Rooted in family, tradition, and customer loyalty, these five eateries have stood the test of time in Westchester. While there are plenty of old-school eats and historic restaurants throughout the county, we’re highlighting five that have been serving the community for over 70 years.
Candlelight Inn
519 Central Park Ave, Scarsdale
Jack Tracy opened The Candlelight Inn on January 17, 1955 at 4:30 p.m. At the time, and through the ’60s, the locale operated as a bar with just enough food in the fridge to pass inspection. As the restaurant industry progressed, and business picked up, Jack’s son began building the food menu and learning tips and tricks from his mother. He was able to create and expand the menu that diners know and love from the restaurant’s award-winning wings to classic waffle fries.
Since its inception, the restaurant has been a family affair, welcoming the third generation of kids and cousins who are currently running the show. With the help of aunts, uncles, and cousins, the restaurant has stuck to its roots and the rule: “There has to be one Tracy here (at Candlelight) at all times in the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s.”
Will Tracy, Jack’s grandson, remembers two things his grandpa would routinely say: “Listen to your customers” and “You can’t make money with the doors closed.” The restaurant owes it to its loyal customers for its decades of business and is always progressing to stay on top of treating customers the best it can. Whether that’s staying consistent with restaurant and bar hours or being open when they say they will, the restaurant team puts a strong emphasis on reliability, and that’s part of what’s made the eatery a Scarsdale staple for 69 years.
Will Tracy owes it to the family and friends who still work at the restaurant and those coming back time and time again to say hi. He adds, “which would also be a thing we love about Westchester is the tight communities and schools come together.”
View this post on Instagram
Epstein’s
387 N Central Ave, Hartsdale; 914.428.5320
Before Epstein’s began serving Westchester, it originated on Jerome Avenue in the Bronx circa 1953. Seymour Epstein was the original owner and had locations in the Bronx, two on Long Island, and one in Hartsdale. The Westchester storefront is the only one that remains open.
The kosher deli on Central Avenue offers traditional home-style recipes “without frills or fuss.” It has been serving the Westchester community for 55 years with a menu stocked with signature sandwiches and wraps. Additionally, Epstein’s is a hotspot during the holiday season as it offers robust Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s catering menus.
“We are a family, and our staff is part of our family, and over the years customers have become part of that family,” says owner Robert DeGroat.
Epstein opened the Hartsdale location alongside his nephew and partner Richard Epstein, and the business was taken over by friends of Richard’s 18 years ago. Although ownership has changed, the traditional recipes that carried the venue throughout the decades remain. Not only have the original recipes stayed the same, but there are several staff members that have been with Epstein’s for over 50 years, with their family members joining the crew as well.
Epstein’s owes it to its customers, who have grown with venue, for the success of the deli (as well as the quality of its products, of course).
View this post on Instagram
La Crémaillère
46 Bedford-Banksville Rd, Bedford; 914.234.9647
This Bedford staple put down roots in a 1750 farmhouse that was once drawn on a George Washington troops map dated 1777. The structure holds a lot of history as it was the home of Widow Brush and the Hobby family during the Revolutionary War. Later, the building was transformed into the Westchester Women’s Golf and Tennis Club by Mr. William Jackson.
The club thrived up until the 1929 financial crash, leaving Jackson to sell the property to Antione Gilly, who opened the French restaurant La Crémaillère a la Campagne. The restaurant was opened in 1947 during the postwar years, a time when French restaurants became the gold standard of dining in New York City.
The building’s structure has stayed relatively constant, with the addition of wings and enclosed porches over the years. The cozy, fine-dining establishment boasts twin-end chimneys that add to the ambiance. The restaurant has adapted to the changes in culinary styles over the years, leaning into the modern era and relying less on old-style cooking, all while keeping French traditions alive.
The restaurant closed its doors in early 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and reopened in January 2022 under new property owners Peter Orthwein and David Boies. The duo are keeping the traditions alive that have drawn in the likes of many celebrity guests, including Chevy Chase, Clive Davis, Glenn Close, Robert DeNiro, Martha Stewart, and Tommy Hilfiger, just to name a few.
View this post on Instagram
Parkway Café
52 East Parkway, Scarsdale; 914.723.9008
Parkway Café has been a cherished part of the community for 70 years. The family-owned café prides itself on its consistency with both food service and its relationship with patrons. Since its opening, the Cucolo family says it has been a labor of love passed down through generations. The family focuses on maintaining high-quality products, providing exceptional service, and staying connected to the community.
The team at Parkway Café, from the kitchen staff to the servers, is dedicated to making you feel right at home. For the Cucolo family and staff, Westchester is not just a place—it’s home. The county’s charm and warmth perfectly reflect the welcoming atmosphere the café strives to create.
View this post on Instagram
Walter’s Hot Dogs
937 Palmer Ave, Mamaroneck; 914.500.5029
186 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains; 914.397.9406
What started out as a modest apple cider stand founded by Walter Warrington back in 1919 transformed into a celebrated hot dog destination in Westchester County. Gene Warrington took over the family business in the 1950s, proudly owning Walter’s until his passing in 2017. The brand’s pagoda-style stand was established in 1928 on Palmer Avenue in Mamaroneck, and the business has since expanded to mobile food trucks offering catering and a White Plains storefront in 2018. Now a nationally registered historic landmark, the hot dog joint is celebrated for its unique blend of beef, pork, and veal franks, split and grilled to perfection. Don’t forget to lather on the signature mustard, which you can find on the shelves of local retail stores.
Walter’s Hot Dogs has served generations of families, witnessed countless memories, and offered first jobs for many Mamaroneck High School students. The business has encountered numerous challenges over the years, but the team behind it attributes its resilience and ability to bounce back to the dedication to both the craft and the community.
“Our longevity is a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality, consistency, and community engagement,” says owner Gene-Christian Baca.
Third and fourth generations of families have preserved the original recipe and cooking methods, offering customers the iconic Walter’s frank since 1919.
“As we continue to grow and adapt, our mission remains the same: to provide a welcoming place for friends and families to gather and create lasting memories over a delicious meal. We look forward to serving the Westchester community for many more years to come,” says Baca.
Related: 5 Food Landmarks Every Westchester Resident Should Know
