Old Town Bar

"When that person said “respect your elders,” they were talking about Old Town Bar. The two-floor spot on 19th Street opened in 1892, and it’s got an under-$20 burger, reasonably priced pitchers of beer, and the oldest active dumbwaiter in all of New York, which is a fact that we really enjoy telling people. It’s a place we’re always happy to remember still exists, when in need of a low-key date night with burgers and martinis in a dark wooden booth, or a few large orders of chicken wings at a big table upstairs, or just a bowl of chili at the bar." - willa moore, bryan kim, matt tervooren

"This two-floor spot opened in 1892, and though there’s been a heck of a lot of inflation since then, the burgers still come in at under $20 (with fries). For the Gramercy/Union Square area, that's pretty good. Served on a toasted sesame bun, these aren't much to the naked eye, but they get the job done. Keep this place in mind for a casual meet-up near several train lines. There’s always a booth available. Comes with fries, homemade potato salad, or coleslaw (choose fries)" - will hartman, willa moore, molly fitzpatrick, bryan kim, sonal shah

"Though there’s been a heck of a lot of inflation since the time people started squeezing into the wooden booths of Old Town Bar, the straightforward burgers here still come in at under $20. This two-floor spot also has the oldest active dumbwaiter in all New York City—a fact we really enjoy sharing. (Reactions are never quite as excited as we want them to be.) Sex And The City, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" - bryan kim, molly fitzpatrick, willa moore, will hartman, sonal shah

"Old Town doesn't go overboard with the Christmas decorations, but the holiday spirit is definitely alive at the bar. This is one of New York's great old taverns, dating back to 1892, and a very reliable Union Square go-to for lowkey drinks, a simple burger, and a handsome mahogany bar. It's big, too, so there shouldn't be too much trouble finding a seat." - Eater Staff, Laine Doss

"We know what you’re thinking: date night at that dark bar in Union Square that’s been slinging burgers since 1892? Really? And to that we say—yes. Because although Old Town Bar is full of big groups at long tables drinking $32 pitchers of beer until they’re ready for bed, a wooden booth on the (slightly quieter) second floor is an underrated option for some red meat-centric romance. Sip on gin martinis, share a big bowl of chili, and then order under-$20 cheeseburgers for a date night that will cost you less than the price of a steak elsewhere." - bryan kim, will hartman, willa moore, sonal shah