P.J. Clarke's Third Avenue

I had a fantastic meal at P.J. Clarke's on Third Avenue last week. This historic spot, open since 1884, has that perfect old-school New York feel with its classic bar, red-brick walls, and timeless vibe that makes you feel like a local the moment you walk in.<br>I went with the Cadillac Burger, and it lived up to the hype — juicy, perfectly cooked with bacon, cheese, and all the fixings. The thin-cut fries were crispy and addictive, and the creamed spinach on the side was rich and delicious. Service was warm and efficient, even when the place got busy.<br>It’s a great mix of casual and classic, ideal for a solid meal without being stuffy. Prices are fair for Midtown. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting an authentic NYC tavern experience. Five stars.<br>Helpful tips: Go early or make a reservation if you want to avoid a wait, especially at dinner. Try the raw bar if you like oysters. Portions are generous, so share sides. The bar area is great for a more relaxed vibe if you’re not in a big group. Valet or nearby parking can be tricky, so subway is easiest.

I really liked this place, it’s perfect to go with friends or as a couple. I ordered a burger and, without a doubt, it was one of the best burgers I’ve tried so far. They also have a great variety of drinks; I ordered a Half Acre beer and it was really good. I truly enjoyed the experience and I hope to come back soon!

Been coming here on and off for years and it still feels like real New York to me. The burger was excellent, cooked right, and the service was professional without trying too hard. Place has character, good atmosphere, and you can actually sit down and enjoy a proper meal without loud nonsense everywhere. Bartender was friendly and knew what he was doing 👍 Classic spot that deserves the reputation. Will definitely be back.🍔🍺

P.J. Clarke’s on Third Avenue is one of those classic, old-school NYC spots that really feels like stepping into a movie. The historic vibe and atmosphere are honestly amazing and probably the best part of the experience.<br><br>We ordered quite a bit since it was our first time and wanted to try different things. The fried calamari was delicious, the Korean sticky ribs were flavorful with a nice spicy kick, and the pretzel bites were also very good. Even the fries were solid. These were definitely the highlights.<br><br>As for the mains — we had the Maine lobster roll, chicken pot pie, and the trio of mini burgers — everything was just okay. Most dishes felt under-seasoned and lacked that “wow” factor you’d expect. Nothing bad, just not memorable.<br><br>The biggest downside, though, was how rushed everything felt. We sat down at 3:45, had all appetizers on the table by 4:06, and by 4:21 all our main dishes had already arrived. It honestly felt like the food was being pushed out too quickly, and we didn’t get a chance to relax or enjoy the meal at all. I understand busy restaurants try to turn tables, but this felt excessive.<br><br>Service was also inconsistent — our waitress was hard to find, and clearing the table took a while.<br><br>Overall, it’s a great place to visit for the historic NYC atmosphere and probably for drinks, but the rushed service and average main dishes took away from the experience.

Could not be a cuter atmosphere. Seriously loved the vibe. Didn't love our appetizers of zucchini/eggplant chips (very blah) or the oysters Rockefeller (mostly spinach). The burgers were good, very thick if you like that kind of burger. Soft buns. Fries were decent. Good local Pilsner. Service was excellent.

After a fantastic evening at the Met, we were thrilled by the stunning opera Porgy and Bess; we made our way to PJ Clarke’s for dinner…an excellent decision! The feel of this restaurant was warm, and we were greeted with excellent food and solid service right from the start.<br><br>We started our culinary journey with a delightful chicken soup and an assortment of appetizers, including crispy onion straws, flavorful wings, and perfectly sautéed spinach. Each dish was beautifully presented, showcasing a gourmet flair that elevated our dining experience. The chicken soup was a standout; it exuded a comforting, homemade quality and boasted just the right number of dumplings each spoonful felt like mom made it.<br><br>Our server, Chris, was attentive. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our time at PJ Clarke’s. If you’re in search of exceptional American fare, this is a great choice.

Walk in, did not have to wait for a table host was very friendly and so was our waitress.<br>We got our order in pretty quickly and food came shortly after. We\n Got a lobster, roll and a fish sandwich. It had options of fries or chips. We had one of each. I also ordered an iced tea with cranberry juice.<br>This place is welcoming and cozy. Good for eating alone or with company. I also saw some families, high chairs available. Overall everything was delicious. I recommend this place.

Great place to go for dinner and a drink. Had a party of four and all of us really enjoyed our appetizers and entrees. The burgers were fantastic and everything was reasonably priced. The bartenders and servers were all friendly and attentive. It was crowded the entire time so I would strongly suggest making a reservation in advance. We will definitely stop in again.

This bar was a treat to experience but it’s not a “MUST DO” in my books. We went in early on a Saturday night to grab a drink and snack. The bar was fairly full but we landed a hightop in the corner. The room is full of nostalgia and there seemed to be a fair amount of regulars and families (with babes for an early dinner — it was cute and frankly added to the vibe). The bartenders and servers were very nice. Had a beer and a few snacks; the zucchini and eggplant chips were recommended to us so we tried (and surprised the server who didn’t know about the eggplant in the dish) and it was fine but a little on the greasy side and too large a portion for just two of us (though that’s not their problem — probably a better dish to share with 4 or 6 ppl so it’s not so heavy). The oysters Rockefeller were excellent; if we had just done the oysters and beer I think that would’ve been the right amount of exposure. Perhaps we were oversold on the joint; I had heard it was a fab spot to get a martini and some oysters; I bet that’s true, I just pictured something different and perhaps a little less gritty (I like gritty; I just wasn’t properly calibrated). I can see why locals would enjoy the cozy spot and some of the reasons it has endured. For me, on a VERY short weekend in the city, it wasn’t a necessary stop.

Excellent restaurant! It's an old building, so if you love that vibe like I do, this is your spot! I got the trio of burgers. But if you want a burger, id recommend just getting the BBQ blue. That one was the best by far. My colleague got the lobster roll and loved it. New England clam chowder was decent. The French martini was good.

Was very accommodating and very quick service. I had questions about the menu and the waiter was able to promptly answer all of my questions thoroughly. Food came out quickly, and was delicious. Very happy with my experience here.<br><br>I highly recommend their cheesecake as it was some of the best I’ve had and the slices are very big so you can probably share.

We had the Rhode Island Calamari as an appetizer, but I wasn’t impressed - it was quite oily with lots of breading and barely any calamari taste. My dad got Fish & Chips and really enjoyed them. My mom had The Lobster Roll with waffle fries - she also liked her food. (for me these waffle fries were great!) I ordered the New England Clam Chowder soup with Parmesan Truffle Fries - the fries were good, but the soup was just okay and definitely not the best I’ve had.<br><br>Overall, it feels like more of a place to enjoy drinks. The food wasn’t bad, but for the price, I’d say there are better options around.

American style restaurant which interior design is so charming and well. But foods are not good, waiters push you to stand up after you finish your meal. Most of the fast food chain burger restaurants are even better from here. I did not understand why they require 4.5+ point on average. Also pricing is expensive considering deliciousness and serving.<br>I do not recommend their burgers.

Stopped by for a quick bite and sat outside on the sidewalk — so cute and chill with great city vibes. The oysters and shrimp cocktail were super fresh and hit the spot. Perfect place to relax, people-watch, and enjoy quality seafood in a laid-back setting. Definitely coming back for the atmosphere alone!

You have feeling that you are eating in a place with character and soul. The architecture of the place was historical and beautiful. Bar space was separate from main restaurant space. Staff were friendly and polite. Bar was first come first serve. Food had a good quality. Burger was a little hard and chewy and I didn’t like the bun. But ingredients had good quality.