BuzzFeed compiled a much bigger list of classic New York City institutions, but I’ve edited them down to these 15 that are my favorites in Manhattan. If you live here, patronize these joints, or don't complain if they go out of business. If not, next time you come for a visit, check a few of them out. They’re just like us – not likely to be here forever.
THE STRAND – An iconic used book store that’s been a destination for nearly 100 years. They buy magazine editors review copies… I used to trade mine in here. Incredible rare books section on the top floor.
RUSS & DAUGHTERS – A fixture of the Lower East Side since 1914. One of the only existing stores in the whole country dedicated to “appetizing”.
CAFÉ REGGIO – The first place to sell cappuccino in the US in the 20s & it has its original espresso machine that owner Domenico Parisi bought in ’27.
OLD TOWN BAR in the Flat Iron District, open continuously since 1892 it has an amazing intact interior. It’s been the location for more than a few TV shows and films.
JULIUS – The building it’s in dates to 1826, a bar since 1864. Now it’s the city’s oldest gay bar operating since the late ’60s.
NUYORICAN POET’S CAFÉ – A LES fixture for four decades. & an incubator for writers, actors, artists, filmmakers, and musicians.
KATZ’S DELICATESSEN – The infamous “I’ll have what she’s having” scene from “When Harry Met Sally” was shot at this deli that dates back to 1888.
B & H – It specializes in selling electronics and equipment to photo and video professionals. Owned and operated by observant Hasidic Jews, it’s always closed on Jewish holidays.
ZABAR’S – This family-operated Kosher grocery has been a fixture on the Upper West Side for over 80 years. This IS what makes New York, New York.
DUBLIN HOUSE – Another Upper West Side fixture, this neighborhood bar has a staff of grumpy, charming old bartenders. It predates Prohibition and looks it.
McSORLEY’S – Around the corner from Cooper Union it’s old enough to have served Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant. Their motto was always “Good Ale, Raw Onions and No Ladies” until N.O.W. sued them and they starting serving women in 1970.
VESELKA – This Ukrainian diner has been open 24 hours a day since 1954. This place has some of the best food you’ll find outside of the Ukraine. And it’s still relatively cheap.
CHINATOWN ICE CREAM FACTORY – This shop has been selling traditional Chinese flavor ice cream — black sesame, lychee, red bean, green tea — since 1978. One of the longest-running businesses in Chinatown, it’s a trade secret for chefs and caterers.
BARNEY’S GREENGRASS – Yes, yet another Jewish deli on the list, this one open since 1908. It’s famous for whitefish, pickled herring, nova lox, and – as advertised – sturgeon.
LA BONBONNIERE – Sounds fancy, but this diner in my hood is as real and greasy as it gets, especially in the West Village. It’s tiny, cheap and the food isn’t that great but if you want eggs or a burger, it’s GREAT hangover food.