New York’s ever-changing restaurant scene sees new and cutting edge places pop up in seemingly exponential numbers.  For now, you can still get a taste of old school NYC - the ones you know from movies like Annie Hall, The Pope of Greenwich Village, Nine and 1/2 Weeks and When Harry Met Sally. In the spirit of an authentic experience, we bring you the real deals from the Manhattan of bygone days.

Eisenberg’s
174 5th Ave (22nd & 23rd Sts)
www.eisenbergsnyc.com

Sitting in the shadow of the historic Flatiron building, Eisenberg’s is a classic lunch counter straight out of a John Hughes movie. Belly up to the bar and order a Lime Rickey (this might be the last place you can get one in NYC) and pick which sandwich you’d like to slather mustard on.

Katz’s Delicatessen
205 East Houston St (@ Ludlow St)
www.katzdeli.com
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If you’re a fan of pastrami, salami, corned beef, roast beef, or brisket, Katz’s meat heavy sandwiches should be a high priority.  Pair your creation with a healthy helping of sour or half-sour pickles and a Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray or Cream Soda. This New York institution is open all night to boot; if you’re brave enough to wait in line with late-night revelers of varying levels of sobriety, the post-1AM scene is always entertaining.

Grassroots Tavern
20 Saint Marks Place (Cooper & Second Ave.)

While St. Mark’s Place has lost some of the grit that made it the helm of NYC’s 1970s punk rock scene, places like Grassroots Tavern hold onto the orginal vibe of the legendary three block stretch. Combine its dark, cavernous interior, cheap drinks, rough-around-the-edges feel, and a legit selection of music on the jukebox, and you’ve got the perfect dive.

John’s Pizzeria
278 Bleeker St (nr. Morton)
www.johnsbrickovenpizza.com

On the block since the ’30s, John’s is famous for their atypical “no slice” policy. The quality of their brick oven pies supports this unique-for-NYC product marketing, as you’ll want to put away a whole pie, no question. Bring some friends and order a few pies with pitchers or some cheap Chianti and you’ll be in heaven.

Parisi
198 Mott Street (Spring & Kenmare Sts)
www.parisibakery.com
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While it may not look like much as you pass by, inside you’ll find some of the best bread in the city, made daily. Swing through, grab a sandwich from the guys and head north up around the corner to the park to enjoy one of the finest, simplest things New York City has to offer.

Wo Hop
17 Mott Street (nr. Worth)

You haven’t experienced all of New York until you’ve visited Chinatown. We recommend skipping the now tacky knick-knack scene on Canal St and heading straight towards Wo Hop, one of the oldest and most loved Chinese spots in the neighborhood.  If you’re looking for authentic mainland fare, this isn’t it. Wo Hop serves up old school Cantonese dishes that have become the staples of the American Chinese food experience, like egg drop soup, chow mein, and egg foo young.

Vincent’s
119 Mott Street (Mott St & Hester St)
www.anotherreason.com/vincents

While there are plenty of red sauce options in Little Italy, not to mention New York City, Vincent’s is slightly off the tourist trap main drag and our pick for a good old school plate of pasta. After all, they’ve been at it for over 100 years. If you’re up for something new and different, try the Scungilli (sliced conch meat), something you can’t find anywhere else in town.

Old Town Bar
Union Square North
45 E 18th Street (Broadway & Park Ave. South)
www.oldtownbar.com
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You’ll see Old Town Bar’s classic neon sign from down the block. Once you step inside you’ll also see why we love recommending Old Town to people, and why it’s been around since 1892. Avoid the after work mob by visiting during lunch or in the late afternoon. With plenty of beer on tap and a classics-focused bar menu, it’s a great place to kill some afternoon time. Order the house burger, knock back a few drinks, and afternoon will slip slowly into evening in the blink of an eye.