At P.J. Clarke’s, the classics still get the good table. A burger with a famous nickname. Oysters cold enough to make a martini jealous. Steak frites, chicken pot pie, lobster rolls, cocktails with a zing. These are classic American dishes with New York in their bones and a few well-traveled tales behind them.
American food has always adopted flavors from everywhere worth eating. The original Third Avenue historic bar has been part of New York since 1884, and today’s plates still mix old New York staples with ideas borrowed from far beyond the city limits. Here at P.J.’s, the menu highlights tell the whole story.
Classic American Dishes That Earn Their Seat
Some dishes need heat, seasoning, timing, and expertise in the kitchen.
A few traditional American meals on P.J. Clarke’s Third Avenue Menu satisfy every craving:
- Country Chicken Pot Pie, tucked under a cheddar cheese crust and ready to ruin your plans for “just something light”
- Newport Steak Frites with maître d’ butter for richness and exquisite flavor
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese with double-smoked bacon
- Gentleman’s Chopped Steak with chopped sirloin, mushroom, caramelized onion, gravy, and a sunny-side-up egg
- Proper Fish & Chips with craft beer-battered cod, chunky tartar sauce, and malt vinegar
Global Flavor, and Old School American Restaurant Culture
American restaurant culture has always had a wandering eye. Good thing, too. A great menu gets more interesting when it knows its way around a few borders.
The chef insights show up in the details:
- Tuna Tartare Tacos with mango, ginger, jalapeño, and ginger sauce
- Crunchy Chicken Sandwich with Japanese pickles, bibb lettuce, and cracked black pepper buttermilk dressing
- Zucchini and Eggplant Chips with tzatziki and crispy feta
- Thai-Style Mussels Frites with coconut cream curry, garlic, and cilantro
- Mussels Marinière Frites, keeping one foot in the bistro and the other by the bar
Culinary fusion is all over the menu at P.J. Clarke’s.
Signature Dishes and Local Favorites
The P.J. Clarke’s Raw Bar is where the flavors of the ocean come together. East Coast oysters, Long Island littlenecks, jumbo shrimp cocktail, lobster cocktail, Clams Casino, Oysters Rockefeller, the spread that turns a drink into a full fishy occasion!.
The P.J. Clarke’s Menu keeps plenty of local favorites coming, too:
- The Cadillac Burger, stacked with double-smoked bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion
- Tuna Tartare Tacos with mango, ginger, jalapeño, and ginger sauce
- Thai-Style Mussels Frites with coconut cream curry, garlic, and cilantro
- Branzino with saffron rouille, roasted potatoes, and sautéed spinach
- Crunchy Chicken Sandwich with Japanese pickles, bibb lettuce, and cracked black pepper buttermilk dressing
- Connecticut-Style or Maine-Style Lobster Roll, because some classics know exactly what they are
Our raw bar stretches across several P.J. Clarke’s locations, from Third Avenue and Lincoln Square to On the Hudson, Manhattan West, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.
American Restaurant Culture Meets NYC Dining
P.J. Clarke’s reflects the part of American restaurant culture that lasts: familiar food, a fully-stocked bar, and a setting that suits drinks, lunch, dinner, or a special occasion.
The Third Avenue location became a saloon in 1884. Patrick “Paddy” J. Clarke bought it in 1912, giving the restaurant the name it still carries today. That history is part of what makes P.J. Clarke’s one of New York’s iconic American restaurants.
Today, the restaurant keeps that old-school approach while serving a menu that suits modern NYC dining. Guests can choose dishes that bring global influences into the mix without losing the comfort of classic American dishes.
Private Affairs are available for group dining, celebrations, and business events at select locations.
American Dining Culture: Pull Up a Chair
P.J. Clarke’s proves that classic American dishes do not need to stay exactly the same to stay relevant. Burgers, lobster rolls, steak frites, and chicken pot pie remain at the heart of the menu, while ingredients such as ginger, coconut curry, Japanese pickles, and tzatziki add something new and exciting.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Make a reservation at P.J. Clarke’s.
Classic American Dishes Frequently Asked Questions
What classic American dishes can I order at P.J. Clarke’s?
The Third Avenue menu includes burgers, Country Chicken Pot Pie, Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Newport Steak Frites, Proper Fish & Chips, New England Clam Chowder, and lobster rolls.
Which dishes show P.J. Clarke’s global influences?
Tuna Tartare Tacos, Thai-Style Mussels Frites, Mussels Marinière Frites, Zucchini and Eggplant Chips with tzatziki and crispy feta, and the Crunchy Chicken Sandwich with Japanese pickles all bring international influences to the menu.
Which P.J. Clarke’s locations have a raw bar?
P.J. Clarke’s offers raw bar selections at Third Avenue, Lincoln Square, On the Hudson, Manhattan West, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.
Can I host a group event at P.J. Clarke’s?
Yes. Private Affairs at P.J. Clarke’s offers group dining and event options at select locations.
