The Special Pondicherry Dosa and a Samosa is a good place to start, though you should try it all. Just be prepared to wait on line. It is a good idea to go a little ahead or after the main lunch rush.
Some of the best wood oven New York style pizza in the city, if not the world. Jay-Z apparently gets his pizza here.
Established 1933, continuously operated. One of the originators of New York style pizza and one of the few coal oven pizzerias in the city. Inspiration for a key scene of The Godfather.
The city's most famous Jewish deli, and one of the oldest and best as well. Try Reuben, liverwurst, or pastrami sandwich, but DO NOT lose your ticket or you'll pay an excessive penalty fee.
Established 1937. Interior is mostly original, but menu has been upscaled by new owners. "Parisian steakhouse meets classic New York City tavern." Once visited by all from Beat Poets to Joe Gould.
Established 1937, continuously operated. Multiple pancakes for breakfast, including a lemon-ricotta flavor. Try an old fashioned specialty drink, a Lime Rickey. Don't confuse with Tom's from Seinfeld.
Retro take on an old school soda fountain with giant sundaes, classic sandwiches, and real-deal egg creams.
Established 1920, moved down street 1968. Neighborhood staple for steamed buns, dim sum and tea. Most famous for homemade lotus paste and red bean filling for moon cake during the autumn festival.
Established in 1854 (or early 1860s) and operated continuously since, it is the oldest NYC Irish tavern. Lincoln, T. Roosevelt, & JFK have reportedly drank here. Women weren't allowed until 1970.
Built 1857. Saloon since 1867. Fanelli Cafe Established 1922 and continuously operated. Old-fashioned pub fare, such as meatloaf sandwiches, paired with beer and liquor.
Established in 1890, continuously family owned & operated. Previously named for the owner's great-grandfather, John. At quiet times, the back room feels like you're drinking in a museum.
Built 1868 (originally four stories). P.J. Clarke's was established in 1884 and operated continuously since. It has been frequented by a number of famous people and featured in films, TV, and songs.
Hard-living Ukranians swear by cabbage soup as a hangover cure, and we think the bowl here packs an extra restorative sauerkraut punch. Get it the morning after to kill the pain. Mehr erfahren.
"Bring your own sandals and shorts, and a friend. Hit the sauna room and sweat, sweat, sweat. You'll never feel better." -Sean Avery, in the WSJ's Insider's Guide to New York City Mehr erfahren.
Established 1927 by former Russian Imperial Ballet members. Crossed the street 1929 to brownstone from 1875. Building remodeled in 2006, retaining restaurant as original. Frequented by celebrities.
The original supper clubs that invented chicken & waffles are no longer around, but Amy Ruth's is definitely the best example of Harlem style C&W in modern times.
Established 1910 by immigrant rabbi who sold from a cart. Continuously family owned. Handmade knishes cooked in the basement brick oven; a dumbwaiter connecting to the shabbily-nostalgic dining room.
A Park Slope standard. Perfect water-boiled bagels, some of the best in New York.
Little old Ukrainian babushkas cook dumplings and sausage in a church basement to raise funds for the church. Open F-Su during the day. Closes for indefinite periods of the summer for vacation.
The original Shake Shack location is a pretty small stand in Madison Square Park. In a matter of a few years it went from long lines at that location to a nationwide chain.
Go for the tuna melt, one of our 101 Best Sandwiches in New York. On rye, of course. Mehr erfahren.
100 year old vibe that's authentic without trying. Great noodle soup, french toast, egg cream, and many classic diner staples. Old freshly made, old style.
Not a great place for an actual meal, but that's not why people come here in the first place. It's the cheesecake. Rich and delicious, get a slice and you won't be disappointed.
It's always Christmas in here. Even if it's not the actual season but you're feeling low on the yuletide spirit in your day to day, this place will definitely have you singing Mariah when you leave.
"Milon and Panna II have been embroiled in a rivalry for over 20 years that has no end in sight... The feud can be summed up with one simple question: who came up with the idea for the lights?" Mehr erfahren.
Decked out in 1960's memorabilia, with a nod to all things Elvis, you can't go wrong with and oozy-melted grilled cheese sandwich on white toast, plus it comes with (best potato ever) tater tots!
Once you get over the novelty that your food is served by Ninjas you’ll enjoy some creative sushi rolls. However, this place is all about the experience. Did we mention the Ninjas?
Built 1829. A "grocery & grog" store from 1852 and a tavern from 1864. Named Healy's in 1899 and alluded to in O.Henry's works. Renamed Pete's in 1932. Appears in numerous films and TV shows.
Established 1892 and continuously operated. Most of the furnishings and decor are original, including New York's oldest dumbwaiter and iconic urinals. The original menu was German influenced.
Established 1921. Covered with celebrity caricatures such as Jackie Gleason; complemented by red banquettes, old chairs, and lampshade fixtures. Still the location for Tony Awards lunches & parties.
Established 1908, continuously operated. Well-worn original tile floors, red leather banquettes and a candle that has been burning since 1937. Heavy Italian food, both northern and southern.
Don't miss the Salted Crack Caramel, an intense and just salty enough butter caramel ice cream that gets even better with "crack cookies," buttery chocolate-covered Saltines.
Perhaps my favorite place to see and play music. Geoff and Lynette have given home to a wonderful community.
Camp-themed theme bar that lets you roast your own marshmallows for pricey s'mores and have a hot toddy to go with it.
This Grand Central favorite tops the Village Voice's Top 10 Oyster Bar list. The atmosphere alone is worth the price, with enormous arched ceilings spanning above the restaurant. Mehr erfahren.
Get the Roast Beef sandwich special with mozzarella, gravy and sundried tomatoes (Thursday or Saturday only). It's the sandwich that was featured in 'The Sandwich' episode on "30 Rock."
Go here for not just your fill of Dim Sum, but your fill of authentic out-of-America experience!
Everyone knows about the great hot dogs here (especially the deep fried dog), but walking through the phone booth is a little hidden gem we love.
At first I thought the shushing was obnoxious, then I grew to appreciate it. You can find a 1000 noisy bars in nyc, but only 1 quiet 1.
The best New York-focused museum is housed in a decommissioned subway station. Make sure to see the excellent collection of vintage subway cars. Mehr erfahren.
The best place to gawk at priceless art has a collection that is seemingly endless, spanning creepy Egyptian tombs to the shimmering Impressionist paintings to an unparalleled costume collection. Mehr erfahren.
Frank Lloyd Wright originally intended for Guggenheim visitors to take the elevator up and stroll down the ramps. Today, exhibitions are viewed both ways. The choice is yours!
