The story
Keens opened in 1885 under Albert Keen in what was then the Herald Square Theater District, and was an early dining spot for The Lambs, the theatrical club. Only men were allowed in until 1905, when actress Lillie Langtry sued and won. An upstairs dining room is named after her.
The restaurant is known for its collection of more than 50,000 clay smoking pipes. Its Pipe Club roster listed more than 90,000 names, and pipes belonging to Theodore Roosevelt, Babe Ruth and Albert Einstein are on display. Keens sold its one millionth mutton chop in 1935, and the dish is still its signature.
Everything that was here
- 1885–present · still open
Keens SteakhouseRestaurant
Only men were served here until 1905, when actress Lillie Langtry was turned away, sued, and won.
See the map in 1886 →
Did you know?
Connected places
Lawry's The Prime Rib
Morton's The Steakhouse - Original
Stock Yard Inn
Swift & Sons
Gibson's Bar & Steakhouse
Phil Smidt's
Explore the full web of connections on the map.
Nearby history
Gimbels Herald Square
The Plaza Hotel
New York Public Library
New York Hippodrome
Tin Pan Alley
Pennsylvania Station (original)
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