1934

The #1 Bar

The #1 Bar at One Fifth Avenue in New York City has long been a cornerstone of Greenwich Village’s vibrant cultural scene. Opening as a supper club in 1934, it helped launch entertainers like Dorothy Lamour and Paul Lynde. Over the years, it evolved into a lively steakhouse-piano bar, attracting artists, musicians, and late-night crowds. Through every era, the #1 Bar has embodied the enduring, ever-changing spirit of New York nightlife.

1970

Candlelight Restaurant

In 1970, Patricia Murphy opened her final New York Candlelight Restaurant in the ground-floor space of One Fifth. The Art Deco design and cultural gravitas provided Murphy’s restaurant with an elegant backdrop for her signature dining experience — genteel rooms lit by candles, attentive “popover girls” serving warm baskets of bread, and a menu of refined yet approachable American fare. The end of the Candlelight era came in the mid-70s, as rising costs and financial challenges ultimately led to the restaurant's closure.

1976

One Fifth Restaurant

In 1976, George Schwarz and his wife Kiki Kogelnik opened One Fifth, outfitted with iconic fixtures and furnishings from the dining room of the wrecked luxury ocean liner the R.M.S. Caronia. Brothers Keith and Brian McNally cut their teeth here before going on to become famed restaurateurs, and under their stewardship, One Fifth became a magnet for downtown’s art and entertainment crowds. Celebrities like Patti Smith, Robert Mapplethorpe, and the Saturday Night Live cast turned it into a cultural hub as much as a dining destination. The restaurant closed in 1981 amid changing tastes and the evolving neighborhood.

1992

One Fifth Avenue

After a long period of vacancy, Alfred Portale — the celebrated chef behind Gotham Bar & Grill — took over the space in 1992, opening a seafood restaurant under the name One Fifth Avenue. His version drew on his talent for precision and refinement: the menu was centered on high-quality seafood and ported his New American sensibility into a marine setting. Though ambitious, the restaurant would not last long; it closed two years later.

1995

Vince & Linda

In 1995, Vincent Orgera and Linda Amiel-Burns' namesake Vince & Linda briefly held court in the storied space with their ambitious dining concept. The restaurant earned notice not only for its convivial atmosphere but also for its executive chef at the time — a rising Anthony Bourdain. In their kitchen, Bourdain honed the gritty, unvarnished style of leadership and cooking that would later shape his public persona. While Vince & Linda closed after less than a year, its brief moment in the spotlight is remembered for giving Bourdain a proving ground within one of New York’s most iconic dining spaces.

1997

Clementine

Created by John Schenk, a former chef at the iconic Monkey Bar and a veteran of New York’s dining scene, Clementine opened in the One Fifth Space in 1997. Schenk sought to bring his refined culinary approach to Clementine, focusing on contemporary American cuisine with a seasonal and creative twist. The restaurant’s modern design and innovative menu quickly attracted a fashionable crowd of artists, designers, and professionals. However, despite early acclaim, Clementine struggled in the city's evolving dining landscape, ultimately closing in 2001.

2003

Otto Enoteca e Pizzeria

After an extended vacancy, Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich opened Otto Enoteca e Pizzeria in the space in 2003, transforming the iconic address into a vibrant Italian eatery. Designed to evoke the charm of an Italian train station, Otto quickly became a beloved neighborhood spot, renowned for its extensive Italian wine list, wood-fired pizzas, and lively atmosphere. The restaurant operated successfully for nearly two decades before permanently closing its doors in 2020.

2022

Trattoria One Fifth

In 2022, Marc Forgione opened Trattoria One Fifth in the space, continuing the building’s long tradition as a destination for notable dining experiences. The restaurant offered rustic Italian cuisine in a warm, inviting setting, honoring the space’s legacy as a gathering place for food lovers and cultural figures until its closing in February 2025.

2025

From Vegas to Fifth Ave

This Fall, the Steer carries its legendary spirit to this iconic address. While our roots remain firmly planted in the history of Las Vegas, we’re proud to bring that same timeless elegance and unparalleled dining experience to a new city. From expertly crafted prime steaks and fresh seafood to a curated selection of fine wines, we’re preserving the rich legacy of the Golden Steer, offering an unforgettable taste of tradition in the heart of Manhattan.