Peter McManus Cafe: A Historic NYC Bar and Grill with Timeless Charm

Peter McManus Cafe Introduce

In a city where new restaurants and bars open and close with a dizzying pace,

Peter McManus Cafe

stands as a steadfast testament to timeless quality and enduring charm. As one of the oldest family-run bars in New York City, it has been a beloved neighborhood fixture since 1936. Located in the heart of Chelsea, this bar and grill offers a unique blend of historic ambiance and modern-day comfort. It's the kind of place where you can feel the history in the air, from the original Tiffany stained-glass windows to the well-worn bar top that has seen generations of New Yorkers.

Beyond its rich history, Peter McManus Cafe is celebrated for its classic American pub fare and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The menu is a comforting list of favorites, including their renowned burgers, deli sandwiches, and hot plates. The food is consistently praised for being good, with reasonable prices that make it a go-to spot for a satisfying meal. The service is also a highlight, described by patrons as "quick" and the bartenders as "very nice and welcoming." This combination of great food, fair prices, and friendly service creates an environment where everyone feels like a regular.

The atmosphere is a key part of the experience. It has a cozy and casual vibe that attracts a diverse crowd of locals and tourists alike. Whether you're a New Yorker looking for a classic neighborhood bar or a visitor hoping to get a taste of old-school NYC, Peter McManus Cafe delivers. It's a place where you can grab a table, enjoy a great beer, and catch a sports game, or simply pull up a stool at the bar for some pleasant conversation. As one customer noted, it has an "Old Timey feel" that is both charming and authentic, providing a genuine glimpse into the city’s past.

What makes Peter McManus Cafe a truly special place is its authenticity. It has been featured in numerous films and television shows, but it remains a down-to-earth spot where the focus is on good food, great drinks, and a sense of community. The ownership by the same family for over four generations speaks volumes about their commitment to quality and tradition. This is a place that hasn’t changed just for the sake of it, but has held onto the elements that make it a true New York institution.

---

Location and Accessibility

Peter McManus Cafe is located at

152 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA

, on the corner of West 19th Street. Its location in the vibrant Chelsea neighborhood makes it a convenient and easily accessible destination. It's a prime spot for a meal or a drink, whether you're working in the area, shopping, or exploring the neighborhood's many attractions.

The bar and grill offers a range of service options to fit your schedule. You can opt to

dine-in

and enjoy the historic atmosphere with table service. For those who prefer to eat at home or on the go,

takeout

and

delivery

services are available, bringing their classic comfort food right to you.

In terms of accessibility, the cafe has a

wheelchair accessible entrance

and

wheelchair accessible seating

, ensuring that it can accommodate all patrons. Parking in the area can be a mix of free and paid street parking, as well as paid parking lots. Given its central location, it's easily reachable by public transportation, making it a convenient choice for a solo visit or a group outing.

---

Services Offered

Dine-in: Enjoy a comfortable and casual dining experience with seating available in the main bar area and the back dining room. The historic decor and friendly atmosphere make it a great place to sit down for a meal or a drink.
Takeout and Delivery: For a convenient meal at home or the office, Peter McManus Cafe offers both takeout and delivery options. You can get their classic comfort food, including burgers, sandwiches, and hot plates, brought right to your door.
Full Bar Service: The cafe features a full
bar onsite
with a great selection of beers, including their own McManus Ale, as well as a variety of hard liquors and
cocktails
. The bar is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a lively and welcoming environment.
Late-Night Food and Drinks: As a classic bar, Peter McManus Cafe offers
late-night food
options, making it a great spot for a post-show bite or a final drink before heading home. This is a significant highlight in the city that never sleeps.
Catering: While not explicitly mentioned in the service options, the availability of large platters and a full menu makes the cafe a strong candidate for providing comfort food for private parties and events. Interested parties can contact the cafe for arrangements.

