New York City classics: The oldest haunts still going strong

Opened: 1694
Where: 137-16 Northern Blvd., Flushing, Queens
The story: The Old Quaker Meeting House in Flushing is the oldest place of worship in the boroughs, built just three decades after the English renamed New Amsterdam to New York. Today, the Religious Society of Friends, better known as Quakers, continue to hold an hour of silent worship at the Meeting House, which has a sign out front noting all are welcome to come in and pray.
“It’s been in continuous use, except for the time it was occupied by the British during the Revolutionary War,” said Wendy Burns, a clerk with the Religious Society of Friends, which maintains the Meeting House.
The Meeting House remains as modest as it was during the 17th century when it served as a refuge for persecuted Quakers. “It is very plain and very simple. That was the Quaker way — and still is,” Burns said.
Fun fact: The Old Quaker Meeting House was also the site of a school for Quaker children, the first school in Flushing, opened in 1703.” data-id=”17166480″ data-link=”https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/19438_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.7166480″/>
Photo Credit: Anthony Lanzilote, 2013

New York City has no shortage of hot new nightclubs, exotic new restaurants and trendy new stores opening on the regular. But in a city filled with change, it’s nice to know there are some constants– old-fashioned classics that have been around, well, basically forever.

For the nostalgic at heart, or anyone wanting to experience a piece of history first-hand, here are some of the oldest spots still operating in NYC.