New York City is the mecca of culinary achievement. But with that comes the caveat of quantity over quality. Like, street corners are cluttered with hot dog carts and pretzels and nuts and dollar slices (forgive us, dollar slice. We know not what we say).
And there's a craptastic crapshoot of good eateries and wildly overrated. That just comes with the territory of being known for dank food: every restaurant wants that same association.
But, you can't have it. That's why this month we're steering clear of the overpriced and overrated and eating like a VIP at some of NYC's most amazing restaurants with our friends over at SELECT.
SELECT is a sleek AF private membership community hooking you up with exclusive events, insider pricing, and VIP perks at thousands of premier partner locations across the globe. Globe, y’all. The whole damn world.
SELECT is sleek AF private membership community hooking you up with exclusive events, insider pricing, and VIP perks at thousands of premier partner locations across the globe. Globe, y’all. The whole damn world.
They’re that well-connected friend getting you past the proverbial red tape and velvet ropes with a private table in the back, a bottle on ice, and is ready to introduce you to the people in the spot worth knowing.
They turn your lameass credit card into a stupidly sexy black card that gets you shopping and lifestyle perks, insider pricing for events, and special VIP status at bars and clubs.
Oh, and the same goes for dining.
Looking to impress the hell out of someone (like your obnoxious in-laws who just dropped into town to see how life was for a big shot city dweller) with a seemingly extravagant meal―at the last minute? Done.
What about a little Maitre’D drop-by with a couple of glasses of champagne saying only, “On the house, fam,” because they’re comped? Yep.
So, check out SELECT and eat like a VIP all year long.
Here's 10 best restaurants where you can eat like a VIP, not only this December, but for the entire year with your membership. Oh, and that's for you and your party every single time you walk in. Every. Single. Motherlovin' time.
1. DBGB Kitchen & Bar (299 Bowery Street)
Does your squad need a new brunch spot?
Try out this LES gastropub known for its carnivorous delicacies by Chef Daniel Boulud. Definitely order a few plates for the table to share– everyone's going to want to try some of their beaujolaise sausage and house-made bacon.
They also have a pretty a fantastic happy hour featuring $1 oysters and $7 drinks Sundays through Thursdays from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
With SELECT, you'll receive the sommelier's choice of a bottle of wine– complimentary with your meal. Cheers!
2. Omar's (21 West 9th Street)
Tucked away in a historic brownstone in Greenwich Village, Omar's is the perfect date night spot, complete with dim lighting and a cozy atmosphere. They serve seasonal New American cuisine using only the most superb produce sourced from local green markets.
They also have excellent classic cocktails, whether you're an Old Fashioned man or a Vesper type of gal.
SELECT members actually score a round of specialty cocktails on the house, or if liquor isn't your thing at all, you can also choose champagne.
3. Le Cirque (151 East 58th Street)
Cross dining at this trendy, circus themed Midtown spot off your NYC bucket list.
While their ambiance alone makes the visit, their cuisine is equally as exciting. Enjoy decadent dishes such as lobster risotto, a perfectly seasoned rack of lamb, and beef cheeks served topped with shaved black winter truffles. At the end of your meal, the creme brûlée is also a must.
Your SELECT card will take 15% off your full bill and you'll also get a VIP tour of Le Cirque's world famous kitchen.
4. Industry Kitchen (70 South Street)
Boasting unobstructed waterfront views of the Brooklyn Skyline, make a stop at Industry Kitchen for the 'gram. Stay for the extensive list of craft beers, wines, signature cocktails, and wood oven grilled meats and pizza, prepared from seasonal market ingredients.
And because you can never have too much pizza, say yes to their chocolate pizza for dessert. That's right. Chocolate. Pizza.
All SELECT members get 25% off their full bill and receive priority reservations for up to parties of 8 people.
5. Treadwell Park (1125 1st Avenue)
With cafeteria style seating and offering 20 rotating draught craft beers and ciders, cask beer, and hand crafted artisanal cocktails, Treadwell Park is the perfect spot for a laid back, casual night with a good drink.
