John Donohue

Former cubicle-dwelling editor at The New Yorker turned self-taught, world-wandering artist. How did I get here? It’s a fun story:

[John Donohue @EatDrawRepeat]

Thanks @TheArtNewspaper for helping me aid @RWCFUSA !https://t.co/Vhm9Xq2XXX

[John Donohue @EatDrawRepeat]

Happy Halloween! 🎃 In the spirit of remembering that which went before us, let's revisit the long-dead Chez Es Saada. You can still see the ghost of its facade today, though it closed its doors ages ago. 

Once known for its French-Moroccan cuisine and unforgettable, subterranean ambiance, this place was a destination like no other. 

Do you have any memories of visiting it? 

https://t.co/LMrqO8azqp

#AllTheRestaurants #NYCRestaurants #FrenchMoroccan #EastVillageEats #ChezEsSaada #NYCHistory #CustomRestaurantSketches

[John Donohue @EatDrawRepeat]

M.Wells Steakhouse is throwing an epic All-White Halloween Party on Thursday, October 31st, 5-10pm—a celebration of the life (and soon, the end) of M. Wells, which will close its doors at the end of 2024. 

Join in for an unforgettable evening featuring incredible food by M. Wells and Fred Hua, live music, killer drinks, and fun activities—all in true M. Wells fashion.

This free event is a chance to support the musicians, artists, and chefs behind the big bash—so come ready to eat, drink, and get down! RSVP on their website.

https://t.co/YExpxzY6D5

#MWSavesHalloween #AllWhiteHalloween #HalloweenParty #MWSteakhouse #NYCEvents #AllTheRestaurants #GetSpooky #Closing2024 #RestaurantSketches #CustomRestaurantSketches

[John Donohue @EatDrawRepeat]

Talula’s has been a part of Asbury Park for 10 years now, and I had a great time last year capturing its facade for one of my clients. 

It's definitely a top spot people say is worth a visit when coming to Asbury Park.

Little did I know, it actually started with a wood-fired oven the owners built in their own backyard, but it has since grown into a spot known for its sourdough pizzas, house-made treats, and a focus on bringing the community together!

And what better way to do that than with their 10th-anniversary celebration today! So if you’re in the area, you might want to swing by for pizza, drinks, and music!

[John Donohue @EatDrawRepeat]

The final sketch is coming soon! For now, enjoy a sneak peek behind the scenes into the artistry of sketching incredible restaurants, including the new sketch of Jack & Charlie's No. 118! 

This New American restaurant is a love letter to old New York, honoring the supper clubs, speakeasies, and icons that shaped the city. Under the guidance of Executive Chef/Partner Ed Cotton, the menu features approachable yet elevated dishes crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients, many cooked in a wood-burning oven. Their bar program highlights Martinis and classic cocktails, sure to delight!

Stay tuned for the full sketch! 

#JackAndCharlies #BehindTheScenes #RestaurantSketch #NYCEats #AllTheRestaurants

[John Donohue @EatDrawRepeat]

Nestled in the heart of the West Village, Morandi is Keith McNally’s rustic Italian trattoria, offering a cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with seasonal Italian fare.

Known for its fresh handmade pastas and comforting entrées, Morandi brings a taste of Italy to the streets of New York—perfect for those crisp fall days. 

https://t.co/LAHR51uMdd

#AllTheRestaurants #NYCRestaurants #ItalianDining #WestVillageEats #KeithMcNally #Morandi #NYCEats #CustomRestaurantSketches

[John Donohue @EatDrawRepeat]

After years of trials and setbacks, Decoy is gearing up for a much-anticipated comeback!

From the team behind RedFarm, they're bringing back their unique twist on traditional Peking Duck—crispy skin, paper-thin pancakes, and innovative dishes like sweet potato noodles with uni and octopus sashimi salad. While there isn’t a confirmed exact reopening date yet, RedFarm confirmed that Decoy will be reopening in 2025!

Designed by Crème Design, Decoy’s intimate space will feature a full renovation—from new floors to an upgraded kitchen—while keeping the same delicious food that you remember.

