As any resident of New York City (or the world) already knows, this city is a bit famous. Whether featured in films, commercials, television shows, books, or songs, it’s a pretty well known place (duh). In all the media, film and television shows, have you ever wondered whether or not the restaurants featured are real and worthwhile? Or where to find them? Well, look no further; this list will take you on a cinematic and televisual tour of all those questions from your favorite films and TV shows!
1. When Harry Met Sally
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While everyone who’s seen this movie remembers the iconic “I’ll have what she’s having” scene, where exactly is it that Sally bursts out in fake orgasmic noises you may ask? Why that would be none other than Katz’s Deli on the Lower East Side, located at 205 E Houston Street. With 4 stars on Yelp, Katz’s is known for their sandwiches (and also a sign above the booth Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal filmed their famous scene). Reviewers recommend any sandwich including either pastrami or corned beef (or both!). And I recommend you fake orgasm as loud as Sally because the staff’s probably NEVER heard that before!
2. Seinfeld
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While Monk’s, the actual name of the diner in Seinfeld is fictional, the b-roll footage of the outside of a restaurant is a real place named Tom’s Restaurant at the corner of W 112th and Broadway! While you may want to go here just for the novelty of Seinfeld—not that there’s anything wrong with that—this diner receives only 2.5 stars on Yelp, and according to reviewers, is comparable to most regular diners across the city. However, if you’d like to see the famous full portrait of Cosmo Kramer and pretend you’re at Monk’s, head on down there and be sure to tell your waiter that these pretzels are making you thirsty (even if you have no pretzels) because again, I am SURE no one has ever heard that before.
3. Breakfast at Tiffany’s
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While of course you can’t actually have breakfast at a Tiffany’s store (although what a missed marketing opportunity on Tiffany’s part if you ask me), you can certainly eat like Holly Golightly in this classic 1961 film! In the scene from the picture above, Holly enjoys a Danish pastry and coffee, which some of the best may be found at Glaser’s Bake Shop on the Upper East Side at 1670 1st Ave, Leske’s Bakery in Brooklyn at 7612 5th Ave (which is an actual Danish bakery!), or the Levain Bakery on the Upper West Side located at 167 W 74th St.
4. Made of Honor
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Best friends Hannah and Tom go to two different restaurants regularly throughout this film, which is about being the maid of honor in your best friend’s wedding who you so happen to be in love with. One place is known as Figaro Bistro located at 97 1st Ave, with 4.5 stars on Yelp! They are known for their reasonably priced seafood and alcoholic beverages at the bar. Reviewers also mentioned how this particular venue is rarely ever too crowded, allowing you to avoid 30-45 minute long waits for a table!
5. Remember Me
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In this 2010 film surrounding the struggling life of Tyler Hawkins who happens to meet the love of his life through a bet (and also features outside shots of NYU Silver buildings and Strand Bookstore!), Tyler visits the same diner every week to write to his deceased brother, Michael, about how his life is going. The diner is known as Pearl Street Diner located at 212 Pearl Street in the Financial District. Receiving 3 stars overall on Yelp, reviewers remark it as a place to get a good, fast meal in the city, which is exactly what Tyler uses the establishment for. He mentions, “We probably didn’t come here as often as I think we did,” but continues going back to write every week.
6. Gossip Girl
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Last but not least, this list wouldn’t be complete without some input from “Manhattan’s Elite” in Gossip Girl. While most of the places these privileged teens wine and dine at would break the bank in an appetizer, one restaurant mentioned semi-frequently, is halfway decent on wallets. It should still be reserved for special occasions or when you feel like splurging, but you won’t go too far out of your way! It’s known as Butter, and is located in Midtown at 70 W 45th St. Most reviewers mention their thick-cut veal bacon, as well as their seafood and dessert menus. It’s the perfect place for one of those nights in town when you’re feeling frivolous; be sure to take a “spotted” photo of you, your friends, your food and whoever you meet for Gossip Girl’s map!