Here Are 7 Of The Oldest Restaurants On The Upper West Side: Report

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — The Upper West Side is a neighborhood steeped in history, but have you ever wondered which still operating establishments have been around the longest?

Untapped New York just published an article titled, "7 Of The Upper West Side's Oldest Restaurants."

The article describes the UWS as a historical home to Jewish, Irish, Carribian and Black immigrants, but one that has now become increasingly desirable for wealthy young people — prompting "an aggressive battle for development."

The Untapped New York list also doesn't include establishments like Zabar's (1934) because it doesn't offer a dine-in option.

Without further ado, here are seven Upper West Side restaurants included on the list of the oldest in the neighborhood.

Honorable Patch mentions: La Caridad 78 (closed), V & T Pizzeria (1951), Symposium (1969)

Barney Greengrass: 1908

"The Sturgeon King" holds the crown as the oldest restaurant on the Upper West Side. Located on Amsterdam Avenue between West 86th and 87th streets, Barney Greengrass is still one of the most popular bagel spots on the Upper West Side.

Old John's Diner: 1951

No diner has operated on the Upper West Side longer than Old John's Diner. While it would be fair to say that Old John's Luncheonette did briefly close in 2020 before reopening as Old John's Diner, the business kept its same location.

It has everything you want out of a classic New York diner, and it was just named one of the best breakfast spots in the city.

Broadway Restaurant: 1970

The second diner on the list of oldest Upper West Side eateries. Broadway Restaurant is run by the Arsenis family and is best known for its burgers and mashed potatoes.

Gray's Papaya: 1973

There is likely no more recognizable restaurant on the Upper West Side than Gray's Papaya. The hot dog temple has been serving customers at an affordable price for nearly 50 years at the corner of West 72nd Street.

Jerusalem Restaurant: 1979

The modest restaurant and only Middle-Eastern eatery on the list serves up halal platters, sandwiches, salads, pita, hummus, and more from its storefront on Broadway between West 103rd and 104th streets.

Chirping Chicken on Amsterdam: 1982

Chirping Chicken is a larger chain than any other restaurant on the list, but the eatery on Amsterdam between West 76th and 77th streets has been an Upper West Side staple for 40 years.

The chicken is tender and the outpost is always bustling.

Cafe Luxembourg: 1983

The only restaurant on the list with white tablecloths, the French Bistro has served customers at 200 W. 70th St. for nearly 40 years.

The menu is maybe best known for its zucchini fries, omelets, and burgers.

Let us know in the comment section how many of these Upper West Side restaurants you've eaten at.

You can read the full Untapped New York article on its website.