5 places where time stands still in New York

New York without Katz’s would not be New York. Stick to the classics: the overstuffed corned beef or pastrami sandwiches on rye. While you’re there, check out the original World War II sign: ‘Send a salami to your boy in the army’ and that iconic table where Harry met Sally.

No-frills East Village classic. The place advertises itself as old-school and rightly so. The red sauce that comes with the pasta is the real deal, reminding you either of grandma or of a summer in Italy long ago. Try the chicken Parmigiana. Update: vegan dishes also grace the menu. Cash only.

This is of course a German restaurant, where main courses are massive, pork Schnitzel, Sauerbraten, and all kinds of Wurst. The Tyrolean-style place was founded in 1972 by German immigrant John Lehner and is now run by his sons Hans und Werner. Zum Stammtisch translates to ‘at the table for regulars’.

Since 1962 this place has attracted the rich and famous with its sense of tradition and flawless French fare. Known for their towering floral arrangements, white tablecloths, and servers in crisp white jackets, this place is a true slice of New York from a certain era. Now offering latenight jazz, attracting a younger crowd.

Cozy and curtained and once proclaimed “best steak I ever had” from a famed NYC food critic, Pietro’s has been offering the same menu since 1932. The servers are straight out of 1950s Mad Men era and use good old-fashioned personable charm when describing the specials. Come for the chicken parmigiana or a plate of spaghetti and meatballs.