The old menus (from the 1800s), just read as much more healthy wholesome food. It seems that sometimes after the 50s, restaurant/dinner food quality took a dive and it looks like mass market food you find a groecery store now.
Recently, I remember in Williamsburg, there used to be a food/restaurant store where you could by home cooked style meals. Eg, greens, beans, turkey, brisket and other home style food. It was cheap and good.
Not sure what happened to those stores, but the replacements, that sell 'build your salad bowl' type of food feel more sterile and just not as good.
eg. There is a huge difference in taste between a good local burito place, then going to Chipoltle and such.