TLDR
Historic 1847 Soho saloon serving classic American pub grub; famous for an authentic, old-school New York dive bar vibe.
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].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About FANELLI CAFE
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Hotel Bars Which Do You Like For People Watching
"Recommended local bar to hit instead of hotel bars."
PositiveFrom post: The Most Absolute Goated Blt In This Fine City
"Mentioned as a recommendation for the search."
NeutralFrom post: What Is Your Favorite Steak Frites In Nyc Non
"Describes an incredible steak frites with charbroiled rib steak and house-cut fries."
PositiveFrom post: Most Iconicessential Nyc Bars Not Best Or Most
"Fanelli's is mentioned as an iconic NYC bar."
PositiveFrom 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."
NeutralFrom post: Looking For Best Mozzarella Sticks
"Fanelli's mozzarella sticks are highlighted as being good, with a notable cheese pull."
PositiveFrom post: What Is A Great Steak In Nyc Not At A Steakhouse
"Fanelli Cafe at Prince and Mercer used to serve the best steak frites in the city, especially with fried onions on top."
PositiveFrom post: In Search Of A Great Bowl Of Chili
"This user also recommended Fanellis, mentioning it alongside other establishments."
PositiveFrom post: In Search Of A Great Bowl Of Chili
"This user co-signed the recommendation for Fanellis."
PositiveFrom post: In Search Of A Great Bowl Of Chili
"This user recommended Fanellis for chili."
PositiveFrom post: What Current Nyc Restaurant Captures The Old Les
"This commenter suggested Fanellis, along with Kenn's, as places that give them the vibe of old New York, noting they are more divey."
NeutralFrom post: Tuna Melt Lower Manhattan
"Fanelli Cafe was suggested as an option, with a specific mention of their great fries."
Positive