15 New York Restaurants That Are Still Crowd Favorites Decades Later

New York City has always been a place where food tells a story. I’ve wandered through its streets for years, chasing down the kind of meals that stick with you long after the last bite.

Some restaurants come and go with the trends, but a handful have been serving the same unforgettable dishes for generations, drawing everyone from neighborhood regulars to wide-eyed tourists.

These are the spots where history lives on every plate, where the recipes haven’t changed in decades, and where the atmosphere feels like stepping back in time.

1. Katz’s Delicatessen

Walking into this legendary deli feels like entering a time capsule where the smell of curing meat and fresh rye bread hits you the moment you step through the door. Since 1888, Katz’s has been slicing pastrami by hand, piling it high on sandwiches that require two hands and a serious appetite.

The ticket system might confuse first-timers, but once you’re holding that iconic sandwich, everything makes sense.

You’ll find this Lower East Side institution at 205 E Houston St, where the line often stretches down the block, especially on weekends. The neon signs, the old-school counter service, and the famous scene from a certain romantic comedy all add to the experience.

Every bite of that tender, peppery pastrami reminds you why people have been coming here for over a century.

Don’t skip the pickles or the knishes, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try the Reuben. Katz’s isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a New York rite of passage that continues to pack the house night after night.

2. Peter Luger Steak House

Meat lovers make pilgrimages to this Williamsburg landmark, and for good reason. Peter Luger has been dry-aging beef to perfection since 1887, serving up porterhouse steaks that are crusty on the outside, buttery on the inside, and absolutely worth the hype.

The no-frills atmosphere, cash-only policy, and gruff service are all part of the charm that keeps people coming back generation after generation.

Located at 178 Broadway in Brooklyn, this steakhouse doesn’t take reservations lightly, you’ll want to book weeks in advance. The wood-paneled dining room, the sizzling platters delivered by veteran waiters, and the signature steak sauce create an experience that’s remained virtually unchanged for over a century.

It’s the kind of place where you come hungry and leave planning your next visit.

Order the porterhouse for two (or more), add the thick-cut bacon as an appetizer, and finish with the schlag-topped desserts. Peter Luger proves that when you do one thing exceptionally well, you don’t need to change a winning formula.

3. Delmonico’s

Established in 1827, this Financial District gem practically invented American fine dining as we know it. Delmonico’s introduced the country to dishes like Baked Alaska, Lobster Newberg, and the Delmonico steak, setting standards that restaurants still follow today.

The ornate dining rooms and white-tablecloth service transport you to an era when dining out was a grand affair reserved for special occasions.

You’ll discover this historic treasure at 56 Beaver St, where Wall Street power players and history enthusiasts share tables beneath crystal chandeliers. The restaurant has weathered economic crashes, prohibition, and changing tastes, yet it continues to serve classic preparations with pride.

Every corner holds a story, from the mahogany bar to the portraits of the Delmonico brothers watching over their legacy.

Try the signature Delmonico steak or the Lobster Newberg for a taste of culinary history. The experience here isn’t just about the food, it’s about connecting with nearly two centuries of New York dining tradition in a setting that honors its remarkable past.

4. P.J. Clarke’s

Some bars feel like they’ve always been there, and P.J. Clarke’s absolutely has.

Operating since 1884, this Midtown saloon serves up honest American food in a setting that feels refreshingly authentic amid the glitz of modern Manhattan. The dark wood, the tin ceiling, and the long mahogany bar create an atmosphere where you can imagine Sinatra sliding into a booth or journalists debating over whiskey.

The original location sits at 915 Third Ave, though you’ll now find outposts around the city. Still, nothing beats the original’s worn charm and the sense that you’re drinking and dining in a piece of living history.

The famous Cadillac burger, a simple, perfectly executed cheeseburger, has been fueling New Yorkers for generations, and the recipe hasn’t changed because it doesn’t need to.

Grab a seat at the bar, order that burger with a cold beer, and soak in the old New York energy. P.J.

Clarke’s proves that sometimes the best nights happen in places that have been perfecting hospitality for well over a century.

5. Keens Steakhouse

Look up when you walk into Keens, and you’ll see thousands of clay pipes hanging from the ceiling, each one representing a member of the historic Pipe Club that once gathered here. Since opening its doors in the late 1800s, this Midtown steakhouse has been serving its legendary mutton chop, a massive, perfectly seasoned cut that’s become the stuff of New York culinary legend.

The wood-paneled rooms, vintage photographs, and theatrical memorabilia create a museum-like atmosphere where every meal feels significant.

Located at 72 W 36th St, Keens sits conveniently near the theater district, making it a favorite pre-show destination for those who appreciate hearty, old-fashioned dining. The waitstaff treats the mutton chop with the reverence it deserves, presenting it on sizzling platters that command attention across the dining room.

Beyond the famous chop, the dry-aged steaks and classic sides maintain the same high standards that have kept this place packed for generations.

