New York City Classics

New York City Classics
📍 Upper East Side, NYC

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Now that I’m a stone’s throw from the city again, I have some of my favorite restaurants and bars within reach. While New York is filled with many new and trendy spots to visit, I find myself drawn to certain spots that evoke the timeless charm and sophistication of the city’s past. It’s true I’m a history buff, so the thought, “if these walls could talk” often pops into my head. The only problem is mixing the old with the new so I can experience all the great bars and restaurants that call New York home. If you find yourself visiting Manhattan, here are my favorite (and must-visit) classics throughout the city.

Bemelmans Bar

Located in the Carlyle Hotel on the Upper East Side, Bemelmans Bar been a favorite haunt of celebrities and socialites since it opened in 1947. The bar is named after Ludwig Bemelmans, the creator of the beloved “Madeline” children’s books, who painted the whimsical murals that line the walls. The bar serves classic cocktails and live jazz, and it feels like stepping back in time to a more glamorous era. My favorite time to visit is a Sunday afternoon, when its not as busy, to nestle up to the bar with a JFK Daiquiri.

Grand Central Oyster Bar

Grand Central Oyster Bar has been serving fresh seafood since 1913. The restaurant’s stunning tiled ceilings and archways make it feel like an underground cathedral, and it’s easy to imagine commuters and travelers from decades past stopping in for a bite. The oyster bar is a must-visit for seafood lovers, with an extensive menu of fresh catches and classic dishes. This is the perfect spot for a last-minute drink and bite before taking the train home to Connecticut.

J.G. Melon

J.G. Melon is one of the most beloved spots in the city and has been serving up delicious burgers since 1972. The cozy, wood-paneled interior feels like a throwback to a simpler time, and the menu is refreshingly straightforward. The burgers are the star of the show here, with juicy patties and crispy fries that are the perfect accompaniment. A few words of advice: sit at the counter, order a Bloody Bull, but absolutely bring cash!

Katz’s Delicatessen

Katz’s Deli is famous for its pastrami sandwiches, which are piled high with tender meat and served on rye bread with a side of pickles. The bustling, crowded atmosphere is part of the charm, and it’s easy to see why Katz’s has been a favorite of locals and tourists alike for over a century. If you’re a lover of 90’s rom-coms, you may recognize the location from a very memorable scene in When Harry Met Sally. I’ll have what she’s having!

King Cole Bar

The King Cole Bar is known for its classic cocktails, including inventing the Bloody Mary, and elegant decor. The bar’s centerpiece is a stunning mural by Maxfield Parrish, which depicts the mythical King Cole surrounded by his court. The bar has a sophisticated, old-world feel, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a martini or two. Located in the heart of Midtown, it makes for a great oasis after shopping along 5th Avenue.

Monkey Bar

I had the pleasure of dining here on one of our most recent trips to the city. Monkey Bar been a low-key celebrity favorite since it opened in 1936. The art deco decor and dim lighting create a seductive atmosphere, and the menu is a mix of classic American and French dishes. The bar has a storied history, with everyone from Truman Capote to Madonna making appearances over the years.

P.J. Clarke’s

P.J. Clarke’s, a classic Irish pub in Midtown, has been serving up burgers and beer since 1884. The bar’s wood-paneled walls and cozy booths make it feel like a neighborhood haunt, and the menu is a mix of pub classics and upscale dishes. The sandwiches, crispy fries, and maybe an order of oysters served here are the perfect comfort food. Jackie Kennedy is rumored to have been a frequent visitor when she lived in the Upper East Side.

For lovers of classic New York, these spots are a must-visit. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail, fresh seafood, or a juicy burger, these iconic locations offer a taste of the city’s timeless charm and sophistication. Which of these New York Classics do you know and love? Which ones didn’t make my list and are a must visit?

Love from NYC,
Katie