Father’s Day can bring a mix of emotions. It’s a day to celebrate, reflect, and sometimes remember. If you're lucky enough to spend the day with your dad, finding the right gift can be a challenge — especially if he’s the kind of guy who never wants anything or who already has everything.
In these cases, turn to unexpected, but thoughtful, gifts he’d never think about buying himself. Drawn with care, in one sitting and with no erasing, my restaurant art prints offer more than just visual charm. They capture places full of memory and meaning. For the dad who taught you to appreciate a great steak, who brought you to your first diner, or who simply enjoyed sitting across from you in a favorite booth, a print of a restaurant you shared together can say more than words ever could.
A hand-drawn restaurant print isn’t just another gift. It’s personal and rooted in something real: memory.
It’s the perfect present for the dad who appreciates craftsmanship, the one who always picks up the tab, or the guy who taught you to savor the little things, like the ideal sandwich or the best corner booth. It’s for the dad who showed you how to read a menu like a map, and for you, if you’re reflecting on the dad you miss sharing meals with.
This kind of gift doesn’t sit on a shelf. It hangs in a place of honor. It starts conversations. It keeps a memory alive. And, for the dad who has everything, it might just be the one thing he didn’t know he needed.
For me, Father’s Day is a time of reflection. I lost my dad years ago, but every year, this day brings him back — especially when I think of the meals we shared.
One place that stands out is the Grand Central Oyster Bar. That restaurant is more than just a New York institution. For us, it was a tradition. We'd go there together, tucked into the tiled arches beneath the station, slurping oysters, talking about nothing and everything.
When I finally got around to drawing it, it felt like sitting down at that table again. That’s the power of these places. They’re part of your life story. Whether your dad is still here or you’re remembering him through the places you loved together, these prints can carry more meaning than you might expect.
Over the years, the All the Restaurants project has grown into something much bigger than I could’ve imagined. I’ve had the honor of seeing my work featured in publications like Grub Street, which once called a restaurant illustration the perfect Father’s Day gift, and Forbes, which included my prints in their foodie gift guide for dads who love history.
While I appreciate the recognition, what really hits home for me are the stories people share when they choose a print. “This was the place we always went after school.” “This is where my dad taught me to order my steak medium rare.” “We haven’t been here in years, but he still talks about it.” Customers’ stories keep me drawing.
Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas:
Is there a neighborhood spot your dad loves? One that still opens the door and knows his name?
Maybe he’s a fan of NYC icons like Katz’s Deli or Peter Luger.
Look for the place where something special happened. Think your graduation dinner, a long-awaited reunion, the “just us” kind of restaurant.
If the eatery you have in mind isn’t in the collection yet, reach out. I’m always adding more, and commissions are available, too.
Ditch the transitory gifts like jerky or Bourbon and consider celebrating the special man in your life with a hand-drawn restaurant print that will last for years to come.It will help immortalize the people and places he holds dear.
Or gift yourself with a print of a place where you and your dad shared happy meals together. It can be a comforting reminder of those joyful times together as you celebrate Father's Day.
