The Soho That Was: Five Places I Wish We Still Had

A look back at the restaurants and bars that gave Soho its soul before the neighborhood became a brand.

Oct 09, 2025

Soho has changed a lot over the years. The cobblestones and cast-iron facades are still there, but the spirit—the mix of creativity, grit, and neighborhood familiarity—feels harder to find. Every once in a while, I think about the places that gave Soho its pulse. These five spots weren’t just restaurants or bars—they were part of the fabric of downtown life, each unforgettable in its own way.

1. Jerry’s on Prince Street
Opened in 1987, Jerry’s was the definition of a Soho institution. A place where artists, locals, and downtown regulars gathered for breakfast or lunch long before brunch was a “thing” in Soho. Owned by Jerry Joseph, it was a scene without trying to be one with great daily specials, a strong Bloody Mary, and the sense that everyone knew each other. It captured the unforced neighborhood rhythm that’s hard to find today.

2. Honmura An
Before sushi counters and omakase bars became the norm, Honmura An quietly served hand cut soba that felt almost spiritual. The space was minimalist, the food disciplined, and the owner’s dedication to Japanese craftsmanship unmatched. It was the kind of restaurant that slowed you down, a reminder that true hospitality can exist in restraint.

3. MercBar
My first venture, opened in 1993, MercBar became one of Soho’s longest-running and most iconic nightlife spots (opinion). Hidden behind an unmarked door on Mercer Street, it was warm, candle-lit, and quietly electric, a place where the fashion crowd, artists, and downtown insiders crossed paths night after night. For over two decades, it stood the test of time until the building was finally demolished.

4. Dean & DeLuca on Broadway
Dean & DeLuca wasn’t just a gourmet market; it was a classroom for taste. The marble counters, the coffee bar, the gleaming produce, it made everyday ingredients feel luxurious. For many of us, it was where we learned what olive oil, prosciutto, or French butter could actually taste like. Its loss left a real hole in Soho’s food identity.

5. Kelly & Ping on Greene Street
Part market, part noodle house, part design statement, Kelly & Ping was decades ahead of its time. The space blended Asian street-food culture with Soho cool in a way that felt effortless. Its open kitchen, communal tables, and inventive menu made it a gathering place for anyone chasing something different before “fusion” became cliché. Thanks to Lee Ping and Brad Kelly.