Order the mutton chop, it’s non-negotiable, and pair it with creamed spinach and hash browns for the full experience.

6. Old Homestead Steakhouse

America’s oldest continuously operating steakhouse has been grilling prime cuts since 1868, long before the Meatpacking District became trendy. Old Homestead has watched the neighborhood transform around it, from slaughterhouses to nightclubs to high-end boutiques, yet it remains firmly rooted in its original mission: serving exceptional beef in a setting that honors tradition.

The neon cow sign out front has become an iconic landmark, guiding steak lovers to this corner of culinary history.

Situated at 56 9th Ave, the restaurant balances old-world charm with just enough modern polish to stay relevant without losing its soul. The dry-aged steaks arrive perfectly charred, the portions are generous, and the service carries the confidence of a place that’s been doing this longer than anyone else.

Family photos and vintage memorabilia line the walls, telling the story of generations dedicated to one simple philosophy: quality over trends.

Go for the dry-aged porterhouse and don’t overlook the classic sides like onion rings and creamed spinach that have been on the menu for decades.

7. Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant

Beneath the vaulted tile ceilings of Grand Central Terminal, this seafood institution has been shucking oysters and serving pan roasts since 1913. The curved Guastavino tile ceiling creates incredible acoustics, stand in opposite corners and whisper to experience the famous “whispering gallery” effect.

But most people come for the incredibly fresh seafood, the sprawling raw bar, and the timeless experience of dining in one of New York’s most beautiful public spaces.

You’ll find this treasure in the lower level of Grand Central Terminal at 89 E 42nd St, where commuters and tourists alike stop for everything from a quick dozen oysters to a full seafood feast. The menu changes daily based on what’s freshest, with dozens of oyster varieties from both coasts and the creamy, rich oyster pan roast that’s been a signature since the beginning.

The bustling energy, the clatter of plates, and the sight of expert shuckers working the bar create an atmosphere that’s purely New York.

Try the oyster stew or pan roast, sample oysters from different regions, and appreciate dining in a space that’s fed travelers for over a century.

8. Pete’s Tavern

O. Henry allegedly wrote “The Gift of the Magi” in a booth at this Gramercy Park institution, and when you settle into the dark wood interior, you can understand why writers and artists have been drawn here since 1864.

Pete’s claims to be New York’s oldest continuously operating bar and restaurant, and the vintage atmosphere backs up that assertion. The pressed tin ceiling, the original bar, and the cozy booths create the kind of authentic tavern experience that’s increasingly rare in modern New York.

Located at 129 E 18th St, Pete’s occupies a charming corner that comes alive with sidewalk seating in warmer months. The menu offers reliable American tavern fare, burgers, shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, prepared without pretension and served by staff who understand the value of hospitality.

Locals treat it like their neighborhood living room, while visitors come to soak up the literary history and old New York charm that permeates every corner.

Order a pint, grab a booth if you can, and enjoy the kind of unpretentious meal that’s been fueling New Yorkers for over 150 years.

9. Ear Inn

Dating back to 1817, this tiny bar near the Hudson River represents one of the few surviving examples of New York’s earliest drinking establishments. The building itself predates most of Manhattan’s current street grid, and stepping inside feels like entering a portal to another century.

The low ceilings, creaky floors, and maritime memorabilia reflect the bar’s origins as a gathering place for dock workers and sailors when this area was all waterfront industry.

You’ll discover this hidden gem at 326 Spring St, in a neighborhood that’s changed dramatically while the Ear Inn has remained remarkably constant. The quirky name came from a clever work-around when the “B” fell off the original “Bar” sign, and the owners just went with it.

The menu offers solid pub food, the beer selection runs deep, and the atmosphere attracts everyone from NYU students to neighborhood old-timers who appreciate drinking in a place with genuine historical character.

Stop in for a beer and some wings, chat with the bartender about the building’s history, and appreciate one of the city’s most authentic surviving links to its maritime past.

10. McSorley’s Old Ale House

Sawdust still covers the floor at this East Village institution that’s been pouring ale since the 1850s. McSorley’s famously serves only two drinks, light ale or dark ale, and that simplicity extends to the entire no-frills experience.

The walls are covered with decades of accumulated memorabilia, wishbones hang from the light fixtures (left by soldiers heading to war), and the atmosphere feels frozen in time in the best possible way.

Located at 15 E 7th St, this alehouse maintains traditions that modern bars abandoned long ago, including the policy of serving ale only in pairs. The menu keeps things simple with cheese plates, mustard, crackers, and basic bar food that pairs perfectly with the house brew.

Women weren’t allowed until 1970, but now everyone’s welcome to experience this slice of old New York where the beer is cold, the history is thick, and the atmosphere is utterly unique.

Order the ale (you’ll get two mugs whether you want them or not), grab a cheese plate, and soak in the living history that makes McSorley’s a must-visit for anyone interested in authentic New York.

