The Best of New York · Eat · Iconic and old New York
The oldest restaurants in New York.
A list, not a ranking, from my own visits, updated September 2026. 10 places.
New York City has one of the most exciting food scenes in the world. Here’s my honest take on oldest restaurants in New York City. the tips, the tricks, and what to skip entirely. Every year, the city welcomes hungry visitors with open arms, offering an array of cuisines that span the gamut. However, some folks find themselves curious about the oldest restaurants in NYC, if you’re in the same boat then I’m here to help.
It’s wild to think that some of New York City’s oldest restaurants predate iconic landmarks like Central Park and the Statue of Liberty, but it’s true. Remarkably, these time-honored eateries continue to serve customers to this day.
- Fraunces TavernRestaurant · Financial DistrictNeedless to say, enjoying a pint (or cocktail) at Fraunces Tavern is one of the best things to do in the Financial District, if not for the history alone.
- Ear InnBar · Hudson SquareThe bar's historic atmosphere, marked by a distinctive neon sign and maritime artifacts, has been preserved over the years.
- Neir's TavernBar · WoodhavenToday, it remains a cherished neighborhood bar with a storied past few can resist.
- Delmonico'sRestaurant · Financial DistrictHeavy hitters include tender Rib eyes, fresh oysters and luxurious caviar.
- Pete's TavernRestaurant · Gramercy Park
- Landmark TavernRestaurant · Midtown West
- Old Homestead SteakhouseRestaurant · Chelsea
- P.J. Clarke'sRestaurant · Midtown EastDeserving of the accolades inherent to the oldest restaurants in New York City, this spot is a favorite among locals for burgers to this day.
- Keens SteakhouseRestaurant · Midtown
- Katz's DelicatessenRestaurant · Lower East SideRenowned for traditional Jewish fare, this kosher-style deli is best known for world-famous mile-high pastrami sandwiches.
On the map
Where they are.
9 neighborhoods, Financial District and Hudson Square most of all.
Financial District
Chelsea
Gramercy Park
Hudson Square
Lower East Side
Midtown
Midtown East
Midtown West
Woodhaven
- 1
Fraunces Tavern
Restaurant · Financial District · 54 Pearl St, New York, NY 10004
Needless to say, enjoying a pint (or cocktail) at Fraunces Tavern is one of the best things to do in the Financial District, if not for the history alone.
- 2
Ear Inn
Bar · Hudson Square · 326 Spring St, New York, NY 10013
The bar's historic atmosphere, marked by a distinctive neon sign and maritime artifacts, has been preserved over the years.
- 3
Neir's Tavern
Bar · Woodhaven · 87-48 78th St, Woodhaven, NY 11421
Today, it remains a cherished neighborhood bar with a storied past few can resist.
- 4
Delmonico's
Restaurant · Financial District · 56 Beaver St, New York, NY 10004
Heavy hitters include tender Rib eyes, fresh oysters and luxurious caviar.
- 7
Old Homestead Steakhouse
Restaurant · Chelsea · 56 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Driven by the motto, “Why change something that has worked for 150 years?” the Sherry brothers are committed to maintaining the same high-quality standard folks have come to love at one of the oldest NYC restaurants.
- 8
P.J. Clarke's
Restaurant · Midtown East · 915 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022
Deserving of the accolades inherent to the oldest restaurants in New York City, this spot is a favorite among locals for burgers to this day.
- 10
Katz's Delicatessen
Restaurant · Lower East Side · 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
Renowned for traditional Jewish fare, this kosher-style deli is best known for world-famous mile-high pastrami sandwiches.
The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: The 10 Oldest Restaurants in New York City (Local’s Guide).