Essential New York Restaurants
By Justin Hartung, Restaurants Editor
New Yorkers may never agree on what the city's "essential" restaurants are, but here are a few that most would have to agree are stone-cold classics.
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Katz's Deli
205 E Houston St, New York, NY
Harry met Sally for a memorable lunch at this Lower East Side pastrami mecca. -
Corner Bistro
331 W 4th St, New York, NY
This classic West Village burger joint is open until 4am. -
Nice Green Bo
66 Bayard St, New York, NY
Chinatown's original Shanghainese hot spot continues to deliver exceptional home-cooked cuisine. -
Magnolia Bakery
401 Bleecker St, New York, NY
The "Sex and the City" girls ate the infamous cupcakes; get in line for your own. -
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
19 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY
Transcendent pies at a family-friendly Brooklyn landmark.
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Raoul's
180 Prince St, New York, NY
A classic French bistro with a healthy dose of New Yawk attitude thrown in. -
Barney Greengrass
541 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY
The "Sturgeon King" is no slouch when it comes to lox or sable, either. -
Joe's Shanghai
9 Pell St, New York, NY
Chinatown's most popular restaurant proves its excellence again and again. -
Sylvia's Restaurant
328 Lenox Ave, New York, NY
Soul-food favorite dishing out hearty portions along with some of the nicest service in New York. -
Joe Allen
326 W 46th St, New York, NY
A casual venue for straightforward American cooking before the theater. -
Junior's
386 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY
World famous for cheesecake, this flagship location also serves stick-to-your-ribs fare.
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Blue Ribbon
97 Sullivan St, New York, NY
Soho's late-night mecca for haute comfort food. -
Hearth
403 E 12th St, New York, NY
With outstanding American fare and impeccable service, it sets the bar for neighborhood dining. -
Pastis
9 9th Ave, New York, NY
Balthazar owner Keith McNally works his magic at this painstakingly French bistro in the Meatpacking District. -
Lupa
170 Thompson St, New York, NY
Batali and his paisanos keep the endless crowds happy at this Roman osteria in Soho. -
Mary's Fish Camp
246 W 4th St, New York, NY
West Villagers' go-to spot for stellar seafood and a come-as-you-are welcome.
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Babbo
110 Waverly Pl, New York, NY
The crown jewel in Mario Batali's empire serves over-the-top Italian in a charming, tucked-away West Village spot. -
Le Bernardin
155 W 51st St, New York, NY
Eric Ripert's old-line French spot dishes out elegant seafood with class and consistency. -
Gramercy Tavern
42 E 20th St, New York, NY
Maybe the city's most beloved downtown restaurant, with excellent service, an approachable air and consistently excellent New American fare. -
Balthazar
80 Spring St, New York, NY
Antiqued brasserie has a style that gets better with age. -
Per Se
10 Columbus Cir, 4th Fl, New York, NY
Thomas Keller's exquisite NYC debut is a destination for fresh, inspired and indulgent French-New American fare. -
Grand Central Oyster Bar
89 E 42nd St, New York, NY
A New York classic for fresh, simply prepared seafood.
