Despite various economic conditions, people always seem to take an interest in food and flock towards restaurants; perhaps this is why New York City has become arguably the culinary epicenter of the world.  Even when the Great Depression hit New York City, high-end restaurants continued to thrive, despite their expensive ($4.95 was a splurge at the time!) prices.  Today, food is still an essential aspect in Manhattan’s culture, for it is the home for many iconic restaurants.  Whether they were built in the 1940s or the 2000s, restaurants in Manhattan today still continue to lure in both New Yorkers and tourists, and we couldn’t resist visiting nine.

Then: Grand Central Station

Now: Jackson Heights

Now: West 4^th

Now: Union Square and 23^rd Street