I like old, interesting things. Where should I eat in NY?

August 24, 2015 12:13 PM

Going with a buddy to NYC next weekend to wander through the Eldridge Street Museum, the MMA Cloisters, and other beautiful things with stained glass, carved stone, and old wood. Where should we eat/drink that is also beautiful, but relatively low-key? (Not that I mind skyscrapers and we both love industrial-beautiful/abandoned places, but we both hate lines/crazy crowds)
posted by Seeba to Food & Drink (12 answers total)

Keens Steakhouse
The Oyster Bar at Grand Central
posted by neroli at 12:20 PM on August 24, 2015 [5 favorites]

One If By Land, Two If By Sea. Kinda expensive, but I think it definitely fits the bill.
posted by holborne at 12:31 PM on August 24, 2015 [1 favorite]

Keep in mind that many of these old school/retro NY places aren't necessarily the best in terms of food, and can be quite pricey. But it sounds like you at least want to soak in some of the atmosphere. I'd consider only a cocktail or two at some of the historic places before moving on. Also... One If By Land is not really a guys' night out sort of place. Very, very romantic.

2nd Keens Steakhouse and the Oyster Bar at Grand Central.

Would also add:
Katz's Deli
Wolfgang's (also a steakhouse, the Park Ave one also has the same Guastavino tiling as Grand Central Oyster Bar)
Minetta Tavern (pricey, a French inflected & steak-heavy place, perhaps stop in for only a drink, it does get quite crowded)
21 Club (note dress code, also a candidate for just a drink before moving on)
Balthazar (perhaps late night for a drink, oysters, it is very popular)
Barbetta
McSorley's (for beer, not much in terms of food options here)
Barney Greengrass
Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop
Blue Bar at The Algonquin
Bemelmen's Bar at The Carlyle
The Heath @ Sleep No More (faux old, but great atmosphere)
The Dead Rabbit (similarly)
Lamb's Club (also faux retro)
posted by kathryn at 12:57 PM on August 24, 2015 [2 favorites]

I loved the cafe at the Neue Galerie.
posted by advicepig at 1:16 PM on August 24, 2015 [6 favorites]

Seconding Katz's.
posted by kdern at 1:27 PM on August 24, 2015

Seconding Cafe Sabarsky at the Neue Galerie
posted by kaszeta at 1:29 PM on August 24, 2015 [1 favorite]

The Dining Room at the Society of Illustrators.
posted by the_blizz at 2:15 PM on August 24, 2015 [3 favorites]

Katz's Deli is awesome, but I don't think it will make you happy if you're looking for "beautiful things with stained glass, carved stone, and old wood."

Maybe The House, or seconding Bemelman's Bar (bar menu, not full dinner) and the Oyster Bar.
posted by Mchelly at 2:15 PM on August 24, 2015 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: Appreciate the initial responses; yeah, someplace like Bemelman's is the closest I've seen so far... we are making the trip also in part to see Sleep No More, so I'll definitely check out The Heath, it also has what looks to be a really nice atmosphere.
posted by Seeba at 2:32 PM on August 24, 2015

Nthing Grand Central Oyster Bar.

If you like old things, you could check out the Fraunces Tavern, which bills itself as being in the oldest standing structure in Manhattan. It has a mild touristy vibe, but the food I had was surprisingly good. There's also a whiskey bar on the premises that has a lot of woodwork.
posted by ultraviolet catastrophe at 5:19 PM on August 24, 2015 [1 favorite]

Check out Old Town. Super ancient, and usually pretty empty around lunchtime. The hot dogs are decent.
posted by phooky at 8:38 PM on August 24, 2015 [1 favorite]

we are making the trip also in part to see Sleep No More, so I'll definitely check out The Heath, it also has what looks to be a really nice atmosphere.

Make sure to check out Gallow Green before/after the show as well. :)
posted by kathryn at 8:16 AM on August 25, 2015