Profile

Credited with pioneering TriBeCa (sorry De Niro, they were here first), this granddaddy of the area's hip spots was the stomping ground for the likes of Warhol and Basquiat when it opened more than twenty years ago. These days, the art-deco bar still attracts a sizable crowd—albeit mostly Wall Street types and tourists savvy enough to put this local landmark on their must-see lists. Over the past two decades, the Odeon has had its share of ups and downs: The fabulous crowds are periodically lured away by the latest hot spots. But they all eventually return home for the brasserie menu and martinis mixed to perfection. — T Sahara Meer

Many New York restaurants can trace their lineage back to this time-honored institution: Brad Kelley, of Kelley and Ping, was once a maitre d' here; the late Patrick Clark, of Tavern on the Green, was the original chef; and Pastis's Keith McNally was once an owner.