I think I’ve been to PJ Clarke’s more than any other establishment in NYC (besides the DMV. Don’t ask).

It’s an institution, to say the least. The NY Times calls PJ’s (opened in 1884) “The Vatican of saloons”.

Located on 55th and 3rd Avenue, in prime happy hour location, PJ’s is more than just a place for a bunch of suits to drown their mid-week sorrows.

It’s a place to feed their sorrows, too!

Just head to the back, through the sea of only slightly douchey businessmen, and you’ll find a fairly large dining room at your disposal.

Besides the (slightly overpriced) burger they’re known for, they also serve a delicious tower of tater tots! And a pretty decent Manhattan. All solid reasons to come here. Booze and Tots. Look no further.

The burger was on the larger side during this most recent visit. Perhaps they heeded the words of the bitter Yelpers about how small and outrageously priced it formerly was?

The bartenders are friendly but aren’t going to sit and chat with you all day (they’ve got drinks to make, buddy) but the waitresses (at least our most recent one) was a hoot! And very patient with my friend who I might start dubbing the “Queen of Substitutions”. BTW, I say that with the greatest affection.

If you had to pick a place to make your local watering hole, you could do worse than picking PJ’s. And if you don’t like the neighborhood, there are three other locations in NY (and one in DC, two in Brazil) you picky, sonofabitch.

915 3rd Ave
New York, NY 10022
b/t 56th St & 55th St
Midtown East
(212) 317-1616
pjclarkes.com

BE WARNED, THE PICTURES GET INCREASINGLY BLURRY AND AWFUL AS YOU SCROLL DOWN

Sweet Potato Fries – $6.55

Iceberg Wedge
Bacon, Tomato, Buttermilk Bleu Cheese
$10.15

Naked Lobster Roll

Crisp Parmesan Tater Tots – $11.10

Hamburger Au Poivre
Cracked Pepper Sauce, Cabot Cheddar, Jimmy Peppers & Onions – $14.50