Pete’s Tavern stands right on the iconic corner of East 18th Street and Irving Place, beloved as a neighborhood gathering place and a historical landmark in the heart of New York City.
A Landmark Since 1864
The establishment says its building dates to 1851, originally operating as the Portman Hotel. In 1864, the first bar on site opened as a “grocery and grog store.”
Pete’s Tavern also claims to be the city’s oldest restaurant and bar without interruption of service.
From Healy’s Café To Pete’s Tavern
In 1899, Tom and John Healy acquired the business, renaming it Healy’s Café. The property was sold in 1922 to Peter D’Belles, who gave it the name Pete’s Tavern, which still stands today.
Preserved Original Features
Pete’s maintains much of its original character: the forty-foot rosewood bar, ornate back bar, tin ceiling, and tiled floor are reportedly unchanged since 1864. The bar room’s booths and overhead cabinets are also said to be original fixtures.
- O. Henry, Literary Legend
Pete’s Tavern is tied to author William Sydney Porter, best known as O. Henry. According to the tavern, he penned “The Gift of the Magi” in the second booth in 1903 while living nearby at 55 Irving Place, a location that appears in his story “The Lost Blend” as “Healy’s.”
Prohibition’s Florist Cover and Hidden Entrance
During Prohibition, Pete’s reportedly posed as a florist, decorating with fresh blooms and exterior signage. Those familiar with the ruse could use a side entrance, passing through a “dummy refrigerator door,” whose original hinges survive today. After Prohibition ended in December 1933, the florist cover disappeared and Pete’s resumed legal operation.
Menu Highlights: Pub Fare Meets Italian-American Favorites
Pete’s serves a full menu day and night. Guests can choose starters like Rhode Island-style calamari, fried zucchini chips, thin crust pizza, and wings dubbed “O. Henry chicken wings.”
Main courses feature offerings such as chicken pot pie, fish & chips with cod fried in special house ale batter, shepherd’s pie, as well as Italian-American standards like eggplant or chicken parmigiana with spaghetti pomodoro. Burger fans will find classics like the Gramercy Burger alongside a veggie-friendly Beyond Burger.
Drinks: Drafts, Cocktails, and Comforts
The tap list includes Pete’s 1864 House Ale, Pete’s “Easy” Light Lager, along with popular selections such as Guinness Stout and Brooklyn Lager.
Cocktails range from staples like the Manhattan and Pete’s Old Fashioned to house innovations and seasonal sips, including Espresso Martinis, hot toddies, mulled wine, and both nonalcoholic and traditional egg nog.
Location & More
Pete’s Tavern
129 East 18th Street (At Irving Place)
New York, NY 10003
Website: petestavern.com
