New York City is full of shiny new restaurants trying to reinvent the wheel. But let’s be real—some places have been doing it right for over a century. These old-school legends have survived Prohibition, world wars, and TikTok food trends, and they’re still serving up some of the best eats in town.

If you want a taste of NYC’s culinary history (and don’t mind a little elbow room), here’s where to go:

1. Katz’s Delicatessen (1888) – The Pastrami That Won’t Quit

If you haven’t been to Katz’s, are you even a New Yorker? This place is an institution, and walking inside feels like stepping into a living, breathing piece of history. The ordering system alone is an experience—you’re handed a ticket at the door (lose it and you’ll regret it), and you shuffle up to the counter, where a deli wizard hand-carves a pastrami sandwich as thick as a novel. They’ll slice off a little piece for you to taste first, which is their way of making sure you know what real pastrami should taste like.

Katz’s was founded in 1888 and survived everything from the Great Depression to a starring role in When Harry Met Sally. You’ll definitely recognize the spot where Meg Ryan faked that moment, and yes, you should sit there if it’s open. Get the pastrami on rye with mustard—no mayo, no lettuce, no nonsense. If you’re feeling ambitious, throw in a side of latkes or a knish. But whatever you do, go hungry.

2. Keens Steakhouse (1885) – Where Men Once Smoked Pipes and Ate Mutton

Keens Steakhouse is so unapologetically old-school that it still houses over 50,000 clay pipes on its ceiling, a leftover relic from a time when gentlemen would store their personal pipes here between visits. Today, it’s one of the only places in NYC where you can still order a massive mutton chop, a dish that was once a staple of 19th-century steakhouse dining but has all but disappeared elsewhere.

The dim lighting, wood-paneled walls, and Victorian-era decor make it feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine—except now you’re allowed to bring women (they actually banned female patrons until 1905). The mutton chop is their star dish, but their steaks are also legendary, served with the kind of precision and confidence that comes from 140 years of getting it right. Oh, and their bar? It’s one of the best places in Midtown to sip a whiskey neat and pretend you’re a robber baron.

3. Peter Luger Steak House (1887) – Cash-Only, No Frills, All Beef

Peter Luger is a steakhouse so iconic, it doesn’t need to care about things like credit cards, fancy decor, or overly friendly customer service. Located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, long before Williamsburg was cool, this is the kind of place where the servers have been there for decades and might yell at you if you try to order your steak well done.

Their dry-aged porterhouse is the main event, arriving at the table sizzling in its own juices like it just came out of a steak lover’s dream. The creamed spinach and thick-cut bacon are required add-ons, and don’t even think about skipping the Luger’s Special German-Style Home Fries. Order extra sauce—it’s like a hybrid between steak sauce and cocktail sauce, and it’s oddly addictive.

Just remember: bring cash (or a debit card for ATM withdrawals), because Peter Luger laughs in the face of your modern financial conveniences.

4. Grand Central Oyster Bar (1913) – Seafood With a Side of Commuter Chaos

Tucked away inside Grand Central Terminal, the Oyster Bar is the only restaurant where you can eat world-class seafood while simultaneously feeling like you’re in the middle of rush hour. It opened in 1913 as part of Grand Central’s grand debut and has been serving oysters to businessmen, tourists, and commuters ever since.

The real move is to grab a seat at the counter and order a dozen oysters from their massive selection—one of the largest in the city. Each variety is handwritten on the menu daily, so if you’re an oyster nerd, this place is heaven. If raw oysters aren’t your thing, their clam chowder and pan-roasted seafood dishes are legendary. The arched tile ceiling designed by Rafael Guastavino adds to the ambiance, making you feel like you’re dining inside a secret underground oyster vault.

5. Lombardi’s (1905) – America’s First Pizzeria (Yes, Really)

Lombardi’s is where pizza as we know it began in America. Back in 1905, Gennaro Lombardi decided to start selling coal-fired pizzas to Italian immigrants, unknowingly kicking off a nationwide obsession. Today, they’re still churning out classic Neapolitan pies with that signature charred crust and molten cheese.

