Minetta Tavern sits on a lively corner in Greenwich Village, drawing crowds since 1937.
It’s a classic NYC tavern with a warm, old-school vibe that still feels welcoming today.
Writers, poets, and locals once made it their hangout—names like Ernest Hemingway and E. E. Cummings are part of its legend.
Now, it’s famous for steaks, cozy energy, and especially its Black Label Burger that keeps New Yorkers coming back.
If you’re looking for a place that feels “authentic New York,” this is the kind of spot locals proudly recommend.
Even on a busy night, it somehow stays intimate, like the city slows down for a really good meal.
How Minetta Tavern won locals’ hearts
Picture this: back in 1937, right after Prohibition lifted, Minetta Tavern fired up as a go-to hangout in Greenwich Village.
Named for the Minetta Brook that once flowed nearby, it quickly became the watering hole for legends like Hemingway, Ezra Pound, Dylan Thomas, and quirky poet Joe Gould.
These bohemian types turned it into a creative hotspot, where ideas flowed freer than the drinks.
Locals fell hard for the unpretentious vibe, cheap bites, and that electric buzz of Village life.
Fast-forward through a smart renovation, and it roared back as a Parisian steakhouse fused with NYC tavern flair.
The Black Label Burger exploded onto the scene, crafted from prime dry-aged beef that melts in your mouth.
Suddenly, everyone from Wall Street suits to Village artists lined up, raving about its juicy perfection paired with crispy pommes frites..
Reviews gush over the warm, cozy room where conversations spark and fries cool from endless chats.
It nailed that timeless appeal—history you can taste, comfort that hugs you, and burgers so good they win hearts every night.
No gimmicks, just pure, delicious loyalty-building magic.
Word count so far building immersion: the tavern’s walls whisper stories of pugilists trading punches with poets over pints.
Eddie Silieri, the original owner, earned the nickname Eddie Minetta for his iron grip on the place.
It starred in Joseph Mitchell’s “Joe Gould’s Secret”, cementing its literary lore.
Revived with French flair, it kept the soul while amping the sizzle.
Locals stick around because it feels like home—boisterous yet intimate, where a solo stool or packed table both shine.
That Black Label Burger? It’s the crown jewel, pulling repeat visits like a magnet.
People skip the hype spots for this reliable thrill, where every bite revives the Village’s wild spirit.
In a city of flash, Minetta wins with roots deep as that buried brook.
Food Highlights
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Black Label Burger: Prime dry-aged beef cuts with caramelized onions and pommes frites—a must-try for its melt-in-mouth richness that locals crave endlessly.
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Minetta Burger: Juicy patty topped with cheddar and caramelized onions, perfect simple perfection praised in every review.
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Dry-Aged Côte de Boeuf: Massive bone-in for two, served with roasted bone marrow and salad—epic shareable that’s a carnivore’s dream.
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Filet Mignon au Poivre: Tender filet with pepper sauce, a classic hit for its bold flavor punch.
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Roasted Bone Marrow: Served with baguette soldiers and shallot confit, addictive creamy richness fans call unmissable.
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Bone-in New York Strip: Dry-aged steak grilled to glory, loved for its hearty, tavern-style satisfaction.
Atmosphere
Minetta Tavern pulses with a cozy, old-school Village vibe that’s warm and welcoming.
Hand-painted murals and caricatures of literary greats cover the walls, sparking stories everywhere.
The room hums with laughter, clinking glasses, and easy people-watching in that speakeasy-inspired glow.
It’s boisterous yet intimate, like stepping into NYC history alive and kicking.
Bottom Line
Visit for the legendary Black Label Burger, literary ghosts, unbeatable steaks, cozy vibes, and pure local love—all under 50 words of bliss!
Address: 113 Macdougal St, New York, NY 10012
📞 (212) 475-3850
🕔 Lunch Wed-Fri 12-3:30pm; Dinner daily 5-11pm; Supper daily 11pm-12am; Brunch Sat-Sun 11am-3:30pm