A celeb-favored, exclusive NYC scene w/ upscale American fare. Reservations are tough, but the vibe & classic dishes are often worth the hunt.
Step into a world of refined elegance at The Polo Bar, where Ralph Lauren's signature preppy aesthetic meets a sophisticated dining experience. This subterranean Midtown gem is renowned for its clubby, exclusive ambiance, attracting a discerning clientele and frequent celebrity sightings. While reservations are notoriously difficult to secure, the promise of a memorable meal and an escape into a glamorous setting makes the effort worthwhile for many.
The Polo Bar offers classic American cuisine, with standouts like the corned beef sandwich and a highly-praised hot fudge sundae. While some patrons find the food to be excellent and well-executed, others describe it as mediocre or comparable to golf course fare, with mixed reviews on dishes like burgers and fries.
"The corned beef sandwich and the hot fudge sundae are frequently highlighted as standout dishes. Some reviewers also recommend focusing on appetizers and cocktails."
Customers generally praise the restaurant's sophisticated ambiance and exclusive vibe, though opinions on the food quality are mixed, with some finding it consistently good and others deeming it mediocre.
Important Note
Securing a reservation can be extremely difficult, often requiring persistence or connections. Some diners find the food to be underwhelming or not worth the effort involved in booking a table.
"The Polo Bar is suggested as a recommended restaurant for business dinners."
Positive"Suggests that younger players might choose places like Polo Bar because they want to impress or take out younger women."
Neutral"The commenter suggests that Polo Bar was a less than ideal choice among the 'power' restaurants mentioned by the players."
Negative"This user suggests calling Polo Bar right at 4 PM the day before for reservations, as that's when cancellations are often confirmed."
Neutral"Polo Bar was recommended by a user who also suggested other restaurants like Bungalow and Monkey Bar."
Positive"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."
Negative"The commenter clarified that Martha Stewart mentioned 'Polo Lounge' which is likely The Polo Bar, noting she got the name slightly wrong."
Neutral"This commenter confirmed that the restaurant mentioned is The Polo Bar."
Neutral"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"A commenter identified The Polo Bar as the restaurant mentioned in the post."
Neutral"This commenter provided a link to The Polo Bar's website, confirming it as the restaurant being discussed."
Neutral"This user mentioned that The Polo Bar encourages jackets but does not require them."
Neutral"This user recommended the Polo Bar."
Positive"This user recommended Polo Bar and Bathtub Gin."
Positive"This user recommended Polo Bar."
Positive"This user recommended Polo Bar for its cozy vibe."
Positive"This user clarifies that while waiting in line for a table at Polo Bar might not be standard, walking in at the bar could be a possibility."
Neutral"The original poster expressed surprise at the possibility of waiting in line for a spot at Polo Bar."
Neutral"Polo Bar is mentioned as a suggestion, with a note that while reservations might not be possible, walking in at the bar could be an option."
Neutral"The commenter strongly recommends Polo Bar if the user's concierge can secure a reservation there."
Positive