The 8 Oldest Restaurants in New York City (2024)

Located on the corner of Pearl Street and Broad Street in downtown Manhattan, Fraunces Tavern is a 250-year-old bar and restaurant with a storied past. During the American Revolution, this famous spot acted as George Washington's headquarters (it was also where he famously bid farewell to his troops after they all enjoyed a turtle dinner). Visitors can learn more about the tavern’s history on its second and third floors—the space was made into museum galleries in the early 1900s.

P.J. Clarke’s has been serving up delicious burgers in a cozy setting for nearly 150 years. A favorite among Hollywood stars, Frank Sinatra often sat at Table 20 and Buddy Holly famously proposed to his wife here after knowing her for just five hours. In 1958, Nat King Cole proclaimed that P.J. Clarke’s bacon cheeseburger was “the Cadillac of burgers,” and, well, the rest is history. If you’re not local to New York, don’t worry, the restaurant has branches in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., too.

Over 150 years ago, publishers, playwrights, and producers met and mingled at the renowned Keens Steakhouse before seeing a show. As the story goes, actors from the nearby Garrick Theatre would even come, dressed in full costume and makeup, to eat between acts. Today, the iconic steakhouse is known for being one of the last remaining establishments of the historic Herald Square Theatre District.

Situated steps away from the East River, Peter Luger has been the go-to spot for lunch and dinner since the late 1800s. The restaurant started as a cafe and bowling alley by the Luger family and was later bought in an auction by Sol Forman when it fell into disrepair. Forman owned the manufacturing business across the street and realized he had nowhere else to bring his business clients for lunch if the restaurant were to close, so he decided to take over the spot himself. Fast forward decades later, and Peter Luger Steakhouse is still talked about for its juicy burgers and high-quality cuts of meat.

Immortalized in that classic When Harry Met Sally scene (“I’ll have what she’s having!”), Katz’s has remained a quintessential New York City institution since the 1880s. Starting out as a small kosher deli on Ludlow Street, the beloved establishment has been making delicious corned beef sandwiches, knishes, latkes, matzo ball soup, and more for nearly 150 years.

Rao’s has been at its East Harlem location since 1896 and has a menu filled with Southern Italian classics. Known as one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city, this small 10-table red sauce joint is near impossible to get a reservation at. You may have better luck snagging a table at its Las Vegas or Los Angeles outposts.

Filled with crystal chandeliers and 18th century antiques, Barbetta has been impressing patrons since the early 1900s. The restaurant, which stretches over four townhouses, was started by Sebastiano Maioglio and is known as one of the oldest restaurants on the city’s historic Restaurant Row.

Grand Central isn’t just for catching trains, but for enjoying dinner, too. Since 1913, the Grand Central Oyster Bar has been serving delicious raw bar oysters, soups, pan-roasts, and more. Known as an integral part of New York City restaurant history, the popular spot has attracted the likes of Jackie Onassis Kennedy, Calvin Klein, Bill Blass, Paul Simon and many others throughout the years.