New Yorkers who prefer their meals with a filming location side should head straight to The manor. The historic restaurant, located in a lively corner in 1634 York Avenue in the Upper East Side’s Yorkville neighborhood, currently stars as The Pickle Diner in the second season of Hulu’s hit “Only Murders in the Building.”
Named after Gracie Mansion, which is a short walk away, the establishment was originally opened in 1945 by John Philips, a native of Cyprus who immigrated to America in 1922. After first working as a barber, he found his way into the restaurant business. , eventually going from a dishwasher to a cook to a chef. After a tour of duty during World War II, John returned to New York on June 9, 1945, and opened The Mansion two days later. It has grown steadily ever since, quickly becoming a neighborhood staple and a frequent favorite for Yorkville residents and visitors alike. Notable regulars over the years include broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite, former Watergate prosecutor Archibald Cox, “60 Minutes” creator Don Hewitt, New York Mets president Sandy Alderson, former Mayor Bill de Blasio and cookbook. author Jessica Seinfeld.
The restaurant, which is known interchangeably as The Mansion Restaurant and The Mansion Diner, is still owned and operated by the Philips family today, nearly eight decades after its inception! John’s son, Philip Philips, inherited the reins in the 1970s and his son, John G. Philips, who previously ran such prestigious hotels as The Plaza and Soho Grand, took over in 2006. Although he closed later the same year to undergo a massive $1.2 million renovation, during which the original brick walls were exposed, decor redesigned, menu updated and kitchen equipment upgraded, The Mansion is still known for serving up tasty meals with a smile at affordable prices. (The place also has become quite famous for his epic holiday decorations, with John gracing the exterior in extravagant toppings every St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas.)
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