---

Features / Highlights

Historic and Cozy Atmosphere: The cafe's history is a major feature. As the oldest family-run bar in NYC, it boasts original and vintage decor, including Tiffany stained-glass windows and custom-made wooden booths. This creates a charming and cozy vibe that is a rare find in the modern city.
Acclaimed Burgers and Sandwiches: Peter McManus Cafe is particularly famous for its burgers, having been recognized with a "Best Burger in NYC" award. Their
McManus’ Chelsea-Burgers
are a must-try. Their deli sandwiches, especially the
Hot Pastrami
and
Reuben
, are also highly recommended by patrons.
Great Beer and Cocktail Selection: The bar is known for its wide selection of beers, with a variety of classic American and international options on tap and in bottles. Their cocktails are also a highlight, and the bar is a popular destination for its happy hour specials.
Fast and Friendly Service: The staff at Peter McManus Cafe are consistently praised for being quick, accommodating, and welcoming. This friendly service contributes to the overall pleasant atmosphere and makes diners feel comfortable, whether they're a first-timer or a regular.
Sports-Friendly Environment: The cafe is a great spot to watch a game. With a focus on sports, it provides a lively setting for fans to enjoy their favorite team while having a drink and some classic pub food. It's a casual and energetic place to cheer on your team.

---

Contact Information

Address: 152 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA
Phone: (917) 261-5504

---

What is worth choosing

Choosing Peter McManus Cafe is choosing a piece of New York history. The most compelling reason to visit is the unique combination of its historic setting and its classic, high-quality food. The bar has a truly authentic "old-timey" feel that is hard to find elsewhere in the city. The beautiful original features, such as the Tiffany stained-glass windows, are a sight to behold and add a layer of character that modern establishments can't replicate.

When it comes to the menu, the burgers are a non-negotiable must-try. They have a reputation for a reason. The

Pop Pop's Top-Shelf Cheeseburger

with its special blend of short rib, brisket, and chuck is a favorite, but even the classic cheeseburger is a fantastic option. For those who prefer a different kind of sandwich, the

Howie’s Hot Pastrami

and the

McManus’ Reuben

are excellent choices, offering a taste of classic deli culture. The hot plates, like the

N.Y. Strip Steak

and

Lamb Chops

, provide a more substantial meal, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Beyond the food, the bar itself is a destination. The "great beer selection" and "great cocktails" are highlights, making it an ideal place for a drink with friends or as a solo diner. The staff, known for being "nice and welcoming," elevates the experience, making every guest feel like a local. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, so you can come as you are and enjoy a great time.

In a city that is always changing, Peter McManus Cafe provides a sense of stability and tradition. It's a place that has been serving great food and drinks for decades and continues to do so with unwavering quality. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite, a leisurely dinner, or a late-night drink, Peter McManus Cafe is a worthwhile and memorable choice.

Peter McManus Cafe Menu

APPETIZERS
The Babe’s Bowl of Chili
topped with melted American cheese & onion
Bruce’s Chicken Fingers
served with Eileen’s spicy horseradish sauce and honey mustard
Chicken Wings
with Spicy Buffalo Sauce and Blue Cheese
Mozzarella Sticks
fried to perfection, accompanied by marinara sauce
Soup du Jour
Please ask your server about today’s selection

MCMANUS’ CHELSEA-BURGERS
All Burgers are served with Steak Fries or Tater Tots Our Cheese Options are
Classic Hamburger
½ lb. all-beef patty with bacon, onion, & tomato
Cheeseburger
our Hamburger with your choice of cheese
Pop Pop's Top-Shelf Cheeseburger
½ lb. short rib, brisket, and chuck blend with aged cheddar, red onion, pickle, and fancy sauce
Pizzaburger
our Hamburger with mozzarella & pizza sauce
Chiliburger
our Hamburger topped with Babe’s Chili, cheese, & onion
Garden Burger
a delicious vegetarian option

