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Delmonico's: A Taste of History for 190 Years
15 Feb
Summary
- Established in 1827, it evolved from a bakery to a pioneering fine dining establishment.
- Abraham Lincoln frequently dined there, favoring potatoes au gratin.
- Introduced concepts like private dining rooms and women dining alone.
For nearly two centuries, Delmonico's has stood as a testament to American culinary history, serving distinguished guests and revolutionizing dining. Founded as a bakery in 1827, it transformed into a premier restaurant by 1837, eventually settling at its current 56 Beaver Street location in Manhattan's Financial District.
The establishment is credited with pioneering several fine-dining concepts, including private dining rooms and white tablecloths, collectively known as 'The Delmonico Way.' It also introduced iconic dishes like Lobster Newberg, Baked Alaska, and the Wedge Salad to American palates.
Delmonico's holds a special place in presidential history, with Abraham Lincoln being a notable patron. During the Civil War, the President frequented the restaurant, often enjoying his favorite dish, potatoes au gratin. The eatery even honored him during his funeral procession in 1865.
Beyond its culinary achievements, Delmonico's fundamentally changed the social landscape of dining. It was among the first American restaurants to allow women to dine without male escorts, beginning in 1868. This marked a significant shift from the casual taverns that previously dominated the dining scene.
