A scene-y, exclusive American restaurant w/ a preppy vibe. Reservations are tough but the ambiance & good food make it worth the effort.
Ralph Lauren's The Polo Bar is a sophisticated, clubby American restaurant in Midtown East, known for its exclusive atmosphere and celebrity clientele. The ambiance, described as preppy and country club-like, is a major draw, complemented by good food, though some find it secondary to the scene. Reservations are notoriously difficult to secure, adding to its allure.
The Polo Bar serves classic American fare, with dishes like the corned beef sandwich and burgers being frequently mentioned. While some find the food to be good or even excellent, others describe it as mediocre or comparable to golf course food, suggesting the ambiance is a stronger draw than the cuisine itself.
"The corned beef sandwich and the hot fudge sundae are frequently praised. Some reviews also highlight appetizers, popovers, and coffee ice cream as standouts."
Customers generally praise the restaurant's ambiance and classic American cuisine, though many note the extreme difficulty in securing reservations and some feel the food doesn't entirely live up to the hype or price.
Important Note
Reservations are extremely difficult to obtain, often requiring persistent calling, using concierge services, or having connections to Ralph Lauren. Some diners feel the food does not justify the high prices or the effort required to dine there.
"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."
Positive"A commenter reacted to the late reservation time of 10 PM at Polo Bar with surprise."
Neutral"A commenter expressed skepticism about the hype surrounding Polo Bar, calling the burger mediocre and overpriced at $35."
Negative"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."
Negative"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."
Neutral"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
