The oldest continuously operating restaurant in NYC, founded during the Civil War era. It retains much of its historic character, including dark wood interiors, vintage fixtures, and old photographs.

Pete's Tavern

Pete's Tavern has appeared in multiple films and television programs, including Seinfeld, Ragtime, Law &amp; Order, Sex and the City, The Guru, Blue Bloods, The Blacklist, and more. It has also been used for television commercials such as Miller Lite ads with Ben Davidson and Tony Esposito, as well as print advertisements.

It was bought in 1899 by Tom and John Healy, and became Healy's. Author O. Henry lived at 55 Irving Place from 1903 to 1907 and is believed to have frequented Healy's. The restaurant appeared in his short story The Lost Blend under the fictional name “Kenealy’s.” Local legend also claims that O. Henry wrote his famous story The Gift of the Magi while sitting in one of Healy’s front booths, though there is no evidence to confirm the tale.

It is thought that due to the proximity of Tammany Hall, the political machine of New York City during the early 20’s into the 30’s, that politicians turned a blind eye to the sale of alcohol at ‘Pete’s’. It survived Prohibition (1920–1933) by operating under the guise of a flower shop. Patrons entering through the side door, in what is now the first dining room, who were in the know, would signal and give the password, and then be escorted through a dummy refrigerator door (whose hinges are still intact).&nbsp;

The building that houses Pete's was built and was originally the Portman Hotel.

Despite its claims, Pete's Tavern is not individually designated as a New York City landmark and is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places. However, it is located within the Gramercy Park Historic District, a historic district designated in 1966, which helps preserve its historic character.

Pete's Tavern

1864 - Opened

1864 - Opened - Images

Images

Images