DELI SANDWICHES
Choice of, served with Potato Salad or Cole Slaw, French Fries or Tater Tots
McManus’ Reuben
Pastrami & Corned Beef parted by Sauerkraut, Swiss, Rye, & Russian Dressing served with our Steak Fries or Tater Tots
Roast Beef
Turkey
Howie’s Hot Pastrami
Hot Corned Beef
Tuna Salad
Ham
Law’s Liverwurst and Onions

SALADS
House Salad
tomatoes, carrots, celery, onions, & bell peppers on a bed of romaine
Chef Salad
ham, turkey, & assorted cheeses on a house salad
Chicken Caesar Salad
classic Caesar salad topped with grilled chicken breast
Tuna Salad
with potato salad and coleslaw on our House Salad

JAMO’S CLUB SANDWICHES
Triple Deckers on Toast with Lettuce, Tomato, Bacon, & Mayo served with Steak Fries or Tater Tots
Turkey
Ham
Roast Beef

PETE’S HOT PLATES
N.Y. Strip Steak
with house salad, vegetable of the day, & fries or mashed potatoes
Pork Chops
with house salad, vegetable of the day, & fries or mashed potatoes
Lamb Chops
with house salad, vegetable of the day, & fries or mashed potatoes
Roast Beef
with vegetable of the day & fries or mashed potatoes
Knockwurst
with authentic fennel sauerkraut & baked beans, Try the knockwurst “Carlito’s Way” with melted Cheese and Bacon!

SIDE ORDERS
Steak Fries
Cheese Fries
Small House Salad
Chili Cheese Fries
Chili Cheese Tots
Onion Rings
Tater Tots
Cheese Tots
House-Made Cole Slaw
Billy’s Boston Baked Beans
The Ol’ Man’s Sauerkraut
House-Made Potato Salad

JUSTIN’S GRILLED SPECIALTIES
Steak-um Sandwich
roast beef with melted cheese & sautéed onions on a roll
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
with our tangy BBQ sauce, bacon, and cheddar
Grilled Cheese
Grilled Ham & Cheese
Grilled Cheese & Bacon
Bacon, Lettuce, & Tomato
Tasha’s Tuna Melt

DESSERTS
Double Chocolate Cake
Sweet Katie’s Apple Pie

Peter McManus Cafe Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
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
Food
Food at bar
Happy hour drinks
Hard liquor
Late-night food
Quick bite
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Outside food allowed
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Historic

Crowd
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Parking
Free street parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Parking

Peter McManus Cafe Photos

Peter McManus Cafe Location

Peter McManus Cafe

New York New York County New York 7th Avenue

152 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA

Peter McManus Cafe Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 972 user reviews.

dive barschoolcheeseburgertater totsphone boothssolidreuben sandwichjukeboxwoodengenerations

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Very good Irish bar. Food was good and service was quick. Prices are reasonable. Pastrami sandwich was very good.
June 21 · Marty Cegelka
Nice size Bar/Restaurant. I like the Old Timey feel of the place. The prices are very reasonable. I had the Chicken Fingers, which were very dry but I liked the sauces it came with. It seems like a neighborhood bar but one where everyone is welcomed. Meg is a good bartender and she's very nice and welcoming. I would come back but I would order something else.
December 28 · Vivianne Barretto
After 8 days in NY, finally a great place.Kind waitress, good service, good hamburger with fresh meat (big portions), high variety of beers, and nice atmosphere!Authentic Irish pub in NY.
May 08 · Carlo Pelganta
Old school vibes and relaxed ambiance. Drinks were good and service was good too !
July 01 · Amandip Kaur
Here you can feel the atmosphere of old New York, brutal and cozy at the same time but yet attractive. The food is delicious and the selection of beers is large. The interior is atmospherically "tired" from the multitude of stories told and hectoliters of beer drunk. Ohh and if you're naughty there's a baseball bat by the whisky bottles. it looks used...
November 29 · Maciek Wieloch