You’re standing on the corner of 63rd and Columbus, the wind is whipping off the Hudson, and the Metropolitan Opera House is glowing like a giant lantern across the street. You could go for something experimental and avant-garde, sure. But honestly? Sometimes you just want a heavy glass of scotch and a burger that hasn’t changed since the Eisenhower administration.
That’s basically the magic of P.J. Clarke’s Lincoln Square.
It isn’t the original 1884 red-brick "holdout" in Midtown—that one is a legend in its own right—but the Lincoln Square outpost has its own specific vibe. It opened in 2007, which makes it a relative newcomer in the P.J. Clarke’s timeline. Yet, the moment you step inside, the checkered tablecloths and the warm, golden light make it feel like it’s been there forever. It’s a survivor. It’s the kind of place where a Juilliard student in a hoodie sits next to a couple in full black-tie attire heading to the Philharmonic.
The Cadillac Burger and the Ghost of Nat King Cole
You can’t talk about this place without talking about the "Cadillac."
The story goes that Nat King Cole once sat down at the original P.J. Clarke’s, took a bite of the cheeseburger with double-smoked bacon, and declared it "the Cadillac of burgers." The name stuck. Decades later, it’s still the main event. At the Lincoln Square location, it’ll run you about $27. Is that a lot for a burger? Yeah, probably. But you aren't just paying for the meat. You're paying for the legacy.
It’s served simply: American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and that smoky bacon. No "artisanal" brioche buns that fall apart after two bites. No truffle-infused aioli. Just a solid, juicy patty that actually tastes like beef.
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Wait.
There’s a secret to ordering here that locals know. If you want to feel like an insider, look for the "Bartender’s Burger." It’s got mushroom confit and asiago cheese. It’s a bit more complex, a bit more "Upper West Side," but it still carries that same no-nonsense DNA.
More Than Just a Pre-Theater Pit Stop
Most people think of P.J. Clarke’s Lincoln Square as a place to kill time before the curtain rises at Lincoln Center. And it is great for that. You can be at your seat in the David Koch Theater in three minutes flat.
But the real ones know the Raw Bar is the sleeper hit.
They source from serious purveyors like Blue Island and Island Creek. If you’re not in the mood for a heavy meal, a dozen East Coast oysters and a crisp martini at the bar is a pro move. They even have a specific "Bakers Dozen" sampler if you're feeling indecisive.
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The menu is a mix of high and low:
- Maine Peekytoe Crab Dip: Served hot with Old Bay crostini. It’s dangerous.
- The Chicken Pot Pie: It has a cheddar cheese crust that is, frankly, better than your grandmother's.
- Zucchini & Eggplant Chips: These come with tzatziki and crispy feta. They are salty, thin, and gone in about four seconds.
The Architecture of a New York Saloon
The Lincoln Square space is massive compared to the cramped Midtown original. It’s got a "Club Room" on the lower level that feels like a private library for jazz musicians. Upstairs, the Main Room can hold 400 people.
It’s loud. Let’s be real. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic whispered conversation, this might not be the spot on a Friday night. The noise level is a feature, not a bug. It’s the hum of New York. It’s the sound of people arguing about the merits of the latest Sondheim revival or a group of stagehands grabbing a beer after a grueling shift.
Interestingly, the Lincoln Square location almost feels more "Old New York" than the neighborhood itself, which is now dominated by high-rise glass towers and high-end retail. It’s a pocket of mahogany and brass in a world of steel and glass.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
If you’re planning a visit, keep a few things in mind. While the Midtown location is the "original," the Lincoln Square spot is often more convenient for tourists and locals alike.
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- Reservations are your friend. Especially during the performance season. Use Resy. If you show up at 6:30 PM without a booking, good luck.
- The Dress Code. There isn't really one. You’ll see everything from jeans to gowns. That’s the beauty of it.
- The Side Dishes. Don't sleep on the Parmesan Truffle Fries ($12) or the Rosti Potatoes. They do starch very, very well here.
Is it Worth the Hype?
In a city that reinvents itself every six months, there’s something comforting about a place that refuses to change. P.J. Clarke’s Lincoln Square isn’t trying to win a Michelin star. It isn't trying to be the "hottest" spot on TikTok. It’s just trying to be a damn good saloon.
Sometimes, that’s exactly what you need. Whether you're drowning your sorrows after a bad audition or celebrating a standing ovation, the Cadillac burger is waiting.
Next time you find yourself near the Upper West Side, skip the trendy salad chains. Walk into the red-checkered warmth of P.J.'s, grab a stool, and order a drink. You’ll feel like a real New Yorker within ten minutes.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit:
- Go for Brunch: Their Smoked Salmon Benedict and French Toast are often overlooked because of the burger's fame.
- The Afternoon Window: If you want the atmosphere without the deafening roar, go between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM on a weekday.
- Check the Specials: They often have blackboard specials like a Friday Maine Lobster Mac & Cheese or a Saturday Saloon Style Rib Eye.