If you've got time to hang out, they have a foosball table, pool, ping pong, arcade games, and a complimentary popcorn stand. Score!
Whether you're here for brunch, lunch, or dinner, we'll save you some time–get the pretzel. Seriously, don't leave without eating one of their German pretzels.
Through SELECT, members have 25% off their full bill.
6. 83 1/2 (345 East 83rd Street)
For authentic Sicilian cuisine combined with modern presentation and a cozy, intimate setting, you'll be pressed to find a better spot than 83 1/2 on the Upper East Side.
From your appetizer (try the eggplant parmigiana) to dessert (try saying no to tiramisu topped with Nutella creme brûlée), you will want to scrap every last drop of sauce and crumb off your plate. Their mouthwatering dishes can also be complimented by one of their unique array of wines or a cocktail.
With SELECT, you'll receive 30% off your full check.
7. Bagatelle (1 Little West 12th Street)
Can you ever have too many brunch spots up your sleeve? No. The answer is no.
Their brunch menu is filled with scrumptious delights like belgian waffles served with nutella, berries and cream, truffled natural roasted chicken, and tuna tartar with citrus avocado salad. They also serve classic French cuisine, including steak frites, le croque monsieur, and ratatouille.
On weekend mornings, Bagatelle is filled with brunching young professionals but by 3 p.m., the lights go out, the DJ sets up, and the party starts.
For dinner, which has an entirely different ambiance with the same delicious food, they serve a number of shareable plates including Cote de Boeuf and the Catch of the day, along with other meat and fish entrees.
SELECT members receive 25% off the bill and a free round of shots during weekend brunch and dinner on Saturday.
8. CATCH (21 9th Avenue)
Located in the heart of the Meatpacking District, CATCH attracts a diverse clientele for its unique, globally influenced seafood menu and decadent chocolate desserts.
Highlights from their menu include Macaroni & Lobster Cream, Salmon Belly Carpaccio, unique sushi rolls & sashimi, Smores Pizza, and seasonal Sorbet.
undefinedThe three-level interior is a little funky, but definitely trendy– it's no wonder they're also known for celebrity sightings. CATCH also serves a wine by the glass, cocktails, and an extensive list of whiskys, tequila, and cognac.
As a SELECT member, receive a complimentary round of house sparkling wine.
9. TAO Downtown (92 9th Avenue)
Since opening in 2013, this Asian Fusion restaurant and lounge has been known as one of New York's trendiest restaurants, drawing a high-profile clientele.
The wood-paneled interior, dragon scale patterned screens, and Chinese calligraphy murals evoke an ancient world feel.
But the enormous buddha centerpiece and sprawling 400-person dining room lends itself to a club-like atmosphere.
Its large, creative pan-Asian menu includes delights like an array of sushi & sashimi platters, lobster wontons, ahi tuna pizza, wagyu rib-eye teppanyaki, and miso roasted black cod.
Their cocktail list includes exotic creations with names like Mango Chili Martini, Japanese Tea Garden, Tao-Tini, 5-Spice Cherry Manhattan, and Blushing Geisha.
SELECT members receive priority reservations and a complimentary round of champagne.
10. Scarpetta (355 West 14th Street)
Recipients of a coveted three-star review from The New York Times, Scarpetta is known for its elegant but chic ambiance, amplified by the dining room's warm central skylight, as well as their bold flavors and seasonal ingredients.
Their entree list is filled with rich dishes like Duck & Foie Gras Ravioli, Short Rib & Bone Marrow Agnolotti, and the simple yet to-die-for Spaghetti Tomato and Basil. The signature pasta is made in-house daily and paired with only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients.
With your SELECT membership, you'll be able to order a complimentary round of champagne or house wine for your table, you and your whole party, every single time you walk into the joint as a member of SELECT.
Apply for SELECT Membership Right Here & Live Like the VIP Your Mom Always Said You Were.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]