Old-School Flavor: NYC Restaurants That Have Been Serving for Over 100 Years
New York City is always changing—skylines rise, neighborhoods evolve, and food trends come and go like the seasons. But amidst all that transformation, a few legendary eateries have held their ground for over a century, serving generations of New Yorkers and visitors alike. These restaurants are more than places to eat—they’re living landmarks, each with a story steeped in history, tradition, and of course, incredible food.
Here’s a taste of some of NYC’s oldest restaurants, still going strong after 100+ years:
1. Fraunces Tavern (Est. 1762) – Financial District
Let’s start with the oldest of them all. Fraunces Tavern isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a slice of American history. George Washington famously dined here after the Revolutionary War. Today, this colonial-era spot offers classic American fare and houses a museum upstairs. Whether you’re digging into a hearty shepherd’s pie or sipping a pint in the taproom, you’re surrounded by centuries of stories.
Vibe: Colonial charm & Revolutionary War history
Famous for: Chicken pot pie, museum upstairs
Address: 54 Pearl St, New York, NY 10004
Tip: Check out Washington’s farewell room after your meal
2. Keens Steakhouse (Est. 1885) – Midtown
Keens is a time capsule of Manhattan’s Gilded Age. Known for its signature mutton chop and its astonishing collection of clay churchwarden pipes (some once belonging to Teddy Roosevelt and Babe Ruth), this wood-paneled steakhouse feels like stepping into a Victorian clubroom. The food? Timeless and legendary.
Vibe: Old-school gentleman’s club, pipes on the ceiling
Famous for: Legendary mutton chop
Address: 72 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018
Tip: Make a reservation, especially on weekends
3. Katz’s Delicatessen (Est. 1888) – Lower East Side
“Send a salami to your boy in the army”—Katz’s slogan and its hand-carved pastrami sandwiches are the stuff of New York legend. A cornerstone of Jewish deli culture, Katz’s hasn’t changed much since it opened. The line might be long, but the payoff—juicy, peppery pastrami on rye—is totally worth it.
Vibe: Chaotic, loud, classic deli energy
Famous for: Hand-carved pastrami on rye
Address: 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
Tip: Keep your ticket when you enter—it’s how you pay!
4. Peter Luger Steak House (Est. 1887) – Williamsburg, Brooklyn
A true Brooklyn institution, Peter Luger has been drawing carnivores across the East River since the 19th century. Known for its no-frills, cash-only policy (though they've recently softened a bit on that), it’s all about the steak—dry-aged, thick-cut, and expertly charred.
Vibe: No-nonsense, traditional steakhouse
Famous for: Dry-aged porterhouse
Address: 178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Tip: Cash still preferred, but they now accept debit + select cards
5. Lombardi’s Pizza (Est. 1905) – Nolita
Recognized as America’s first pizzeria, Lombardi’s brought Neapolitan pizza to NYC more than a century ago. The coal-oven pies here are still blistered to perfection with that unmistakable charred crust. It’s the birthplace of NYC pizza as we know it.
Vibe: Classic pizzeria with a coal-fired oven
Famous for: Margherita pizza with a perfect char
Address: 32 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Tip: Whole pies only—no slices
6. Barbetta (Est. 1906) – Hell’s Kitchen
Tucked away on Restaurant Row, Barbetta is a grand, romantic spot offering northern Italian cuisine with a regal touch. With antique-filled dining rooms and a beautiful garden out back, it’s been family-owned for over a century and was the first NYC restaurant to serve white truffles.
Vibe: Romantic, antique-filled, Italian elegance
Famous for: Truffle dishes & garden seating
Address: 321 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
Tip: Ask for a garden seat in warm weather
7. Russ & Daughters (Est. 1914) – Lower East Side
More than just a bagel and lox shop, Russ & Daughters is a full-on experience. For over 100 years, they’ve been purveyors of smoked fish, caviar, and old-school Jewish comfort food. You can visit the original appetizing store or enjoy a sit-down meal at the café.
Try this: Gaspe Nova smoked salmon on a sesame bagel with scallion cream cheese.
Vibe: Jewish appetizing with modern flair
Famous for: Smoked salmon, caviar, bagels
Address (Store): 179 E Houston St, NY, NY 10002
Address (Café): 127 Orchard St, NY, NY 10002
Tip: Go early to avoid brunch lines at the café
Why These Spots Matter
In a city obsessed with the new, these restaurants are reminders that some things are worth preserving. They’ve survived world wars, the Great Depression, blackouts, and pandemics—not to mention shifting tastes and rising rents. More than their food, what they serve up is a sense of continuity and community.
So next time you’re hungry in NYC, skip the trending pop-up and walk into history. You’ll be glad you did. You know what else would make you happy? A good old fashioned NYC walking tour with a good old fashioned New Yorker as your guide. Book now at vibenyctours.com
