Ralph Lauren, the world-renowned fashion designer, is not just content with delighting eyes with his fashion creations. He has ventured into the culinary world with Polo Bar, a restaurant serving American cuisine that draws inspiration from Lauren's own favorite dishes.
Ralph Lauren doesn’t want to just delight the eyes with fashion — he wants to tickle taste buds!
Yep, the famous designer is behind Polo Bar, which serves American cuisine. Mr. Lauren himself looked back at his own culinary favorites for inspiration when piecing together his menu.
Fun fact: Back in the 1960s, the space was occupied by a restaurant known as La Côte Basque. Regulars included Jacqueline Kennedy, Babe and William S. Paley, C. Z. Guest, and Truman Capote. And now, as the Polo Bar, it sits next door to the flagship Polo store.
We’ll admit, this is a hard place to get into! But once you’re able to land a coveted reservation, you’ll understand why there’s such a stiff competition for tables.
The ambience, with its dark wood and leather, is inviting and comforting. The staff are warm and attentive, while the cocktails are crafted to please. Popular items on the menu include the RRL hot dog, Ralph's corned beef sandwich, and the polo bar burger.
But there’s another reason people file through the doors of Polo Bar…
Folks like to enjoy eye candy in the form of celebs. Don’t be surprised if you see Taylor Swift, Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss, Andy Cohen, or Gwyneth Paltrow indulging themselves. (Perhaps Taylor is lamenting her latest breakup or Gwyneth is celebrating her courtroom win.)
Join us as we unmask the ambiance, unwrap the mouthwatering offerings, and uncover the saucy little secrets that elevate a night at The Polo Bar. Get ready to trot through a dining experience where NYC’s vivacious lifestyle mingles with the crème de la crème of global gourmet. Let's nibble our way through the sassiest, most decadent tidbits Ralph’s got to offer!
Embark with us, fabulous foodies, on a journey into the heart of The Polo Bar. Here, every moment bathes in an ambiance that feels like a Ralph Lauren runway magically brought to life. Immerse yourself in an equestrian dream, where rich leathers, dark woods, and horse-related décor unveil a posh countryside manor nestled snugly within the iconic energy of NYC.
Imagine the dining room, a haven where the luxury of royalty fuses with New York City spirit, conjuring a majestic milieu that whispers sweetly, “Welcome to opulence, you’ve truly arrived!”. Venture further to 1 E 55th St, Midtown East, a splendid secret nestled in the bustling arms of Manhattan, unfolding a gastronomic theater that's equal parts intimate and extravagantly NYC.
This isn’t merely a dining space. It’s a hideaway where every morsel savored is a front-row seat to a spectacular show of exquisite flavors, caressed by an ambiance that effervescently intertwines refined splendor with a distinct, urban allure.
The Polo Bar is a sumptuous escapade, a romp through a world where culinary artistry waltzes with an atmosphere both lavish and welcoming. Our journey promises more than a mere meal. It offers a peek into a realm where every bite is a story, every room a chapter, and every visit a splendidly woven tale of gastronomic adventure and atmospheric charm.
So, cherished connoisseurs, as we saunter further into this exquisite world, anticipate a ride where every moment is dipped in a deliciously regal and spiritedly playful essence, offering a unique culinary adventure that beckons to be savored. Shall we, dear devourers of decadence, delve deeper?
Calling food connoisseurs. Allow us to usher you into the palatial pages of The Polo Bar's menu, where each listed item is a whisper of culinary tales waiting to tantalize your taste buds!
With a melange of flavors so divine, our gastronomic journey is akin to pirouetting through a ballroom where every dish invites you to partake in a delectable dance.
Let's allow the evening to unfurl with an array of appetizers that sing harmonious tunes of both comfort and sophistication. The Tuna Tartare, an elegantly orchestrated dish, gently whisks us away to the ocean's embrace, while the Caesar Salad pays a crisp, fresh homage to a classic, cherished globally.
Dearest epicureans, the entrées take center stage with a performance that boldly narrates tales from distant shores and homely hearths alike. With the Polo Bar Burger, imagine a cascade of quintessential American flavors, while the Dover Sole gently serenades your senses with its delicate, European finesse.
Fear not, dear plant-whisperers. The Polo Bar crafts vegetarian options that are anything but an afterthought. Each dish, meticulously curated, embarks on a lush, vegetarian adventure, ensuring your palate dances through verdant fields and explores the varied terrains of wholesome, vibrant flavors.