11. Sardi’s

Broadway history covers every inch of wall space at this Theatre District legend, where caricatures of stars from every era create a gallery of theatrical greatness. Since opening in 1921, Sardi’s has been the place where actors, producers, and theater lovers gather before shows, after opening nights, and whenever the pull of showbiz brings them together.

The red leather booths, the continental menu, and the sense of being surrounded by Broadway royalty make every meal feel like a special occasion.

You’ll find this icon at 234 W 44th St, perfectly positioned for pre-theater dining and post-show celebrations. The tradition of unveiling new caricatures continues, with each drawing joining the hundreds that document decades of Broadway excellence.

The menu offers classic continental fare, think Caesar salad prepared tableside, veal dishes, and desserts that haven’t changed in generations, served with the kind of polished professionalism that matches the theatrical surroundings.

Book a table before a show, study the caricatures while you dine, and feel the magic of being in a space that’s witnessed countless opening night celebrations and theatrical triumphs.

12. Veselka

Pierogi, borscht, and blintzes have been fueling East Village nights since 1954 at this Ukrainian comfort food haven. Veselka serves as a 24-hour anchor in a neighborhood known for late nights and early mornings, feeding everyone from club kids to cab drivers to families seeking hearty, affordable meals.

The bright yellow awning, the bustling counter service, and the smell of grilled kielbasa create an atmosphere that’s both welcoming and wonderfully unpretentious.

Located at 144 2nd Ave, this diner-style restaurant has expanded over the decades but maintains the same commitment to generous portions and authentic Ukrainian recipes. The pierogi arrive perfectly browned, the borscht is rich and satisfying, and the breakfast menu runs all day because they understand that in New York, morning can happen at any hour.

The mix of regulars, tourists, and neighborhood characters creates the kind of diverse crowd that defines the best New York dining experiences.

Order the pierogi sampler to try multiple varieties, add a bowl of mushroom barley soup, and don’t skip the challah French toast if you’re there for breakfast, or breakfast at midnight.

13. John’s Of Bleecker Street

Coal-fired pizza has been emerging from the brick ovens at this Greenwich Village landmark since 1929, creating pies with those perfect charred bubbles and smoky flavor that define New York pizza at its finest. John’s doesn’t do slices, whole pies only, and they don’t do delivery, which means you need to show up in person to experience pizza that’s remained virtually unchanged for nearly a century.

The checkered tablecloths, the vintage signage, and the constant line out the door all signal that you’ve found something special.

You’ll spot the restaurant at 278 Bleecker St, where the aroma of baking dough and melting mozzarella draws you in from down the block. The coal oven reaches temperatures that modern gas ovens can’t match, creating that distinctive char and crisp-yet-chewy texture that makes this pizza so memorable.

Watching the pizza makers work is part of the entertainment, as they stretch dough and slide pies in and out of the ancient oven with practiced precision.

Order a classic margherita or the fresh mozzarella pie, be prepared to wait, and understand that some traditions are worth preserving exactly as they are.

14. Odeon

When Odeon opened in 1980 in what was then a desolate Tribeca, it became the unlikely center of downtown cool, attracting artists, writers, and the kind of creative energy that defined that era. The art deco interior, the red neon sign, and the French-American brasserie menu created a scene that was captured in books, films, and countless late-night memories.

Decades later, Odeon still draws crowds who appreciate both the history and the consistently excellent food.

Located at 145 West Broadway, this Tribeca institution has watched the neighborhood transform from industrial wasteland to one of the city’s most desirable addresses. The menu balances classic brasserie dishes with contemporary touches, offering everything from steak frites to roasted chicken to fresh oysters.

The buzz in the dining room, the polished yet relaxed service, and the sense of being part of New York’s cultural continuum make every meal here feel significant.

Try the burger or the moules frites, settle into a booth, and appreciate a restaurant that helped define downtown dining while continuing to evolve with the times without losing its essential character.

15. Emilio’s Ballato

Red sauce flows freely at this Little Italy legend where the pasta is handmade, the welcome is warm, and the celebrity sightings are frequent but treated with characteristic New York nonchalance. Emilio’s has been serving classic Italian-American comfort food for decades, maintaining the kind of neighborhood authenticity that’s become increasingly rare as Little Italy shrinks around it.

The exposed brick, the tight quarters, and the family-run vibe create an intimacy that makes everyone feel like a regular, even on their first visit.

You’ll find this gem at 55 E Houston St, where reservations are notoriously difficult and walk-ins often face long waits, both signs that you’ve discovered something worth waiting for. The menu features all the red-sauce classics done right: perfectly al dente pasta, rich marinara, tender meatballs, and chicken parm that would make any Italian grandmother proud.

The fact that Broadway stars and Hollywood celebrities squeeze into the same small tables as neighborhood locals speaks to the democratic appeal of truly great Italian food served without pretension.

Order whatever pasta special the kitchen is running, trust the recommendations, and enjoy the kind of Italian-American dining experience that’s become a New York treasure.