#AllTheRestaurants #PekingDuck #NYCFood #DecoyNYC #RedFarm #NYCEats #CustomRestaurantSketches

[John Donohue @EatDrawRepeat]

Established in 1997 on 49th St, Il Postino has been a landmark of fine Italian dining in NYC for more than two decades!

In 2021 it moved to 133 E. 61st St., bringing old-world glamour and European charm to the Upper East Side. Known for upscale Italian dishes, from the freshest seafood to house-made pastas, Il Postino offers a truly elegant experience.

#IlPostinoNYC #AllTheRestaurants #CustomRestaurantSketches #NYCItalian #FineDiningNYC #UpperEastSideEats #SketchingNYC #RestaurantArt

[John Donohue @EatDrawRepeat]

Although Connolly's is closed for the season and will reopen next Memorial Day weekend, be sure to add it to your must-visit list!

If you enjoyed your time there this summer and want a special memory to cherish at home, stay tuned for the release of the final sketch—coming soon!

#Connollys #NeighborhoodBar #AllTheRestaurants

[John Donohue @EatDrawRepeat]

Una Pizza Napoletana has officially reopened as of today, after a team trip to Italy! 🇮🇹🍕

Now, you can savor a piece of Italy right here in NYC’s Lower East Side. Renowned chef Anthony Mangieri is back, serving his award-winning, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, proudly named the #1 pizzeria in the world by 50 Top Pizza in 2022.

https://t.co/Gze8t5d9Qs

#UnaPizzaNapoletana #NYCFood #AllTheRestaurants #pizza

[John Donohue @EatDrawRepeat]

The Village Tavern, nestled in the heart of the West Village, is where sports lovers and locals come together for great drinks and even better vibes. 

With multiple screens to catch your favorite game, a pool table for some friendly competition, and a cozy fireplace perfect for the colder months, this spot offers everything you need for a laid-back night out.

Known for its lively atmosphere, stained-glass windows, and excellent cocktails, it’s been a neighborhood favorite since 1991. Whether you’re stopping by for happy hour or a weekend game, The Village Tavern always feels like home.

https://t.co/g9BatQJA2A

[John Donohue @EatDrawRepeat]

Sample was the perfect blend of cozy and cool in Brooklyn's Boerum Hill. 

This intimate, candle-lit bar served up creative cocktails and delicious bar bites, offering a relaxed yet refined spot for locals to unwind. Though it has since closed, Sample will always be remembered as a beloved neighborhood gem on Smith Street, where good drinks and great vibes were always on the menu.

https://t.co/8MMs6ChEK4

[John Donohue @EatDrawRepeat]

Chanterelle holds a special place in NYC’s culinary history, where David and Karen Waltuck redefined downtown fine dining for 30 years. Though the iconic restaurant has closed, its memories live on. 

I captured that spirit by blending the past with the present, adding Chanterelle’s original signage to the building that stands there today. I sketched this for a couple who celebrated their wedding reception here in the 1980s, capturing the landmark and the memories it holds.

https://t.co/EC2muwVYlE

[John Donohue @EatDrawRepeat]

Florent was the place where New York City never slept. More than a 24-hour diner in the Meatpacking District—it was a cultural hub. 

Known for French-inspired cuisine, it attracted artists, celebrities, and activists. The owner, Florent Morellet, was considered the "Unofficial Mayor of the Meatpacking District (or, as he prefers, its Unofficial Queen)" according to @damsden1 in New York Magazine, writing about its closing, in 2008). From its lively Bastille Day celebrations to its eclectic crowd, Florent was a true New York institution. 

Its legacy lives on as a vibrant part of NYC history. Maybe you have a story to share?

📍 Florent, 69 Gansevoort St, New York (1985-2008)

https://t.co/LsmX8mjqNL

[John Donohue @EatDrawRepeat]

Celebrate Oktoberfest by enjoying a great beer at Puffy’s Tavern! 🍻 

Oktoberfest 2024 kicks off today, September 21st! It’s the perfect spot to grab a fantastic beer and soak in the laid-back vibe during the festivities. 

