A Look at New York City’s Enduring Commercial Landmarks

While New York City’s commercial landscape is defined by constant change, a select group of establishments has managed to survive for generations, offering a tangible connection to the city's past. These institutions, ranging from specialty food shops to historic steakhouses, remain active fixtures in their communities.

Among the most recognizable is Zabar’s on the Upper West Side. Founded in 1934 by Louis and Lillian Zabar, the gourmet deli grew from a small storefront into a culinary landmark. Over the decades, it has become a cultural icon, frequently appearing in film and television while helping to introduce various food trends to the city.

In the Lower East Side, Russ & Daughters maintains a legacy that began with a herring pushcart in the early 20th century. Renamed in 1933 by Joel Russ to honor his three daughters, the business has expanded its footprint in recent years, including locations in the Brooklyn Navy Yard and Hudson Yards, while continuing to serve traditional Jewish specialties.

New York’s dining history is also preserved through its oldest steakhouses. The Old Homestead Steakhouse in the Meatpacking District, which dates back over 150 years, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating steakhouse in the United States. Similarly, Midtown’s Keens Steakhouse, established in 1885, remains a notable site, recognized for its historic association with the city’s former theater district and its extensive collection of churchwarden pipes.

For those seeking sweets, Economy Candy on the Lower East Side has operated since 1937, earning the title of the oldest candy store in the five boroughs. Other notable long-standing businesses include Eddie’s Sweet Shop in Forest Hills, which claims to be the city’s oldest ice cream parlor, and Caffe Reggio in Greenwich Village, which reportedly introduced the cappuccino to the United States in 1927.

These businesses, along with others like Chinatown’s Nom Wah—the neighborhood's oldest continuously operating restaurant—and the long-standing Sahadi’s on Atlantic Avenue, continue to draw both locals and visitors. As these establishments navigate the modern era, they remain significant examples of the city's commercial resilience.