Kenn's Broome Street Bar — Restaurant in New York

Kenn’s Broome Street Bar – A New York Classic That Still Feels Like Home

Kenn’s Broome Street Bar isn’t just another corner joint—it’s a piece of old New York that’s still standing tall, still pouring strong, and still reminding us what a real neighborhood bar is supposed to feel like. Tucked into SoHo like it’s always belonged there (because it has), this place is equal parts charm, grit, and comfort. No pretense, no polish—just the kind of atmosphere you can’t fake and wouldn’t want to.

The interior is warm and lived-in, with the kind of bar stools that have held a thousand stories and the kind of lighting that softens the edges of the day. It’s got history in its bones, and it shows—in the best way. The vibe is unpretentious but full of character, a welcome escape from the over-designed, try-too-hard spots that seem to multiply like weeds across the city.

Now to the food and drink—both solid and satisfying. The burgers are a standout: juicy, cooked just right, and stacked with fresh ingredients. The chili is a local legend, rich and hearty with just the right kick. And the drinks? Classic and straightforward, poured with a heavy hand and a friendly smile.

The staff deserves their own shout-out—welcoming, attentive, and always up for a good conversation without hovering. It feels like they’ve been there forever, and that’s part of the magic. There’s a comfort in places where the people behind the bar belong behind the bar.

Kenn’s is the kind of place you stumble into once and then keep coming back to—because it’s real. In a city that’s always changing, it’s a relief to find somewhere that knows exactly who it is and makes no apologies for it.

If you want flash, go elsewhere. If you want a proper drink, a warm meal, and a little slice of old New York that still feels...

Well, I was lucky enough to work there back 78-80 of and on...started as a dishwasher, made to prep cook, and then a Brunch Cook...I could cook burgers, and omelets and did salads ok, but I did earn the nick name “Charcoal Charley” from one of the dozen or more Musicians, Artists, Writers and Actor/Directors! Probably similar but every one there was working to survive while they chased their dream! It was always the best hangout in Soho, best beer, best crew party every night...best owners! Bob, Kenns older brother was a retired music exec that let us go one tour, do sessions, play gigs, Hell loan money for recording demos! Kenn was just a great person, worked the bar some and had basically built the place I believe back in what 71?72?, and now since 2015, his daughter Julie now runs it...I remember her working there part time back...well long time gone! Anyway, it’s one of the last original Soho spots, the food was almost always better than anyone expected and the bar was a Mecca of various art forms at least back when the full floor loft behind us went for about $600! It’s also a memorial of sorts of the days Basquiet was doing his SAMO stuff on the walls every where and even before “Giant” was getting stenciled and every CB’s, Max’s and Mudd Clubb poster competed for space! It’s also a memorial to 2 brothers who supported more artists & musicians, either great, mediocre, or out right bad and yeah some extremely successful than probably all the galleries in NYC!

It’s worth the look if your visiting, it deserves its place in...

Ah, Kenn's Broome Street Bar, a mainstay of the SoHo neighborhood scene since 1972, and the best classic public house you'll find anywhere nearby -- its history goes back to the early 19th century, at least as a saloon and inn, and the feeling of nostalgia and history seeps from its walls.

The kitchen is right up front near the entrance, with a window outside; this isn't the sort of establishment that separates front-of-house from back-of-house. It's a classic neighborhood pub for all sorts: blue collar workers, white collar professionals, artists, entrepreneurs, and everybody in between.

The hospitality is real and the menu and atmosphere are unfussy. It's the perfect spot to get a 1/2 sandwich and soup lunch special -- I recommend the smoked salmon or liverwurst sandwiches (both are just about the best in town), as well as the uniquely wonderful cup of chili, served in, well, a proper mug.

Their burgers are also just about the best you'll find; they eschew the bun in favor of a pita, for just the right balance between carb and meat (similar to how Korzo in Brooklyn pulled off the best burger in the world, may they requiescat in pace). Kenn's has a perfectly good beer and wine selection as well, and friendly casual service to boot.

You could sit at the bar and chat with other patrons and the bartender, or have a casual date with a friend or colleague. Take some time to take in the artwork from Robert Cenedella, who included Kenn's in his Bar...