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FANELLI CAFE

Updated

Phone: (212) 226-9412

Address: 94 PRINCE STREET 10012

TLDR

Historic 1847 Soho saloon serving classic American pub grub; famous for an authentic, old-school New York dive bar vibe.

Reddit Sentiment for FANELLI CAFE(based on 12 Reddit opinions)

75% Positive25% Neutral

Tags

american 8bar food 2steak frites 2View All

Neighborhoods

SoHo

Other Article Mentions

Lists, round-ups, and guides where this restaurant is featured.

Mentioned In
Comedian Alison Leiby on Public Pools, Heat-Wave Survival, and Diet Coke
positive

Alison stops into this classic spot for a quick beer and notes the temptation to order its famous bar snacks.

Alison Leiby • Jul 10, 2026
Read More →
Grubstreet
Mentioned In
Where To Eat In Soho

Fanelli Cafe, a saloon opened in 1847, offers a step back in time with predictable bar food like burgers and shepherd's pie, and has become a popular late-evening destination.

Melissa McCart • Apr 28, 2026

Details

Established in 1847, this historic Soho saloon captures the essence of 19th-century New York with a classic, divey atmosphere [2], [10], [19]. While the establishment is frequently celebrated as an iconic local institution, the menu features traditional American pub staples like burgers, shepherd's pie, and chili [1], [3], [13]. Culinary highlights often include their steak frites and house-cut fries, which have garnered significant praise from patrons [6], [10], [18].

Food Overview

The menu focuses on traditional American comfort food, with guests frequently recommending the chili, steak frites, and mozzarella sticks [3], [6], [7], [10], [13]. While the fries and cheese-pull-heavy mozzarella sticks receive positive marks, some classic items like the BLT are considered standard fare, and others find the food quality generally unremarkable compared to the venue's status [1], [8], [12], [17].

Customer Sentiment

Patrons consistently laud the spot as an iconic, nostalgic destination for its lively crowd and atmosphere [8], [19]. While the ambiance is a major draw, some diners note that the food itself is secondary to the overall experience [8], [17].

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About FANELLI CAFE

This post highlights the establishment's reputation as a classic and iconic New York City landmark.
A detailed discussion praising the charbroiled rib steak and house-cut fries served at this location.
Multiple users contribute to this thread recommending the chili, solidifying its reputation as a go-to dish here.
A positive recommendation specifically mentioning the high quality and satisfying cheese pull of the mozzarella sticks.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Hotel Bars Which Do You Like For People Watching

"Recommended local bar to hit instead of hotel bars."

Positive
Aug 3, 2026View Comment →

From post: The Most Absolute Goated Blt In This Fine City

"Mentioned as a recommendation for the search."

Neutral
Aug 1, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Favorite Steak Frites In Nyc Non

"Describes an incredible steak frites with charbroiled rib steak and house-cut fries."

Positive
Jul 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Most Iconicessential Nyc Bars Not Best Or Most

"Fanelli's is mentioned as an iconic NYC bar."

Positive
Jun 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Wheres A Forlorn Gal Taking Herself Out To Dinner

"The commenter recommended Fanelli's for its great crowd, although they noted the food itself is not remarkable."

Neutral
May 28, 2026View Comment →

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