Don’t expect to order by the slice—this is a whole pie only situation. The best bet is a classic margherita, with fresh mozzarella, crushed tomato sauce, and a sprinkle of basil. The place gets packed, especially with tourists, but it’s worth the hype. And if anyone ever tries to tell you that New York isn’t the birthplace of American pizza, just send them here.

6. Delmonico’s (1837) – The OG Fine Dining Spot (Reopening in 2024!)

Delmonico’s isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a piece of culinary history. This was the first fine dining restaurant in America, and it’s responsible for inventing some of the most famous dishes of all time, including Eggs Benedict, Lobster Newberg, and the Delmonico steak.

The restaurant has gone through multiple closures and reopenings, but every time it comes back, it’s a reminder that some things never go out of style. Expect white tablecloths, impeccable service, and food that feels straight out of a 19th-century dinner party—but in the best way.

7. Rao’s (1896) – The Impossible Reservation

Rao’s is the kind of restaurant that makes you question your social standing. Why? Because unless you’re a celebrity, a mob boss, or someone with extreme luck, you’re probably never getting a reservation. This East Harlem legend has exactly ten tables, all of which are “owned” by longtime regulars.

If you do get in, you’re in for some of the best red sauce Italian food of your life. The meatballs are legendary, the lemon chicken is perfection, and the whole experience feels like stepping into a scene from The Sopranos.

8. Fraunces Tavern (1762) – The Bar Where George Washington Drank

Fraunces Tavern isn’t just a restaurant—it’s where George Washington himself bid farewell to his troops. The vibe inside is pure colonial America, with dark wooden beams, candlelit tables, and walls that probably have more secrets than any other restaurant in NYC.

Beyond the history, the food is a comforting mix of hearty pub fare and upscale takes on traditional dishes. Think shepherd’s pie, slow-braised short ribs, and rich clam chowder. The beer list is impressive, with a great selection of local and imported brews, and if you’re feeling extra revolutionary, they have a whiskey list that would make old George proud.

It’s part museum, part restaurant, and 100% worth a visit—just don’t get too tipsy and start challenging people to duels.

9. Barney Greengrass (1908) – The Sturgeon King Still Rules

Want to experience classic NYC Jewish deli culture at its finest? This is it. The lox is silky, the bagels are perfect, and the sturgeon is so good that it literally earned Barney Greengrass the title of “The Sturgeon King.”

Walking into Barney Greengrass is like stepping into a Woody Allen movie (minus the controversy). It’s crowded, loud, and full of regulars who have been coming here since before you were born. The scrambled eggs with sturgeon are legendary, and if you want to impress a New Yorker, casually drop that you had breakfast here.

10. Joe’s Shanghai (1995) – The Soup Dumpling Pioneer

Joe’s Shanghai may be the “youngest” on this list, but it’s here for a reason: it brought soup dumplings to NYC’s mainstream. These delicate, brothy dumplings are so good that you’ll burn your tongue trying to eat them too fast.

The original Chinatown location still has a no-frills, slightly chaotic charm. You’ll likely be seated family-style with strangers, which is actually part of the fun. When the steaming bamboo baskets hit the table, grab a dumpling with your spoon, take a little bite, and sip out the soup before going all in. It’s a skill, and if you do it wrong, well… you’ll learn quickly.

Final Thoughts: Old Is Gold

Trendy restaurants come and go, but these legends have been serving up NYC’s best bites for decades (or centuries). They’ve survived everything from prohibition to Instagram food trends, proving that quality and history never go out of style.

So, next time you’re debating where to eat, skip the overpriced “influencer hotspots” and visit a spot that’s been standing strong since before your great-grandparents were born.

Which one are you heading to first? Let us know in the comments! 🍽️🔥