TLDR
An exclusive, equestrian-themed Midtown hotspot known for its clubby, sophisticated atmosphere and notoriously difficult reservation process.
Instagram Posts References
The image shows a Negroni cocktail at 'the polo bar', with a menu visible in the background. This suggests a well-established establishment known for its drinks and dining.
The Polo Bar is a very exclusive restaurant where reservations can only be made by phone and must be booked exactly 30 days in advance at 10 AM. The post rates it a 9/10, highlighting its difficulty in securing a table.
Ralph Lauren's Midtown restaurant has been fully booked since 2015, known for its dark wood, equestrian decor, and an atmosphere that perfectly embodies 'old New York done right'. It's a highly sought-after dining experience in the city.
Ralph Lauren's sophisticated restaurant in Midtown East, The Polo Bar offers classic American fare in an elegant, club-like setting. It is known for its exclusive atmosphere, celebrity clientele, and stylish decor, making reservations a significant challenge.
The Polo Bar is celebrated by the reviewer as an all-time favorite New York City dining destination, praised for its consistent excellence across multiple visits. The establishment is lauded for its exceptional service, the captivating design of its upstairs bar, and the overall high quality of its food offerings. The dining room itself is highlighted for embodying the classic elegance and sophistication expected from the Ralph Lauren brand.
The Polo Bar is presented as a highly sought-after and elegant American restaurant in New York City, celebrated for its stunning and sophisticated interior that attracts a discerning clientele of models and industry figures. Despite a suggested dress code, the staff is described as kind and welcoming, creating a comfortable environment even for families, though strollers are not permitted. The cuisine features classic American dishes, with special commendation for the initial popovers and the corned beef sandwiches. The overall dining experience is rated positively for its atmosphere (5/5) and value (4/5), while taste (3/5) and child-friendliness (3/5) are considered good. Reservations are strongly advised for access to the main dining area.
Ralph Lauren's Polo Bar is a luxurious, clubby steakhouse that exudes the ambiance of a members-only establishment, despite not being one. Its reservation books are tightly controlled by a clientele of celebrities, power players, and the fashion elite.
Polo Bar prioritizes its regulars and VIPs, making it a challenging reservation for the general public. While it is possible to get in, it often requires multiple attempts or a connection to Ralph Lauren.
Details
This subterranean, preppy Midtown staple serves as a clubby, equestrian-themed venue that remains one of the city's most exclusive reservation targets [1]. While many diners laud its classic, comfortable ambiance and exceptional service, the food quality remains a frequent point of debate among patrons [2]. Some reviewers characterize the fare as classic, no-nonsense American dining [3], while others find the menu mediocre and overpriced, often drawing comparisons to uninspired golf club cuisine [4].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on classic American staples, though consistent feedback suggests the food is often 'middle-of-the-road' rather than exceptional [4]. While the corned beef sandwich [1], popovers [5], and coffee ice cream [6] receive frequent praise, items like the burger often draw criticism for being lackluster or overpriced [4].
Highlights / Recommended
"Diners often highlight the corned beef sandwich [1], the complimentary popovers [5], and the coffee ice cream [6] as the standout items on the menu."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •burger(8)
- •corned beef sandwich(6)
- •french dip(5)
- •coffee ice cream(4)
- •wagyu burger(4)
- •cheeseburger(4)
- •lobster roll(3)
- •sundae(2)
- •fried olives(2)
Customer Sentiment
Visitor experiences are deeply polarized; while many celebrate the cozy atmosphere and professional staff, others feel the restaurant relies too heavily on its brand and celebrity hype rather than food quality [2]. Disappointment often stems from the immense difficulty of securing a reservation combined with high prices that some find unjustifiable [4].
Caveats
Reservations are notoriously hard to secure and are typically released one month in advance; walk-ins at the bar may be an option, but success is not guaranteed [1], [5]. Some visitors have noted the service can feel stiff or even arrogant, and the food may not meet the expectations set by the high prices and exclusive status [4].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About THE POLO BAR
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: I Get Approached By Animal Activists Polo Monkey
"The user responded to a comment about attire at Polo Bar, stating they were wearing Rick Owens."
NeutralFrom post: I Get Approached By Animal Activists Polo Monkey
"The user noted that the staff at Polo Bar were excellent, and their waiter had a very comforting voice."
PositiveFrom post: I Get Approached By Animal Activists Polo Monkey
"Another user found the food at Polo Bar to be mediocre but praised the service."
NeutralFrom post: I Get Approached By Animal Activists Polo Monkey
"The user visited Polo Bar and found the food to be alright and the ambiance beautiful, with desserts being the highlight."
PositiveFrom post: I Get Approached By Animal Activists Polo Monkey
"A user humorously questioned if attire at Polo Bar was dictated by the brand."
NeutralFrom post: Does Amex Platinum Actually Make It Easier To Get
"This user stated that Amex Platinum is good for securing reservations at The Polo Bar, provided the booking is made a month in advance."
PositiveFrom post: Does Anyone Know What Establishment Has This Logo
"This user mentioned that The Polo Bar serves a gigantic cookie with a knife, which could be relevant to the original post's description of a famous cookie."
PositiveFrom post: Polo Bar Res Change Success
"A commenter reacted to the late reservation time of 10 PM at Polo Bar with surprise."
NeutralFrom post: Polo Bar Res Change Success
"A commenter expressed skepticism about the hype surrounding Polo Bar, calling the burger mediocre and overpriced at $35."
NegativeFrom post: Polo Bar Res Change Success
"A user attempted to change their 10 PM reservation at Polo Bar but was unsuccessful. They eventually went and found the staff rude, and were seated only 30 minutes before the kitchen closed, vowing not to return."
NegativeFrom post: Polo Bar Res Change Success
"In response to concerns about a late reservation, a commenter encouraged the original poster to still go and plan accordingly, rather than avoid it due to the time."
NeutralFrom post: Partner Dinners Work Nice Places To Have Them
"The Polo Bar is suggested as a recommended restaurant for business dinners."
PositiveFrom post: Yankee Players Share Their Favorite New York
"Suggests that younger players might choose places like Polo Bar because they want to impress or take out younger women."
NeutralFrom post: Yankee Players Share Their Favorite New York
"The commenter suggests that Polo Bar was a less than ideal choice among the 'power' restaurants mentioned by the players."
NegativeFrom post: New Spots For An Old Nycer
"This user suggests calling Polo Bar right at 4 PM the day before for reservations, as that's when cancellations are often confirmed."
NeutralFrom post: New Spots For An Old Nycer
"Polo Bar was recommended by a user who also suggested other restaurants like Bungalow and Monkey Bar."
PositiveFrom post: Any Clue What Restaurant Shes Talking About In
"A former employee of the store attached to The Polo Bar mentioned that the food was excessively salty and that drug dealing was occurring in the kitchen."
NegativeFrom post: Any Clue What Restaurant Shes Talking About In
"The commenter clarified that Martha Stewart mentioned 'Polo Lounge' which is likely The Polo Bar, noting she got the name slightly wrong."
NeutralFrom post: Any Clue What Restaurant Shes Talking About In
"This commenter confirmed that the restaurant mentioned is The Polo Bar."
NeutralFrom post: Any Clue What Restaurant Shes Talking About In
"This commenter expressed a negative experience at The Polo Bar, citing a very bad steak and the worst espresso martini they've ever had. They feel the restaurant is more for celebrity sightings than for food quality."
Negative