Olive Oil Sommelier (Oleologist)
A sommelier normally advises restaurant patrons in their choices of wine, but the term "sommelier" has been applied to other things besides wine. "(Olive) oil sommelier" was…
One-Food Wonder
A "one-hit wonder" is a recording artist who has only one hit song. A "one-trick pony" is someone who can do only one thing well. New York City saw a growth of one-food…
Order Sniping (prank)
"Order sniping" is a prank popularized by Dominic Harris in his YouTube video, "Drive Thru Order Sniping Prank," published on December 19, 2013. The video appeared on the…
Oscars of Street Food (Vendy Awards nickname)
The Vendy Awards originated in 2005 in New York City to honor its street food vendors. The "Vendys" (as spelled on the official website, but "Vendies" has also been used) soon…
Outhouse Steakback (Outback Steakhouse nickname)
Outback Steakhouse is a restaurant chain that began in Tampa, Florida, in 1988. The nickname "Outhouse Steakback" is a ""spoonerism" (or transposition) of the compunds…
Oyster Bar
The Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant (at Grand Central Terminal at 42nd Street) opened in 1913 and is one of the world's most famous oyster bars. Before this establishment, the Grand…
Paddy’s Market (formerly of Ninth Avenue)
"Paddy's Market," from 35th to 42nd Streets on Ninth Avenue, began in the 1880s and died with the Lincoln Tunnel construction of 1937. It used to be full of pushcarts on a Saturday…
Pastrogi (pastrami + pierogi)
"Pastrogi" is a food portmanteau of "pastrami" and "pierogi." In May 2024, the New York City restaurants Katz's Delicatessen (famed for its pastrami) and Veselka…
Pearl Diver (a person who washes dishes)
"Pearl diver" is a nickname for a person who washes dishes -- someone who "dives" for dishes in hot, greasy water. 'Pearl diver" has been cited in print since at least…
Picasso Alley (hallway at Four Seasons restaurant)
The Four Seasons restaurant, located in Manhattan's Seagram Building at 99 East 52nd Street, opened in 1959. A large curtain designed by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) for the Ballets Russes ballet…
Pizza Slut (Pizza Hut nickname)
Pizza Hut fast food restaurants have been nicknamed "Pizza Slut" since at least 1989. The highly derogatory word "slut" was used probably for the rhyme with "hut" and…
Planet Hollywood
This "planet" started in New York City, on West 57th Street. On October 22, 1991 the first Planet Hollywood opened on 57th Street, near Carnegie Hall and the Hard Rock Cafe. Planet…
Pop-Up Bar
A "pop-up bar" is a bar that is intended to be temporary, such as one for a concert or for a sporting event (such as the Olympics). "Pop-up bar" has been cited in print since at…
Pop-Up Café
The New York City Department of Transportation initiated a pilot "pop-up café" plan in the summer of 2010 and then started some cafés in 2011. Parking spaces are removed to create small…
Pop-Up Restaurant
A "pop-up restaurant" is a temporary restaurant, often established for a certain event or season. The term "pop-up restaurant" has been cited in print since at least 2006;…
Queen of Soul Food (Sylvia’s)
Sylvia's restaurant at 328 Lenox Avenue (127th Street) has become a Harlem institution. It was started in 1962 by Sylvia Woods (1926-2012). Sylvia's has used the trademarked slogan…
Ray’s Pizza (started by Ralph)
Many pizza places have "Ray" in the name. It all began in 1959 with Ray's Pizza at 27 Prince Street. http://www.urban75.org/photos/newyork/ny432.htmlRays Pizza, 1986-2005 New York…
Restaurant (Refectory)
New York City has long had eating places, with the earliest being called "taverns" or "inns." George Thompson (in a post to the American Dialect Society on December 21, 2007)…
Restaurant Critic
The term "restaurant critic" has been cited in print since at least 1922, when "Advice to Restaurant Critics" was published in the Hotel Monthly. New York City newspapers hired…
Restaurant Row (West 46th Street)
"Restaurant Row" is near by the "Broadway" theater district, on West 46th Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues. Ask for the pre-theatre specials. "Harlem's…