Pete's Tavern

Eggplant parmesan OK. Brady. Sauce was good. Spaghetti was done correctly, al dente. Shrimp were not fresh, somewhat fishy. Server didn't know what lite beers they had so told our guest "Budweiser should do it".

As a New York City native, saying this is my favorite restaurant means a lot. My family has been coming here since my parents moved to America, and it's still as welcoming as ever (even though the prices have raised over the years). The service is prompt and respectful, and the place is clean. As the bar is separate from the dining room, it's possible to have a meal without worrying about any "usual pub shenanigans" even tho the bar is usually orderly anyway. There's an additional back room for reservations, or when the place is nearing capacity. My only complaint would be the inaccessibility of the bathroom for people with disabilities, as it's down a set of tiny stairs. The bathrooms themselves are also small, only two stalls and in a small room in general. Nonetheless, Pete's is great for celebrations, and for giving a tourist a digestible experience of the New York life.

I had a Bulleit Whisky Sour on the rocks, and I sat in O.Henry's booth. (A little sign on the table said reserved, but the bartender told me the sign was a lie. They just leave it there for... reasons?) Legend has it, Mr. Henry wrote "The Gift of the Magi" in that booth. I wrote "I love you, O.Henry" on the paper tablecloth. Took a hundred pictures like a tourist (I was a tourist). I could feel the layers of paint on the wood that adorned the walls and benches; the tavern is 165-years old (the oldest in the city!). The place wasn't overcrowded, and the food smelled fantastic. (Characteristically, I opted to drink my dinner instead of actually eating anything, so I couldn't tell you what the potatoes actually tasted like.) Overall, I loved the experience, including the acerbically jovial, somewhat put-upon bartender. Five out of five stars. Would definitely go back!