P.J. Clarke’s

“The Cadillac of burgers,” whispered a voice from the back of the tour group at P.J. Clarke’s. That’s right, we’re standing before the legendary P.J. Clarke’s. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a living piece of New York City history. Established in 1884, P.J. Clarke’s has witnessed the city’s transformation, serving countless patrons, from everyday New Yorkers to the world’s most celebrated figures. This unassuming building at 915 Third Avenue, nestled beside a towering skyscraper, holds within its walls stories that span generations. P.J. Clarke’s wasn’t always known by that name. In the early 1900s, an Irish immigrant named Patrick J. Clarke worked at the saloon for a Mr. Duneen. After years of hard work, Clarke purchased the bar and proudly renamed it. The restaurant’s history intertwines with the city’s own narrative. It survived Prohibition, serving bathtub gin and smuggled Scotch, becoming a haven for those seeking respite during those tumultuous times. The four Clarke sons were even born in the tenement above the bar. P.J. Clarke’s was a place where Nat King Cole declared their bacon cheeseburger “the Cadillac of burgers.” It’s where Buddy Holly, in a whirlwind romance, proposed to Maria Elena Santiago on their very first date in 1958. Imagine their excitement within these very walls. The restaurant’s charm also captivated literary figures. Before opening the famed Lion’s Head, a literary hub, Wes Joice tended bar at P.J. Clarke’s. P.J. Clarke’s has seen its share of colorful characters. Elaine Stritch, the renowned actress, claimed to have negotiated her role on “The Trials of O’Brien” with Peter Falk at his regular table here. Legend has it that Johnny Mercer, the prolific songwriter, penned the melancholic lyrics of “One for My Baby (and One More for the Road)” on a napkin at the bar. Even in recent history, before his downfall, the infamous Ponzi schemer Bernard Madoff was an investor in P.J. Clarke’s. The restaurant has not only been a witness to history but has also appeared in popular culture. Truman Capote mentioned P.J. Clarke’s in his short story “A Beautiful Child,” recounting an afternoon with Marilyn Monroe. Ironically, Monroe refused to enter the bar, disliking the clientele. P.J. Clarke’s also features in Patricia Highsmith’s “Strangers on a Train.” P.J. Clarke’s, a place where history, culture, and stories converge. It’s a testament to resilience, a symbol of New York’s enduring spirit. So, the next time you enjoy a burger here, remember, you’re not just having a meal. You are partaking in a piece of New York City’s vibrant past.