'NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 13
Still, there are spots in New York City where celebrity sightings happen more than other places.
Sardi's
Even if there isn’t a Broadway legend sitting at the next table at this 90-year-old iconic restaurant in the theater district, you’ll be surrounded by stars. Caricatures of practically every celebrity who ever lived line the walls of this popular pre-and-post-theater dinner spot.
Serendipity3
Is that Suri Cruise? It just may be if you’re at Serendipity3, the fun-loving midtown restaurant where stars and their starlets meet to giggle and slurp frozen hot chocolates and creative salads and sandwiches.
Da Silvano
The brilliant yellow awning is one cue that you’re at Da Silvano’s, a popular Italian restaurant in the West Village. Another clue: celebs that come to nibble on antipasti at the sidewalk café.
Magnolia Bakery
Join the line that snakes around the block at this West Village bakery and you’re bound to see a sweet-tooth star who craves one of the buttercream-frosted cupcakes.
The Lion
The clandestine, no-name-on-the-front 19th-century West Village brownstone eatery roars with celebrities like Halle Berry and Anderson Cooper who receive escorts to the mezzanine level to dine on new American cuisine, while mere mortals are relegated to the pub-like downstairs.
The Spotted Pig
Stars who live in the West Village love this British/American pub-like restaurant where cask beer, deviled eggs and crispy pig’s ear with lemon caper dressing are on the menu.
The Waverly Inn & Garden
Yes, another West Village hot spot, owned by Graydon Carter, editor of Vanity Fair, where it’s all about celebs and chicken pot pie.
Nobu
Derek Jeter apparently swoons for this Japanese restaurant in Tribeca, co-owned by Robert DeNiro. The jalapeno yellowtail sashimi and the signature black cod with miso rule.
Top of the Standard
The Manhattan and Hudson River views rival even the most stunning movie stars who come here to sip pricy cocktails and to party with their peers.
Marlow & Sons
Brooklyn’s hip Williamsburg neighborhood is home to this trendy restaurant where celebs like Jay Z (whose roots are in this ‘hood) and Beyonce reportedly favor the brick chicken.
Monkey Bar
Older celebs love this midtown bar, that was once in a Sex & the City scene, for its plush, red leather banquettes and a mural that depicts the Jazz Age (think Isadora Duncan and Tennessee Williams.)
Minetta Tavern
David and Victoria Beckham reportedly chose this intimate restaurant in the West Village with low lighting and Old World charm for a Valentine’s Day meal. The tavern is very popular with A-listers.
Serafina Fabulous Pizza
Thin-crust pizza makes this Upper East Side Italian restaurant a home-run for such celebrities as New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez, who’s been sighted here.
Breslin Bar and Dining Room
This trendy midtown hideaway in the Ace hotel attracts glamorous stars like Sarah Jessica Parker who reportedly celebrated Mother’s Day here.
On Location
You may stumble upon a film being shot on location anywhere in the city. Or, plan ahead, and visit the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting at nyc.gov for an updated listing of what’s being filmed.
Broadway
The Great White Way (aka Broadway) is spot on for spying theatrical stars. Hang around one of the Stage Doors (typically in the back or to the side of the building) after performances at any of the theaters and you’ll be sure to see them. Same goes for Lincoln Center where world-class operas and ballets are performed.
True, it’s fun to star gaze in pricey NYC restaurants and clubs. But there are also plenty of wow-did-you-see-who-that-was moments no matter where you visit in town.
Laurie Bain Wilson writes often about New York City and is the author of several travel guidebooks, including New York City Made Easy and New York City with Kids.
