The Mansion Gets Historic Honor as it Celebrates 80th Year

The Mansion, close by Gracie Mansion, just turned 80 and earned an official accolade as a historic NYC business. And that’s no mean feat in these days of business and restaurant openings and closings all around us. But under the ownership and management of John Philips, Yorkville’s forever favorite, The Mansion, is still here, thriving and growing. Opened by the Philips family in 1945, The Mansion is now run by the third generation of the family. A neighborhood favorite go-to, everybody knows and loves it. It’s where Mayor Ed Koch, when he reigned over that nearby mansion known as Gracie, dined three or four times a week. And Bill de Blasio’s Manhattan dining preference was also The Mansion.

In early June, David Menegon, community leader, Commandant of the Knickerbocker Greys, and friend of John Philips, told me that the restaurant was celebrating a milestone 80th birthday and that on June 14 they were having a celebration for customers and the community. John confirmed and proudly told me that The Mansion was designated and registered as a historic New York business. CD5 Council Member Julie Menin came by to congratulate John and noted that “Diners have been hallmarks of the NYC dining experience for decades—and The Mansion Diner on the Upper East Side has been a beloved neighborhood staple for 80 incredible years!”

Menegon and Philips are intimately involved in the UES community and when I asked David to talk about the Philips family and The Mansion’s role in the Yorkville/UES community, he replied, “Under the guidance of John Philips, who tirelessly supports local businesses as a member of the community board, The Mansion has been a cherished gathering place for friends and families. Here, we don’t just share meals. We share memories, strengthen bonds, and create a sense of belonging that defines our vibrant community.”

John echoes the sentiment, saying, “We’ve been fortunate enough to be invited into the lives of many community members. . . . My family, including my children, spend a lot of time in and around the restaurant, and in many ways, the restaurant is our life. I often say that a business that lasts 80 years falls far outside the scope of what one or two people can accomplish alone, and it’s really about relationships, good decision-making, and genuine care.”

And what lies ahead, I wanted to know? “Of course, we can’t see the future, but we look forward to serving the community for another 80 years, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has made this possible.” And the future’s already underway. The Philips family has owned and operated the building where The Mansion stands at 1634 York Ave. since 1956. The restaurant occupies the space of what had been three separate businesses. Ownership of the whole building was the last addition in that process, and they’ve been running the restaurant and the buildings ever since.

Members of the Philips family have always occupied one or more of the units upstairs, dating back to the 1960s, and many of their tenants have lived there for a very long time. In fact, adjacent to the restaurant is a candy store, and one of the tenants is partnering with Philips. They’ll be selling gelato, soft-serve frozen yogurt, novelty candies, and sodas as well as international newspapers and other convenience items. That sounds like the start of the future. And while most newspapers have gone national and international, I hope they’ll find space for the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal as well as Our Town.

My Wiki search found that there are two symbols for an 80th anniversary: Oak wood is an old symbol; diamond and pearl are modern symbols. Give me gelato for new. Here’s to at least another 80, John.

Showing her roots–Judge Judy Kim who is expected to take one of the three open seats at the Manhattan Dems Judicial Convention in August is having a final meet and greet at Barn Joo, a Korean BBQ restaurant, located on Union Square West. If nominated, she will be the first Korean American to serve as an elected New York State Supreme Court Justice. Congresswoman Grace Meng, who endorsed Kim, said, “As a fellow daughter of immigrants I know firsthand the sacrifices Judy’s parents made so she could live the American dream.” Assemblywoman Grace Lee, also endorsing Kim said, “Her distinguished service as an Acting Supreme Court Justice reflects her talent, intelligence, and compassion.” On to the convention.