New York fashion week attracts individuals from all facets of the industry. The global fashion community often dines, drinks, and parties together. Here are the top places where you can find them between shows.

The Polo Bar

Getting a reservation at The Polo Bar can be tricky, but if you get lucky you are in for a splendid time. Opened by designer Ralph Lauren, The Polo Bar restaurant is becoming a timeless classic, serving an American menu and some old world continental favorites. Located at a famous address, which formerly housed La Côte Basque, this restaurant is well-known among anyone who appreciates fashion and its history. They consistently serve one of the best burgers in the city. 

The Polo Bar, 1 E 55th St (betw 5th/ Madison Ave), Midtown

Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s

Since its opening, Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s has wowed well-to-do travelers who look for excellent service, chic interiors, and most of all, convenience. Located in Tribeca, fashion week goers will be close to the shows, and some of the city’s best restaurants. We recently took a tour of the hotel’s dining offerings and can attest to their top-notch service. Besides offering lunch at Par Ici Café, Brasserie is ready to host fashion week dinners, and you cannot visit and not stop by the hotel’s secret bar, Titsou. In our humble opinion, Fouquet’s is the most beautiful hotel in New York right now. 

Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s, 456 Greenwich St (betw Watts/Desbrosses St), Tribeca

Carbone

If there is one thing New Yorkers love to hate it is an overhyped restaurant. Carbone is known for their hard to get reservations and celebrity spotting, but at heart it is an unpretentious American Italian restaurant. If you are lucky enough to get a reservation here during fashion week, you will likely spot a celebrity, or at the very least, a very fashionable influencer. While spotting someone famous can be a thrill, the food here is the real star. Once you get past the fact that this is a place to “see and be seen,” start ordering. They serve classic Italian-American dishes like spicy rigatoni, tortellini al ragu, baked clams, and lobster ravioli. Try the famous Carbone sauce and you too will keep coming back for more. 

Carbone, 181 Thompson St (betw W Houston /Bleecker St),  West Village

Café Chelsea

Since Hotel Chelsea’s reopening last year, this historic hotel has once again become the place to be on any night of the week. We love a good martini and they make one of the best. The hotel’s newest restaurant is Café Chelsea. The French bistro space offers plenty of seating, a bar, cozy banquettes and soon, a private dining room called The Wine Room. The space looks as if it’s always been there. Here is where you can order delicious french classics, like Tartare de Boeuf and Pâté, but our favorite item on the menu has to be Ravioles du Dauphiné. Hotel Chelsea is a hotspot that fashion week goers will not want to pass by. 

Cafe Chelsea, 222 W 23rd St (betw 7th/8th Ave), Chelsea

Fanelli’s Cafe

This one is obvious, but Fanelli’s draws in a consistent crowd of not only Soho shoppers, but also the fashionable from all around the world. The historic bar and eatery has a laid-back vibe, and is great for people watching. During fashion week you can find yourself seated next to a runway model with show makeup still intact or an aspiring photographer and designer. Both locals and tourists love this classic hangout. 

Fanellis Cafe, 94 Prince St (betw Mercer/Greene St), Soho

Temple Court

Temple Court at The Beekman Hotel is an impressive place to enjoy a cocktail or dinner. The building is a city landmark that features a glorious open atrium. There is nothing else like it. With Conde Nast offices right in the neighborhood you can be sure that NYFW partnered with the restaurant, creating a special menu. New Yorkers like to come here to get away from crowded bars. This is the kind of place where you can sit back in a comfortable chair and spot the fashionable from afar. We look forward to The Beekman’s newest lounge opening in the fall, Laissez faire. 

Temple Court at The Beekman, 123 Nassau St (betw Beekman/Ann St), Financial District

The Lambs Club

To experience an old New York institution head to The Lambs Club. While this midtown location attracts a mix of people from all types of industries, this is where you might spot a fashion industry veteran. We love a place with white tablecloths and red interiors, it just oozes elegance. The revitalized re-opening of The Lambs Club proves that fine dining is back. Come here to admire the art deco interiors, and treat yourself to dining in style. 

The Lambs Club at The Chatwal Hotel,  132 West 44th Street (betw 6th/7th Avenue), Midtown