13 NYC Restaurants Mentioned In Rap Lyrics That Are Actually Good

Not sure where to go to dinner tonight? Jay-Z's got you.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Money, cash, cars, clothes—rappers have never been shy about lyrically flossing the fruits of their labor. But we've noticed there's not a lot of talk of the high-end eats on their plate. Instead, we get rhymes about tourist traps like Tao, and overpriced, over-hyped grub from Mr. Chow's. And sometimes, inexplicably, an ode to a combination Burger King and Taco Bell.

We managed to track down a few rappers that go as hard at the dinner table as they do in the dealership. Here's are 13 restaurants mentioned in rap lyrics that are actually good, proof that hip-hop really is about that fine dining life.

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Osteria Morini

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Sparks Steak House

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Song: Cam'ron, "Welcome to New York City"
Lyric: "In front of Sparks body Castellano/Block away watch by Gotti and Gravano."  (2:22-2:27)
Type Of Cuisine: Steakhouse
Neighborhood: Midtown East
Address: 210 E 46th St.
Website: sparksteakhouse.com

This former 1980s mob hangout is one of the best steakhouses in the city, and with a sirloin this good, it's obvious why. Though your bill might pack a punch, portions are generous enough to split with fellow diners, making it a worthy investment. But with a well-curated wine list, a serious shrimp cocktail appetizer, and a killer pecan pie, you may not be obliged to share.

And don't worry about the Castellano reference by Killa Cam. Mob activity has slowed down since the 80s, so you can enjoy your porterhouse in peace.

"Untitled" Restaurant at the Whitney Museum

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Song: Danny Brown, "Lie4"
Lyric: "Look at all this moneys, hundreds and these fiftys/Eating at the Whitney, now your bitch wanna come with me." (0:47-0:54)
Type Of Cuisine: New American
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Address945 Madison Ave.
Website: untitledatthewhitney.com

Danny Meyer strikes again. The James Beard award-winning chef and his culinary empire (which includes fine dining institutions Union Square Cafe and Gramercy Tavern and low-brow essentials like Shake Shack) manages to straddle high and low with Untitled.

Tucked in a corner of the Whitney Museum of American Art, the eatery operates as a casual cafe with simple, delicious takes on American classics, like crispy gouda grilled cheese on challah. Even more inventive dishes, like pork belly sandwich with fried egg and jalapeno, are still comforting. Three nights a week, the restaurant is open at night, and takes things up a notch with rotating specials. No wonder Brown is a fan.

Ruth's Chris

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Song: Curren$y, "Showroom"
Lyric: "Jet miss in the kitchen grilling up steaks/It'll smell like Ruth's Chris in a minute fool, you want a plate?" (3:00-3:07)
Type Of Cuisine: Steakhouse
Neighborhood: Midtown West
Address: 148 W. 51st St.
Website: ruthschris.com

Curren$y hails from New Orleans, so it's likely he dined at the Southern outpost of this chain steakhouse. But if you want to make like Spitta in the Big Apple, Ruth Chris is the place to do it. While this isn't the best steak the city has to offer, it's hard to deny the creature comforts of eating a piece of meat served on a sizzling platter bubbling with butter. Smack in the middle of Times Square, it likely draws a more corporate crowd than its NOLA-offshoot, but the pleasures of fat-doused cowboy ribeye remain in tact.

Eataly

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Nobu

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Cafeteria

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Del Frisco's

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Four Seasons

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Song: Jay-Z, "Song Cry"
Lyric: "We was together on the block since free lunch/We should've been together having Four Seasons brunch." (0:49-0:55)
Type Of Cuisine: American
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 99 E 52nd St.
Website: fourseasonsrestaurant.com

An iconic Gotham hotel and restaurant, the Four Seasons is a pioneer in American fine dining. With a menu boasting of $55 crab cakes and a delectable bison steak that will run you about $65, your pockets may be a lot lighter after your meal, but your stomach will be satiated.

One of the most stunning dining rooms in the world, the Four Seasons features a large curtain designed by Picasso that has hung in the room since it first opened its doors. This definitely would have been the perfect place for Hov to take his lost love, but we're sure Mr. & Mrs. Knowles-Carter have had many a brunch here.

Rao's

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Pies and Thighs

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Nick & Toni's

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Song: Talib Kweli, "Holy Moly"
Lyric: "You rap your way to the top, but now it's gettin lonely/Kids is hungry and you lookin like a steak from Nick & Tony's." (0:24-0:28)
Type Of Cuisine: Italian/Mediterranean/Pizza
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Address: W 67th St.
Website: nickandtoniscafe.com

The Manhattan offshoot of the quintessential East Hampton eatery is no less essential. Talib understands N&T's main draw—it's the steaks. Simple and satisfying, staples like the NY strip are done justice here with savory sides like duck fat potatoes and pulled Brussels sprouts. It's not fancy fare; it's that casual neighborhood spot you'd happily eat at several times a week. That is, if you could afford it.

Peter Luger

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Song: Vado, "The Greatest"
Lyric: "Freeze the Muller, dining at Peter Luger/Large platter under the napkin I keep the ruger." (0:37-0:43)
Type Of Cuisine: Steakhouse
Neighborhood: WIlliamsburg
Address: 178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY
Website: peterluger.com

This Willyburg eatery has taken the top spot among Gotham steakhouses for nearly three decades, and the designation is not up for debate. Their famous broiled, marbleized steaks come on inclined plates with edges heated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, just in case you'd like your meal a little less rare. Don't try to take on their signature porterhouse steak solo—it's meant to share with at least two people.

Serious steaks aren't the only thing Peter Luger does well. The lamb and seasonal fish are also winners. We don't know who Vado was gunning for in Brooklyn when he was dining here, but odds are he forgave them after a bite of Peter Luger's heavenly steak.

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