In the late 19th century, it was considered to be a center-piece of a golden age. Where struggling artist and writers, on a few cents, would buy a table for an entire day (don’t try that today, of course) and would often eat on the dime of the waiters who were familiar and appreciative with the literature. Back then things weren’t about the money, but about identity, they wanted to attract the best and the brightest even if they didn’t have money. One of the last remnants of this golden age today, a must visit!