The Odeon in Tribeca is a quintessential NYC restaurant,” says pastry chef and James Beard Award finalist Caroline Schiff. “You just feel fabulous sitting at the Odeon; perched at the bar enjoying an order of profiteroles blanketed in glossy chocolate sauce is my idea of heaven.” To beat the crowds, Schiff recommends ducking in for a weekday lunch, which "feels particularly luxurious.”. Must order: Steak tartare

A true bartender’s bartender, Cecchini is a bit of a legend in cocktail-swilling circles—along with creating the modern Cosmo at the Odeon in ’87, he also ran the beloved drinks den Passerby until it shuttered in 2008. Such chops are on display in a biting but balanced rye-and-Campari Boulevardier and a tart gimlet, given a fiery kick from ginger grated into the lime cordial.

As much as we love the red leather benches and terrazzo floors inside this nearly half-century-old Tribeca brasserie, The Odeon’s outdoor seating has its own special charm. There are few better sidewalks downtown for prime people- (and dog-)watching, and there's nothing like sipping a martini in the glow of that iconic red neon sign. RESERVE A TABLE WITH

French comfort food in an intimate setting, a survivor of the 1980s keeps on producing Tribeca's most beloved bistro menu. Just as the atmosphere of the Odeon benefits from the intersection of early 20th century aesthetic sensibilities and modern dining accoutrements, it also excels marrying an American menu with that of a French bistro, resulting in a offering of cuisine that surpasses either solitary influence is capable of by itself. Steak tartare and French onion soup gratinée anchor the appetizer menu, while the seared Yellowfin tuna and strip steak frites are the hands-down best entrees.

On a recent lunch shift, a friend who works at the Odeon spotted Kara Walker scribbling on her paper tablecloth and managed to intercept the precious doodle before it hit the trash. That's just the kind of thing that happens at the Odeon, where celebrities, art world stars, and ex-club kids go for a taste of classic TriBeCa (Lena Dunham has the iconic orange sign tattooed onto her hip). After establishing its reputation as the preeminent late-night hangout for the Bright Lights, Big City set in the ‘80s, the Odeon retains its aura of cool 37 years later after opening.

The Odeon is a quintessentially New York City restaurant: chic but edgy, which explains why the American bistro is still a destination after 30 years in TriBeCa. Things heat up in spring and summer when the sidewalk cafe rolls out its striped awning. Lined with fragrant flowers, greenery, string lights and the (sort of) starry night sky above, it feels like a welcoming oasis in a world of concrete.

This restaurant finds itself on our list not only because it's one of our go-to's for any meal–from a business dinner to a night out with friends to a martini and snacks at the bar–but because it's a New York institution. Some of journalism's most talked about interviews have taken place here, and Lena Dunham even has their neon orange logo tattooed on her bum. This place is classic.

Perhaps best known for expertly-executed martinis, the Odeon remains one of the most charming brasseries in New York City. The French restaurant opened in 1980 and quickly became a neighborhood hangout for stylish New Yorkers and celebrities alike. Consistently great, the restaurant runs like a well-oiled machine every hour of the day, but there’s something special about brunch.

A classic in the Tribeca neighborhood, The Odeon has been an icon of downtown Manhattan since the ’80s. Its retro-inspired decor, low lighting, and bustling atmosphere create an inviting space for a romantic rendezvous with an Elite Muse companion. The menu features French-American cuisine with a modern twist, offering an array of dishes sure to please any palate.

Offering delectable French-American cuisine, The Odeon’s major appeal comes not from its food but from its storied history. The historic restaurant was once a glittering haven for celebrities and artists in Tribeca whose streets were much darker than they are today. On its opening in the ’80s, The Odeon’s famous neon sign was about the only bright light in view.

Breakfast is only served on Saturday and Sunday, so plan if you want to spend your morning at The Odeon. The avocado toast and eggs benedict are both solid brunch choices at this well-known spot. Fun Fact: The Odeon was famous in the 80s as a retro haven where Andy Warhol, Basquiat, De Niro, and Belushi all used to party until the sun came up.

An icon of Tribeca’s dining scene, The Odeon’s red awning and sidewalk tables are pure New York nostalgia. Once the unofficial clubhouse for downtown creatives, it remains a beacon for those who appreciate a French-American menu served with a side of cinematic history. Steak frites, onion soup, and tartare arrive with practiced ease.

For a fun Parisian-style escape, no one comes close to competing with Maison Close. Weekends here can be extra fun, and although all the action is happening inside, we prefer to sit outside as we people watch and listen in. The European outdoor setup includes blue bistro chairs, which face outwards so you can get a better gander.

The Odeon has been a staple in the New York dining scene since the 1980s. In its early heyday, the Tribeca restaurant served the likes of Andy Warhol, Robert De Niro, and John Belushi. Its neon signage is immortalized on the cover of Jay McInerney's "Bright Lights, Big City", an ode to a lost era in New York.

Odeon (145 W. Broadway, at Thomas St.; tel. 212/233-0507; www.theodeonrestaurant.com). The 1980s happened here, but this joint has morphed into a neighborhood fixture that welcomes families with its unfailingly delicious, well-priced bistro food. No kids' menu, but there are state-of-the-art pommes frîtes.

Rockefeller Center (Sleepless in Seattle, The Adjustment Bureau, Elf, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night With Seth Meyers, Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, 27 Dresses, Just My Luck, On the Town)

Have an ice-cold martini and a pitch-perfect omelette at the Tribeca boîte that has defined downtown cool since the '80s. Outside tables allow you to dine under the warm glow of its iconic neon sign. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

A quintessential New York staple, The Odeon is where literary legends and everyday couples mingle. Share a bowl of French Onion Soup and a Roast Chicken Au Jus amidst a buzzing atmosphere that's full of history and charm.

I’ve always had a soft spot for The Odeon – especially during the warmer months, where their frisée salad can be enjoyed under grey-and-white striped awnings on a sunny West Broadway sidewalk.

This old-world bistro is classic New York dining experience!. Since 1980 this Downtown restaurant has been known for casual- elegant dinners, brunch, or late-night bites.