Sinatra's Favorite Restaurant Manhattan's Patsy's
Frank Sinatra’s deep affection for Patsy’s Italian restaurant is legendary, located on West 56th Street just south of Columbus Circle, Patsy’s has been a staple of New York’s dining scene since 1944.
Founded by Pasquale “Patsy” Scognamillo, the restaurant has remained a family-run establishment, now led by his grandson Chef Sal Scognamillo.
Sinatra’s connection to Patsy’s began in the 1950s, during a challenging Thanksgiving when he found himself alone and down on his luck. Despite the restaurant being closed for the holiday, Patsy opened the doors exclusively for Sinatra, filling the dining room with staff and their families to ensure he wouldn’t dine alone.
This gesture left a lasting impression on Sinatra, cementing his loyalty to the establishment.
The restaurants upstairs dining room, often referred to as the “Frank Sinatra floor”, became his private retreat accessible via a discreet back entrance, this space allowed Sinatra to dine in seclusion, shielded from the public eye.
He frequented the spot regularly, enjoying dishes like Clams Posillipo, Veal Milanese. (prepared extra crispy) and Fusilli with Fileto di Pomodoro. For dessert, he favored the rich Ricotta Torte.
For Sinatra, Patsy’s was like stepping back in time, because the food is so authentic and it’s from a bygone era, like an upscale watering hole.
Sinatra helped make Patsy’s a destination for the Theater District and especially among celebrities, located right down from Carnegie Hall.
Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Harry James and Buddy Rich were often seen there, along with Al Jolson, Eddie Cantor, Mae West, Jimmy Durante, and Fanny Brice when they were all playing on Broadway back then.
Rosemary Clooney, Cary Grant, Don Ameche, James Cagney, Pat O’Brien and Sophia Loren were regulars.
Today Michael Bublé, Baz Luhrmann, Woody Allen, Michelle Pfeiffer, Harvey Keitel, Sylvester Stallone, Julia Roberts and Al Pacino are often seen there.
Back in the day, the Rat Pack guys, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr would often play stickball in the street out front.
Sinatra loved the food so much that he often had it flown to him in Las Vegas and Palm Springs.
Sal the chef said “we had the biggest public relations person in the world, Frank Sinatra”.
To this day, there’s not a day that goes by without someone saying “Oh Sinatra liked this place, and that’s why we’re here”.
Patsy’s is practically a shrine to Sinatra, with photos of him all over the walls and a menu that highlights his favorites.
Everybody loves to rub the shoes of the statue of Sinatra on the bar for good luck.
If you ever visit, ask to see the Sinatra table, a quiet corner where Ole Blue Eyes used to sit.
David Garland NY New York May 31, 2025 Bars Restaurants
May 31, 2025
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