They say that you can’t visit New York and not experience the authenticity and history at “PJ Clarke’s”. A restaurant from the last century, the place still feels and looks old as it used to welcome its clientele back then. Toilets in the heart of the restaurant probably dating from 1884, no locks and no doors, old wood, old writings... they say it was the cool place before even the word “cool” existed. Come here for the burger and the lobster roll along with other seafood specialties.
Fresh food, old-fashioned stuff and a load of history. Grab yourself a stool at the bar or sit at the back in the dark lit space and order a beer. Today, we were served by Heather, a smiley waitress that puts a smile on one’s face.
A fruity beer from Brooklyn, the Cadillac burger named by Nat-king Kole, the loaded lobster roll with sea salt, a chicken sandwich and crunchy fried calamari. After finishing the first beer, I couldn’t but pamper myself with a Guinness beer on tap.
With a vibrant music playing in the background, I sat and enjoyed the moment reading news about the place on google. An open kitchen, sounds of ice and plates, people chitchatting and smiling, the vibes are different and unique. Almost every American celebrity came here and they remember them all on their website.
Starting with the calamari, they are fried to perfection and served with a flavorful creamy tartar dip. I was so excited, eating like a kid, smiling, laughing, spilling food everywhere... it felt like visiting Disneyland for the first time.
Indeed, the Cadillac burger is awesome! A thin and sticky bun, a thick and juicy burger served red, crispy bacon and watery tomatoes. Just add the local ketchup and enjoy memorable sensations. The burger comes with delicious French fries.
The lobster roll rocks! No sauce, but simply lobsters stuffed in a buttery sandwich. I’ve been used to eating lobster rolls with a load of mayonnaise but this one is different, classier and chicer.
Before going further, let me tell you one thing about the Guinness beer; it’s like no other beer you can try on planet earth, it’s so creamy on the lips, it feels like a smoothie. I enjoyed it with their fries.
The chicken sandwich is a must try; a sandwich looking like a club yet offering a certain smoothness, business, and special taste.
All was excellent, the food is outstanding, the experience was memorable and I’ll surely repeat it. I couldn’t stop eating. Every detail counts, the ketchup, the pickles, the portions, the bread quality, the meat, and food overall. I was flying from joy.
When you something as good, you have to try the desserts; exactly like a cheesecake should be, heavy, thick and balanced. A light crunch on the bottom, a thick and heavy-bodied cheese heart with a strawberry sauce on top. It’s yummy!
The chocolate cake is orgasmic! Different textures, different flavors of chocolate; an amazing combination of perfection. This outstanding cake is called “1977 Blackout Cake”.
Two thumbs up for creating such an amazing experience. Go to Rome for the Vatican... come to New York for P.J.Clarke’s.
