By: Amy Rosner and Abigail Warwick By: Amy Rosner and Abigail Warwick | November 30, 2024 | Food & Drink, People, Feature, Guides,
If there's one thing New Yorkers love, it's seeing and being seen. Visibility is the name of the game, and the players are Manhattan’s most influential people. Not to mention, people-watching is a great pastime.
See Also: An Inside Look At New York's "No Photography" Hotspots
Whether you’re looking to watch or be watched, this roundup of the best spots for people-watching in NYC has got you covered.
9 Great Jones St. / 212.421.5575 /Website
Fancy bites, old-school supper club vibes, and live music? Name something better, we’ll wait. It’s nearly impossible to snag a res here, so naturally, the people-watching is on point. And while the dress code is “to the nines,” somebody once told us the more important you are, the less important you dress. We’ll definitely keep this in mind when we’re on the prowl. Screw shopping, people-watching is our cardio.
1 E. 55th St. / 212.207.8562 / Website
Classic for a reason, this spot is well worth the trip to Midtown. Admittedly, getting a table at Polo Bar requires superpower reflexes that can snag a table on Resy faster than you can say caviar and fingerling potatoes, but if you're lucky enough to walk the halls of the famed Polo Bar, it’s totally worth all the fuss. The people-watching is next-level good.
275 Park Ave S. / 646.790.1590 / Website
A temple of all things stylish, Chapel Bar is one of the hottest social clubs in Manhattan. Besides, you know it’s elite when it has played host to the official Met Gala afterparty. You may not see Gigi and Kendall here every Saturday night, but the crowd is always popping. A celeb-laden spot from its inception, Chapel Bar is where the party is at.
275 Mulberry St. / 212.254.3000 / Website
This Michelin-starred hot spot is beloved by New York's finest for its delicious eats and drinks. After all, Major Food Group can do no wrong. Opened in 2022, Torrisi quickly became a staple for those in the know, meaning the people-watching never disappoints.
51 Grove St. / 212.255.1962 / Website
One of Taylor Swift’s favorites, Via Carota is a highly sought-after Italian restaurant. Be forewarned, the line can end up hours down the block, but if you ask us, trying to catch a glimpse of the celebrities entering the restaurant is part of the fun.
36 E 61st St. / 212.970.8983 / Website
This six-story townhouse turned swanky restaurant has been one of NYC's most glamorous haunts ever since opening in 2022. Its London location is known as a hangout for celebrities like Elton John, Mick Jagger and Victoria Beckham. Gigi Hadid and Sofia Richie have both been seen here as well.
55 E Houston St. / 212.274.8881 / Website
Emilio’s Ballato is a Nolita Italian restaurant beloved by many celebrities—you can even see photos of them on the walls inside! Taylor Swift and her squad of Sophie Turner, Brittany Mahomes and Blake Lively have been loving this spot recently, making it the perfect spot to hang out.
0 Bond St. / 212.960.3484 / Website
Zero Bond is a private members club, so you can imagine the people-watching is good. This is among the most exclusive spots in NYC, so if you can find your way to a table, don't walk, run. Kim Kardashian and Drake are among some of the well-known members of the club.
16 Bank St. / 917.828.1154 / Website
This exclusive American comfort food spot has been a go-to among celebs for quite a while. The Waverly is a great place to spot your favorite A-listers, like Beyoncé and Jay-Z, as well as New York City's finest.
6 Bond St. / 212.777.2500 / Website
BondST is known as one of the best sushi spots in the city, and is another Japanese favorite for celebrities and NYC elites alike. You've no doubt seen this spot all over social media, and it lives up to the hype. Be sure to dress to impress, and come hungry!
10 South St. / 212.584.5801 / Website
Another member’s only hotel and restaurant, Casa Cipriani is a staple for NYC people-watching. Full of NYC's most well-connected residents, any event at Casa Cipriani is time well spent. You might even see a few of your favorite celebs, like Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds.
475 W. Broadway / 212.271.9240 / Website
This newly opened hot spot is equal parts nostalgic and fun, thanks to not taking itself too seriously. The latest from Catch Hospitality Group, the Corner Store has quickly taken the city by storm and played host to bigwigs such as Taylor Swift and Gigi Hadid. The food, such as steak frites and mashed potatoes, is unpretentious yet delicious.
105 Hudson St. / 646.663.6050 / Website
Originated in Monaco, this high-end steakhouse regularly hosts many of NYC's finest. A modern take on the traditional chopshop, Beefbar boasts gorgeous, luxurious interiors and elevated cuisine to match. Expect to leave with your pockets empty but your fill of people-watching satiated.
Photography by: Getty Images
