By Chad Buleen
Because
New York City is one of the oldest cities in the
United States, it also features some of the most historic restaurants in the country. In addition to being historic because they are old, some of these restaurants are also historic because they are the places where dishes that are now popular throughout the world were created and because they were frequented by famous Americans.
Delmonico's Restaurant
Although Delmonico's is not the oldest restaurant in New York City, there can be an argument made that it is one of the most historic restaurants thanks to its culinary contributions. Opened in 1837, Delmonico's claimed to be America's only fine dining establishment at the time. Times have changed and America has hundreds if not thousands of fine dining restaurants, however Delmonico's remains popular.
Some of the world-famous dishes that were created by chefs at Delmonico's include eggs Benedict, baked Alaska and lobster Newburg. Though the restaurant continues to add dishes--such as angry red snapper and twice-fried French fries--the old favorites remain on the menu.
Delmonico's Restaurant
56 Beaver Street
New York, NY 10004
(212) 509-1144
delmonicosny.com
Keen's Steakhouse
Keen's Steakhouse is another historic New York City restaurant that has been around since the 1800s--1885 to be exact. When Keen's was built, it was constructed in the vibrant Herald Square Theater District. Now, more than 120 years later, Keen's is the only restaurant that still stands in the area.
In the restaurant's early days, theater-goers and actors would rush to Keen's after a play to eat one of the restaurant's famous mutton chops. The restaurant estimates it has served hundreds of thousands of mutton chops over the years, and these chops remain popular today. Other long-standing and popular menu items include lobster salad, aged prime porterhouse and sauteed jumbo shrimp.
Keen's Steakhouse
72 West 36 Street
New York, NY 10018
(212) 947-3636
keens.com
Fraunce's Tavern
Fraunce's Tavern is one of the oldest restaurants in the history of the United States. The restaurant was established in 1762--before America was even a country. In that year Samuel Fraunces bought a three-story brick building and converted it into a tavern. The restaurant still stands in the same place today.
Although the tavern saw many important guests over the years, perhaps none were more important than George Washington--who was a regular at the restaurant and named Fraunces his Chief Steward. Menu specialties include broiled double-smoked bacon and grilled rib eye steak. The restaurant also features an adjacent museum of colonial memorabilia.
Fraunce's Tavern
54 Pearl Street
New York, NY 10004
(212) 968-1776
frauncestavern.com
Resources
About the Author:
Chad Buleen is a Society of Professional Journalists-award-winning newspaper journalist and magazine editor with more than 10 years experience. He is a senior magazine editor at an international children's publication. Buleen holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications with an emphasis in print journalism from Brigham Young University-Idaho.
