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Fanelli Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Fanelli Cafe
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Late Night Legends
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Operating on this corner since the 19th century, Fanelli Cafe is one of New York’s oldest bar-restaurants, now serving straightforward pubby American fare to artists, locals, and visitors in a time-worn room. Burgers, chili, and open-faced tuna melts anchor a menu that’s more about atmosphere, value, and history than trend-chasing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fanelli's Burger with Fries, Open-Faced Tuna Melt with Cheddar, Moroccan Lamb Stew
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Historic SoHo tavern where burgers, chili, and martinis meet creaky floors and decades of stories.
Who should go: Anyone craving classic bar food in a lived-in NYC room.
When to visit: Afternoons or early evenings before the bar fully packs in.
What to order: Fanelli's burger, chili or lamb stew, and a beer or martini.
Insider tip: Bar stools are prime—watch the room and people-watch Prince Street.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Prince and Mercer are scarce and fill quickly, especially evenings.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and layers are standard; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; bar chatter can make conversations lively but not impossible.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on bar crowd and weather.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, with faster turnover at the bar.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few options such as salads, grilled cheese, and sides; limited but workable.
Vegan options: Very limited—expect only simple sides or modifications.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free menu, but some items like chili or salads can be adapted; cross-contact likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something low-key and authentic; the historic tavern vibe makes it charming, but it’s more casual than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Fanelli is walk-in only. Arrive earlier in the evening or mid-afternoon for the shortest waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally fine for older kids during daytime; evenings skew bar-heavy, so families may prefer earlier visits.
Best For
Better for: Classic bar comfort food, historic atmosphere, quick solo meals, and affordable drinks in SoHo.
Skip if: You want trendy dishes, quiet dining, extensive dietary accommodations, or large-group comfort.
Fanelli Cafe
8.3
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Operating on this corner since the 19th century, Fanelli pairs one of SoHo’s most atmospheric rooms with a classic griddled burger and straightforward bar food. The burger isn’t flashy, but locals lean on it for a proper pint-and-burger stop that still feels like old downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fanelli Burger, Cheeseburger with Bacon, Onion Rings
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A historically significant SoHo tavern where the burger carries decades of patina.
Who should go: Burger fans who value history and atmosphere as much as food.
When to visit: Afternoons or early evenings before the bar fully packs in.
What to order: Fanelli burger with cheese, side of onion rings, a beer.
Insider tip: Snag a bar seat for faster service and the best people-watching.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in SoHo; expect metered spots to be scarce, especially evenings and weekends. No valet.
Dress code: Casual and unfussy—jeans, tees, and layers are all appropriate; it’s a historic tavern, not a dressy destination.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation is doable at tables but can get loud around the bar during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on bar crowd; late nights can fluctuate with neighborhood foot traffic.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal to no wait, barring peak tourist spillover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—salads, fries, and a few bar-food items, but no dedicated vegetarian entrées.
Vegan options: Very limited—side items only; the menu is primarily classic tavern fare.
Gluten-free options: No formal gluten-free program; some items like salads and certain mains can be adjusted, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a low-pressure, old-New-York vibe with character. Not ideal if you want quiet conversation or something upscale.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Fanelli doesn’t rely heavily on reservations. Walk-ins are the norm, though tables may require a wait during peak bar hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for older kids during the day, but the bar-forward environment and tighter space make evenings better suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Atmosphere and history—few SoHo spots offer a burger paired with genuine downtown patina and an unfussy tavern feel.
Skip if: You want a gourmet or highly styled burger, extensive dietary accommodations, or a quieter, reservation-driven dining room.