P.J. Clarke’s dates back to 1884 and has this authentic, old-school feel that only comes with age. Add a legendary bacon cheeseburger and fries, which might be among the best in the city, and you have what it takes to become a tourist magnet.
Though for some reason, P.J. Clarke’s has managed to keep it local, and if you step inside on an early evening during the week, you will find that most of the crowd filling up the bar are mostly corporate, grabbing a drink after work.
P.J. Clarke’s is always busy, but the bartenders stay friendly and will address you as if you were a regular. Talking about regulars, there is a member’s only dining room, Sidecar, one stair up. The room is reserved for P. J. Clarke’s most loyal clientele, which is said to include a solid base of NYC celebrities.
My first visit to P.J. Clarke’s was with Viv and Kent from White Caviar Life in Sydney. They were in the city for Fashion Week, and even though they were both super jet-lagged we decided to go and grab a drink. Beer, bourbon and oysters, that’s the way to catch up with old friends:)
First time we met was in Sydney, second time was in NYC. Wonder where we will meet next time?
P. J. Clarke’s, 915 3rd Avenue (corner of E55th St), Midtown, New York City
