New York nosh and nostalgia

By Matthew Fox

When I moved to New York, everyone there was anxious to tell me about their favourite local legend. I soon discovered that one of the most exciting ways to explore Manhattan is to root out the places that still buzz with nostalgic energy, whether that means sipping whisky on the same stool once occupied by Dylan Thomas or nibbling appetizers where Woody Allen once flirted with Mariel Hemingway. Here are some legendary recommendations, where the food is great, the history is alive and you may just spot a celebrity yourself.

The White Horse Tavern

Bob Dylan

This popular establishment traces its fame to the 1950s, when the tavern and its Greenwich Village surroundings were at the centre of American bohemian life. On a regular evening, patrons could see Norman Mailer, Bob Dylan and Anais Nin looking for inspiration at the bottom of their pint glasses. My favourite touch is the plaque that recalls the time in November 1953 when Welsh poet Dylan Thomas died after a particularly wild night of carousing at the White Horse. Since then, the venue has been cleaned up and now fits in perfectly among its upscale Village neighbours.

The walls are dotted with souvenirs of its more notorious customers, while the vast bar, outsize beer taps and long list of whiskies recall a classic British pub. Its choice location on the corner of Hudson and West 11th Street provides plenty of space for a bright and breezy outdoor terrace. You can sit here and munch on delicious golden French fries while waiting for a celebrity to pass by. I have personally seen Ethan Hawke, Isaac Mizrahi and Lili Taylor stroll past (though, sadly, not together).

567 Hudson St., 212-989-3956

The Algonquin Hotel

I came to this glorious midtown hotel just to be in the same rooms as some of my literary heroes. Both Simone de Beauvoir and Gertrude Stein stayed here, and William Faulkner even wrote his Nobel Prize acceptance speech in one of the rooms. Plus, it was between these very walls that The New Yorker magazine was created and published. Most famous, though, is the dining hall's Algonquin Round Table, where Dorothy Parker and George S. Kaufman lunched every afternoon.

Named one of America's Ten Great Historic Hotels by Historic Traveler, the Algonquin recently underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation, returning it to a bastion of understated class. The three restaurants serve simple but delicious modern fare, such as grilled shrimp, roasted garlic salsa and lobster hash. The hotel now boasts marble staircases, iron railings, soaking tubs and hand-picked antiques – and, of course, a copy of The New Yorker in every room!

59 West 44th St., 212-840-6800

Cedar Tavern

This lively Union Square bar once roared with the top creative minds in Manhattan. Painters Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and Franz Kline all hoisted drinks here over the years. As writing students at the nearby New School, my colleagues and I would often meet here to discuss our work, hoping that some of the bar's artistic magic would rub off on us.

Though it's moved locations a few times, the Cedars (as it's locally known) has always kept its low-key attitude and continued to offer friendly service. Huge padded booths and dark wainscotting line the walls, and the kitchen serves some of the best burgers in Manhattan. New York magazine named it the "best bar for celeb sightings without bouncers or velvet ropes." Winona Ryder, Kevin Spacey and Brad Pitt have all been known to drop by to escape the limelight.

82 University Place, 212-929-9089

Elaine's

Mariel Hemingway in Manhattan

For decades, Elaine's has been the meeting place for Manhattan's celebrity elite. Joan Collins and Ivana Trump have both been regulars, and it was here that Woody Allen filmed part of his landmark movie Manhattan. More recently, Entertainment Weekly has chosen this Upper East Side eatery as the backdrop for its annual Oscars party. But don't just come for the star spotting: Elaine's boasts some of the most famous dishes in New York. I adore the crab cakes and mussels, two dishes that virtually define seafood cuisine in the city. My most potent memory, however, is Elaine herself. Boisterous and attentive, this hostess is a legend in her own right.

1703 Second Ave., 212-534-8103

Delmonico’s

Consider splurging at this lower-Manhattan steak house that calls itself "the very first restaurant in America." Mark Twain, Abraham Lincoln and Charles Dickens were clients here, and the gorgeous 1836 building still welcomes New York's upper crust. The 100-page menu offers prime sophisticated American cuisine – from lobster to steak ­– along with thousands of wines. I recommend the chicken à la king and the baked Alaska, both of which were invented at this very restaurant.

56 Beaver St., 212-509-1144

(Former New Yorker Matthew Fox is an editor at Maisonneuve and the author of Cities of Weather. He also wrote about offbeat London Museums in the January issue.)

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