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Where Wise Guys Wined and Dined
In the glory days of New York’s mob scene, these restaurants served as more than just places to eat.
They were unofficial offices where the Five Families caved up territories, ordered hits, and made deals over some of the most delicious food in the city.
So if you want to dine like a don, here’s your guide to the most infamous mob hangouts still serving in 2025.
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Sparks Steak House – Midtown Manhattan
- Address: 210 East 46th St., New York, NY 10017
- What to Order: Filet Mignon, Prime Sirloin Steak, Baked Clams, Creamed Spinach
On December 16, 1985, Gambino crime family boss Paul Castellano was assassinated outside Sparks Steak House. The hit on Castellano was ordered by John Gotti, who watched from a car across the street.
It’s considered one of America’s most infamous mob hits and is forever connected with the equally legendary Manhattan steakhouse. You can still sit in the same leather booths where crime bosses once plotted their schemes.
Rounding out the experience are the old-school design, wood-paneled walls and veteran waiters in bow ties that add to that mob-era feel.
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Rao’s – East Harlem
- Address: 455 E. 114th Street, New York, NY 10029
- What to Order: Seafood Salad, Lemon Chicken, Meatballs, Baked Clams
Perhaps the most exclusive restaurant in New York, Rao’s has operated since 1896 and is notorious for its table rights system. Regulars own specific tables on specific nights, making reservations nearly impossible for outsiders.
The tiny ten-table establishment was a favorite of numerous mobsters, including Anthony “Fat Tony” Salerno and John Gotti. In 2003, mobster Albert Circelli was shot dead inside Rao’s over a dispute about a song.
The meatballs are legendary, and the lemon chicken became famous after Frank Pellegrino Sr. shared the recipe. If you somehow score a table, don’t skip the seafood salad – it’s said to be the same recipe served to Lucky Luciano.
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John’s of 12th Street – East Village
- Address: 302 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003
- What to Order: Veal Meatballs, Chicken Parmigiana, Ravioli, Hot Antipasto
Founded in 1908, this East Village institution served as a speakeasy during Prohibition and was reportedly controlled by the Genovese crime family.
On August 11, 1922, mobster Umberto Valenti was gunned down outside John’s on 12th Street. The shooters were allegedly Lucky Luciano and Vito Genovese, acting on orders from Joe Masseria.
The private dining room upstairs, where mobsters once conducted private meetings, can still be reserved for special occasions. John’s has also been featured in mob-related TV shows like Boardwalk Empire and The Sopranos.
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Bamonte’s – Williamsburg, Brooklyn
- Address: 32 Withers St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
- What to Order: Fried Calamari, Chicken Parmigiana, Seafood Fra Diavolo
Members from all five crime families have gathered at what’s claimed as the oldest family-owned restaurant in New York City.
After Carmine Galante’s murder in 1979, members of the five Mafia families held a celebratory dinner at Bamonte’s. Like John’s, Bamonte’s has appeared in many mob-related TV shows and movies, including The Sopranos.
Today, its menu is steadfastly traditional, and on its walls are photos of some of Bamonte’s notorious patrons. The Williamsburg institution still sports its original phone booth, used by mobsters to conduct “business” calls away from prying ears.
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Umberto’s Clam House – Little Italy
- Address: 132 Mulberry Street, New York, NY 10013
- What to Order: Baked Clams, Linguine, Shrimp Scampi, Antipasto
Opened in 1972, the restaurant was owned by Matty “the Horse” Ianniello, who had connections to the Mafia. Umberto gained instant notoriety when mobster Joey Gallo was gunned down here during his 43rd birthday on April 7, 1972.
Though now located a block from its original Mulberry Street location, Umberto’s still symbolizes Little Italy’s fierce territorial dynamics. Mob history or not, Umberto’s Clam House remains one of the best spots in NYC for authentic Italian seafood.
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Marco Polo Ristorante – Carroll Gardens
- Address: 345 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
- What to Order: Oysters Rockefeller, Black Seafood Risotto, Pappardelle with Tuscan Veal Ragu, Braised Lamb Shank
Marco Polo Ristorante opened in 1983 in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. The restaurant was mysteriously shot up in 2018, as a “message” to the owners.
Aside from its link to mob history, Marco Polo is famous for its fine Italian cuisine and has been a popular spot for politicians and celebrities.
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