Check out my sketch of this classic 1940s-era pub and make it your go-to spot in Tribeca for a relaxed and enjoyable time. 

https://t.co/FXgKhWUCPl

[John Donohue @EatDrawRepeat]

I love sketching places with rich history in my home city of NYC, and P.J. Clarke's is one of those gems. 

There's something special about capturing the soul of an iconic spot like this—where every brick and barstool holds a story.

P.J. Clarke’s has been a New York City icon since 1884, with its red brick building standing proudly at 55th Street and Third Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. Originally opened under a different name, it was Irish immigrant Patrick "Paddy" J. Clarke who took over and gave it the name we all know today. 

From its legendary burgers and steaks to its raw bar and impeccable spirits list, this place has served generations of New Yorkers, becoming a true NYC institution.

https://t.co/4jLVtjEhqx

[John Donohue @EatDrawRepeat]

Experience Michelin-starred elegance at Le Duc in Paris! 

Step into a world of refined luxury, where dark wood-paneled walls and nautical decor transport you to the cabin of a luxury yacht. 

Since 1967, Le Duc has been the premier destination for seafood enthusiasts, offering fresh, first-rate fish and shellfish in an unforgettable atmosphere. Located in the heart of the Left Bank and just steps from the studios of César and Dalí, Le Duc played a pivotal role in the culinary "Nouvelle Vague," reshaping French cuisine.

With daily arrivals of fresh fish, this Michelin-starred gem showcases the best seasonal seafood prepared with an expert hand. Whether savoring Belon oysters, Breton lobster, or grilled John Dory, each dish is a testament to the sea's finest offerings.

📍 Le Duc, 243 Boulevard Raspail, Paris

https://t.co/9B1K8wcC3o

[John Donohue @EatDrawRepeat]

Step into a piece of Little Italy’s history at Lunella Ristorante!

As we gear up for the Feast of San Gennaro 2024 from September 12 through 22, this beloved family-run restaurant stands out with its classic charm and delicious red sauce dishes. 

For over 35 years, Lunella has been a cornerstone of the community, offering a warm atmosphere and a taste of authentic Italian cuisine. As we celebrate the feast, there's no better place to enjoy the festivities and savor traditional flavors. 

Come visit Lunella and experience why it's been a favorite gathering spot for decades!

📍 Lunella Ristorante, 173 Mulberry St, New York, NY

https://t.co/Z2qFiAOd66

[John Donohue @EatDrawRepeat]

After 62 years of timeless elegance, La Grenouille will close its doors this week, marking the end of an era in New York City dining.

Known for its exquisite floral displays, star-studded clientele, and unforgettable cuisine, this iconic restaurant has been a beloved institution since 1962.

From hosting legends like Frank Sinatra, Sophia Loren, and David Bowie to creating countless memories for loyal patrons, La Grenouille's legacy will forever hold a place in the heart of Manhattan.

Celebrate with us its history, charm, and the unforgettable experiences it created.

https://t.co/rJTaCPheiO 

#LaGrenouille #AllTheRestaurants #NYC

[John Donohue @EatDrawRepeat]

As summer winds down, there's no better way to bid it farewell than with a glass of Italian wine at Bar Veloce.

Whether you're soaking up the last rays in the garden or grabbing a late-night bite in the city, Bar Veloce is the perfect spot to unwind. From their cozy Chelsea location to the charming vibe in Nolita, East Village, and SoHo, to their newest outpost in Narrowsburg's Western Catskills, each location offers the same chic, Italian ambiance and a delectable menu of panini, wines, and desserts.

Celebrate the season’s final stretch with a visit to Bar Veloce—your next favorite spot!

https://t.co/X3D2rzsCc2

[John Donohue @EatDrawRepeat]

As New York Fashion Week returns from September 5th-12th, the city will be buzzing with creativity and style—and there's no better place to see and be seen than Sant Ambroeus.

With its origins in Milan, dating back to 1936, Sant Ambroeus has become a fashion favorite, known for its timeless charm and signature Italian flavors. Whether you're grabbing a coffee at their iconic SoHo location or enjoying a meal surrounded by the city’s fashion elite, Sant Ambroeus is always the perfect spot to enjoy during NYC Fashion Week.

https://t.co/T5QVFMVRmY