As our flavorful journey gracefully approaches its crescendo, the desserts emerge, not merely as a course, but as a sweet serenade encapsulating the essence of our exquisite culinary journey. The Coffee Ice Cream, for instance, is a cool whisper of robust and creamy harmonies, ensuring our culinary tale lingers sweetly upon our palates. Pair it all with Ralph’s coffee.
Oh, you magnificent mavens of mixology, prepare to be utterly entranced, for the bar area at The Polo Bar isn’t merely a space. It's an experience, a jaunt through a land where spirits are lifted in more ways than one.Buckle up, sweet sippers, for a journey where every cocktail tells a tale and every sip is a sonnet!
Nestle into the snug embrace of the Polo Bar’s bar area, where the ambiance is a delicate concoction of classic New York charm kissed with a dash of modern Manhattan finesse.
Picture rich, mahogany undertones whispering tales from eras gone by while contemporary beats gently serenade your auditory senses. It’s old meets new, classic yet fresh, creating a backdrop where every clink of the glass is a toast to timeless elegance.
In this divine oasis, every cocktail is a melody where the notes dance gracefully upon your palate. From the robust and hearty to the light and effervescent, each concoction is crafted with a maestro’s touch.
Imbibe in signature creations, where innovative drinks like the Thyme Will Tell are not just relished but revered. Venture forth and explore the vibrant, bubbling terrain of their Champagne selection, or seductively slide into the velvety richness of a perfectly poured Old Fashioned.
And let's not allow our cocktails to wander the flavor landscape alone! The Polo Bar ensures each divine drink is accompanied by bar snacks that are nothing short of haute culinary couture.
From the fresh Shrimp Cocktail to those devilishly delightful Pigs in a Blanket, every bite is a rendezvous between refined and rebellious, offering a flavor soiree where every guest is the belle of the ball.
For those whose hearts beat in rich, red, and white rhythms, the wine selection is a journey through vineyards that have been kissed by both timeless tradition and innovative brilliance. Sip, savor, and swirl through a collection that speaks in lush, grape-infused dialects, ensuring your palate embarks on an adventure that's both comfortably familiar and enticingly exotic.
For moments that demand exclusivity, Polo Bar extends the invitation to private dining areas where the ambiance, offerings, and service entwine to craft an experience that's indescribably exquisite. A hushed whisper in the bustling dialogue of NYC, providing a sanctum where every detail is tailored to elevate your moment from mere dining to divine indulgence.
Dearest gastronomic adventurers, while our hearts and palates are thoroughly entranced by The Polo Bar’s culinary symphony and atmospheric allure, let’s not forget that such an evening comes with its own set of notes to adhere to. Ensure your visit is as smooth as the aged whiskey on offer with savoir-faire regarding dress, reservations, and insider tips!
Now, there is a dress code. You have to wear only Ralph Lauren branded clothing. (Just kidding.) But seriously, they do request no shorts or flip flops. They suggest jackets for men but don’t require them. However, they request dress shirts if you’re sans jacket.
The website says “elegant” but keep what we say here in mind, and you’ll be good to go. (And definitely leave the baseball caps at home.)
Whether you live in the Big Apple or simply planning a visit, remember that reservations aren’t so easy to nail down. You can make them online or by calling. We recommend giving them a ring at 10:00 a.m. with at least a month or six weeks’ notice.
Ah, sweet diners, in a spot where every evening is a coveted event, reservations are not merely suggested. Tthey are, in the most delightful terms, a necessity. Ensure your presence in this culinary utopia by securing your table well in advance through their reservation channels.
In the tender embrace of The Polo Bar's farewell, our gastronomic journey unfurls memories of culinary artistry and atmospheric splendor that will forever linger in our hearts and palates. From the enthralling beginnings amidst elegant starters to the sweet, lingering farewells whispered by decadent desserts, every moment within these warm, opulent confines is a timeless treasure.
Embarking upon a journey through The Polo Bar not only satiates the palate but also gracefully waltzes with the soul, crafting an unforgettable symphony of flavors and atmospheres. In this opulent enclave, every visit becomes a cherished memory, gently whispering tales of sumptuous delicacies, elegant spaces, and moments suspended in delightful splendor.