Pete's Tavern Introduce
Welcome to Pete's Tavern, a true New York City landmark that stands as a living piece of history. Nestled in the heart of the city, this iconic establishment is not just a place to eat and drink; it's a journey back in time. As the oldest continuously operating tavern in New York City, Pete's Tavern has been serving locals and visitors alike since 1864. Its rich history is palpable the moment you step inside, with vintage decor, solid old-world furniture, and a unique, darker ambiance that has been carefully preserved over the years. The tavern is a beloved institution, known for its deep literary roots and its unwavering commitment to providing a welcoming, classic New York experience.
More than just a restaurant, Pete's Tavern is an American institution, a pub, a cocktail bar, and a function room all rolled into one. It’s a place where you can grab a quick lunch, enjoy a leisurely brunch, or settle in for a satisfying dinner. The atmosphere is a perfect blend of casual and historic, making it equally suitable for a family outing, a group gathering, or a quiet meal for a solo diner. Whether you're a local seeking a taste of authentic NYC or a tourist eager to explore the city's storied past, Pete's Tavern offers a dining experience that is both memorable and deeply rooted in the fabric of the city.
Pete's Tavern is conveniently located at 129 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003, USA. Situated in the Gramercy Park neighborhood, it is just a short walk from Union Square, making it easily accessible for anyone in the area. The location is ideal for those exploring downtown Manhattan, offering a historical retreat from the bustling city streets. For those arriving by car, paid street parking is available.
The tavern is committed to being welcoming to all guests, and its accessibility features reflect this. The establishment offers a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the historic atmosphere and delicious offerings. Its proximity to major transit hubs also makes it a convenient spot to meet friends or stop in for a meal while on the go.
- Curbside pickup
- Delivery and Takeout
- Dine-in service with seating and table service
- Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner menus
- Counter service for quick bites
- Dessert options
- Accepts reservations for brunch and dinner
- Outdoor seating is available, perfect for a sunny day or a pleasant evening
- Bar onsite offering a wide selection of drinks
- Private dining rooms for events and special occasions
- Function room facility for larger gatherings
- Fast and efficient service that ensures a great dining experience, even during busy hours.
- An exceptional beer selection, featuring a variety of options to please any connoisseur.
- A fantastic cocktail menu with a range of classic and specialty drinks.
- Serves local specialty dishes that highlight the rich culinary traditions of the area.
- The venue is known for its "Sports" atmosphere, making it a great place to catch a game.
- The atmosphere is a blend of casual, cozy, historic, and trendy, creating a truly unique vibe.
- The crowd is a diverse mix of families, groups, locals, and tourists, making everyone feel at home.
- Offers a wide range of offerings including alcohol, comfort food, late-night food, small plates, and vegetarian options.
- The tavern is considered "Good for kids," with high chairs available and a dedicated kids' menu.
- Pets are welcome, as the establishment is dog-friendly.
Address: 129 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
Phone: (212) 473-7676
Pete's Tavern offers a unique combination of rich history, classic charm, and a high-quality dining experience. One of the most compelling reasons to choose Pete's is its status as a historical landmark. Stepping inside is like entering a time capsule, with its vintage decor and storied past that includes serving as a speakeasy during Prohibition and being a favored haunt of legendary writers like O. Henry. This rich history provides a backdrop that no modern restaurant can replicate, making your meal an experience in itself.
The food and service are also major drawcards. The menu focuses on classic American comfort food, pub fare, and delicious brunch options. As one customer noted, the food is consistently good and satisfying. The service is often highlighted in reviews as being exceptional—professional and attentive without being intrusive. One diner was particularly grateful for a waiter’s excellent advice, which speaks volumes about the staff’s genuine care for their customers’ experience. This level of service is something that is not always easy to find and makes Pete's stand out.
Furthermore, the tavern’s atmosphere is a perfect blend of cozy and vibrant. It's a place where you can feel the warmth of its history while enjoying a great meal and a drink from its extensive selection of beers and cocktails. Whether you're looking for a spot for a quiet meal, a lively get-together with friends, or a place to celebrate a special occasion, Pete's Tavern fits the bill. The versatility of its services, from delivery and takeout to private dining and event facilities, ensures it can cater to a wide range of needs.
Ultimately, Pete's Tavern is more than just a restaurant; it’s a living piece of New York’s heritage. It combines the nostalgia of an old-world tavern with the modern-day needs of a diverse clientele. For a visitor, it's a must-see. For a local, it's a beloved institution. It's a place where you can get a great meal, a perfect drink, and a dose of history all in one visit. With its great location, accessible features, and genuinely friendly service, it's clear why Pete's Tavern has remained a New York favorite for over 150 years.
Pete's Tavern Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Locals
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Paid street parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Pete's Tavern Photos










Pete's Tavern Location
Pete's Tavern Reviews
historypubbartenderschoolbruncho. henrychristmas decorations1864shepherds piepot pie
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1A very unique place to have a meal at, for a guest and a visitor alike. A lot of history in this place.Typical for an old American diner interior - gathered over the years memorabilia, solid old world furniture, somehow darker ambiance.The food was good. I'm grateful that my waiter advised me against ordering a second dish on top of salmon salad. Very good asvise. The salad was big and satisfying. Service is perfect, on the level that you don't see a lot nowadays.Definitely will come here again when in the area.
May 07 · elllen kPete’s Tavern combines rich history with a great location near Union Square. it offers a true old-school vibe with vintage decor and literary roots. It is a perfect spot for classic pub food, drinks, and a taste of New York’s past, definitely worth a visit.
July 27 · Lyuba LyubovWalking up 18th St towards Union Square found this awesome place, Pete’s Tavern. One of the coolest places I have ever just walked up on in NYC. The food was good and so was the service. We ate inside in one of the cozy booths but they also have outdoor seating.
June 05 · Toby WilliamsI went here one evening a week before Christmas 2024. It was beautifully set up- inside as well as outside. I hope the videos I upload do it justice. It felt so festive!I just enjoyed a lovely lager and some truffle fries - basic stuff but good. I was also pretty full from other meals I was eating when in NYC.Majorly went here for the vibes and those did not disappoint. Great service, good vibe! Shall come back to try more food.P.S. Make a reservation if you can. We walked in and got lucky with a table as it seemed like a busy time.
February 11 · Virinda Dembla MalikThis was by far the best meal we had during our 10 days in NYC. I had the half chicken and my husband had the steak. Everything was perfect. The asparagus was crispy and vibrant,the fingerling potatoes were perfect and the creamed spinach was luxurious. The steak and chicken were perfect and melted in the mouth. The black and tan was cold and crisp. The service was impeccable and the atmosphere was so cool. I'm glad I made reservations. Loved it all.
March 30 · Jaime Boyer
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