279 Water St. (Chinatown/Lower Manhattan) at Dover St.

“The oldest surviving tavern in New York and one-time home to a brothel, the
Bridge Café is located in a simple wood-frame building erected in 1794. Although
times have changed and the Brooklyn Bridge has since been built next door, the
old speakeasy continues to thrive thanks to a modern mix of eclectic American
entrées. The uniformly excellent menu includes standouts like a tender buffalo
steak with lingonberry sauce.” — Sandra Nygaard

“Perhaps the best in Manhattan