cuisine to the tongues of diners around the world.
Walking into Katz’s, the chef behind the counter uses traditional hand-slicing techniques to spread the perfectly smoked corned beef slices on rye bread, paired with coarse mustard sauce, which not only retains the fiber texture of the meat, but also locks in the smoked aroma and juice. The store still uses the self-service ordering process of the last century, with paper receipts, and you have to pay if you accidentally lose them, which is quite ceremonial.
The classic “high-energy scene” of the movie “When Harry Met Sally” took place in this store. Katz’s is not only a place to eat, but also a live theater to experience New York’s urban culture, neighborhood emotions and historical depth.
2. Delmonico’s: Luxury Canteen on Wall Street
Established: 1837
Address: 56 Beaver St, Financial District
Representative dishes: Delmonico Steak, Lobster Newburg, Eggs Benedict
Booking method: Resy and SevenRooms online booking are supported, and it is recommended to arrange it one week in advance
Delmonico’s is not only one of the oldest high-end restaurants in New York, but also the birthplace of many iconic dishes of American dining culture. Located in a prime location in the financial district, it has hosted several US presidents, writer Mark Twain, and countless celebrities. The signature dish Delmonico Steak is still a reference for American steak standards.
The steak uses bone-in eye meat, which is dry-aged and grilled on a butter iron plate. The meat is rich in layers and the fat is balanced. The lobster Newburg is slow-cooked with brandy, cream and egg yolk, and is silky and mellow. Many diners will come here to taste the world’s first Eggs Benedict – this classic brunch dish born in Delmonico’s has now become popular all over the world.
The exquisite dining environment, white tablecloth service and solemn etiquette requirements make this place particularly suitable for anniversaries, business meals or retro dinners. Wearing formal clothes to come here can better fit its century-old style.
3. Keens Steakhouse: Old New York style witnessed by a room full of pipes
Established: 1885
Address: 72 W 36th St, Midtown Manhattan
Representative dishes: Mutton Chop (lamb chops), New York steak, mushroom cream gratin potatoes
Reservation method: Accept reservations on OpenTable and Tock platforms, and it is recommended to make reservations 2 weeks in advance during peak evening hours
Keens Steakhouse is a restaurant that is not only famous for its meaty aroma, but also for its “pipe museum” atmosphere that makes people shocked as soon as they enter the door. More than 90,000 pipes are densely hung on the ceiling and walls, recording the footprints of countless New York gentlemen, writers and politicians over the past century. Each pipe corresponds to a member who has dined here. Even Theodore Roosevelt and Prince of Wales have left their mark here.
The most legendary dish here is Mutton Chop, a half-pound thick-cut lamb chop, marinated with special sauce, slow-fried and roasted in the oven. The skin is charred and the inside still retains rich gravy. The taste is between lamb and steak, with a primitive and wild beauty.
Keens still maintains its elegant classical style and is a double holy place for steak lovers and history lovers. It is suitable for bringing parents, elders, or friends who are well versed in old-fashioned style to have a “time travel dinner”.
4. Peter Luger Steak House: Brooklyn’s meat legend
Established: 1887
Address: 178 Broadway, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Representative dishes: Porterhouse Steak (dry-aged T-bone steak), thick-cut bacon, German-style roasted potatoes
Booking method: Supports telephone reservations and some time slots on Resy. It is safer to book holiday meals one month in advance
Peter Luger is almost synonymous with “dry-aged steak”. This century-old steakhouse in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, has adhered to traditional meal preparation methods since 1887 – from meat selection to aging to cooking, every step pays attention to the ultimate craftsmanship. The signature T-bone steak here is often shared by two people, and its weight, thickness and layering are unforgettable.
The outer layer of the dry-aged steak has a circle of naturally formed “beef sauce aroma” shell, and the pink meat inside is juicy and dense, which is a perfect match with its homemade steak sauce. Thick-cut bacon is recommended for the appetizer, which is fat but not greasy, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, which can be called the ultimate American meat enjoyment.
The restaurant’s interior is simple, but the atmosphere is warm. It’s suitable for going with friends, especially for a few senior diners to explore the menu together. Remember to make an appointment in advance, because it’s always crowded here, and it’s hard to get a seat if you visit at short notice.
5. Lombardi’s Pizza: The Starting Point of New York Pizza
Established: 1905
Address: 32 Spring St, Nolita
Representative dishes: Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza, Sausage and Mushroom Pizza, Fresh Tomato and Cheese Pizza
Reservation method: Online reservations are not accepted, small groups can be arranged by phone, and most guests wait on site
Lombardi’s, known as the “originator of American pizza”, is the first pizzeria in the United States to obtain a business license. This small shop in Nolita still insists on using a charcoal brick oven, hand-kneading dough, and making pizza crusts freshly made daily with homemade sauces and fresh cheese.
The most popular is the traditional Margherita pizza, with three simple elements – fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves – together interpreting the purest beauty of pizza. The crust is slightly burnt but not dry and hard, and the inner layer remains soft, perfectly balancing the “crispy outside and tough inside” texture.
Although the store is not large, it always attracts a large number of diners due to its historical status and reputation for taste. It is suitable for backpackers, young couples and family tourists to experience an unplugged, undecorated but soulful pizza feast.
6. Tips for visiting old restaurants in New York
Avoid peak hours: Many century-old restaurants still insist on not accepting online reservations. It is recommended to avoid the dinner peak (18:30-20:00), and it is easier to get a seat in the afternoon or on weekdays.
Dress appropriately: Although many old restaurants do not require formal wear, for restaurants such as Delmonico’s and Keens Steakhouse, neat and semi-formal clothing is more in line with their atmosphere and can also provide a better service experience.
Confirm the menu before the meal: Century-old restaurants usually maintain classic menus, but prices fluctuate greatly. It is recommended to confirm the latest menu and meal prices before going to avoid “price surprises”.
Reservation platform selection: Resy, OpenTable and Tock are the current reservation platforms for mainstream restaurants in New York. Some old restaurants have also begun to cooperate with them, but there are still many cases where telephone reservations are required. It is particularly important to arrange in advance.
Prepare cash or credit card: Some old restaurants (such as Peter Luger) only accept cash or designated bank cards. Remember to check the payment options to avoid embarrassment on the spot.
Understand the payment method and tipping culture in advance: Some old restaurants (such as Peter Luger) still insist on not accepting credit cards, only cash or specific payment platforms, so be sure to find out the payment policy before going. The tipping culture in New York is generally 18% to 25% of the pre-tax bill. Some high-end restaurants will directly attach the recommended ratio to the bill. Don’t ignore it.
Century-old restaurants are the taste memory of a city and the bridge for modern diners to connect to history. New York, a city known as the “world’s dining table”, brings together tradition, immigration, innovation and the spirit of the times on a tablecloth. If modern restaurants are the acceleration of the city, then these old restaurants are the rhythmic heartbeat of New York that never fades.
Stepping into it is a real “century-old journey through taste buds.”
