WWD’s Ultimate Ranking of New York Event Venues
As fall properly gets under way in New York, so too does events season. With that in mind, we present a ranking of the event venues most favored by New York’s party scene, from best to worst. A fun vibe is always important, as is setting for beautiful (and flattering) photos, good food and drink, the ability for the space to be transformed per event — and, when the time comes, access to a swift exit.
The Pool/The Grill: The Major Food Group’s pair of hot spots (one an events space, one a restaurant) has the legacy of a New York institution, thanks to the years of top-tier events held at former occupant, The Four Seasons Restaurant, as well as the benefit of being a new, modern-feeling concept. The space photographs beautifully, the food and drinks are always perfection, and the rooms are extremely versatile: it’s where Marc Jacobs chose to host his wedding in 2019, where the CFDAs were held in 2021, and where Thom Browne threw a dinner this past fall, to name a few. The Grill is a refined cocktail-hour space, with plenty of room to mingle, and who can resist the allure of the versatile titular centerpiece of The Pool?
The New York Public Library: A New York institution that always feels fun to be in after hours. It’s accessible, iconic and works as well for a fashion show a la Coach and Marc Jacobs as it does for a private dinner.
The Plaza: Elegant and classy, an event at The Plaza always feels elevated. The marble staircase is perfect for a dramatic black tie photo opp en route to the historic grand ballroom. We witnessed the infamous Cardi B x Nicki Minaj shoe fight at the Harper’s Bazaar Icons party, and we’ve run into President Joe Biden in the basement food hall during the Tonys after party. In other words: This venue has range.
Cipriani 42nd Street: The 42nd Street location comes in ahead of the rest of the Ciprianis in our book. Originally the Bowery Savings Bank, the space has vaulted ceilings and a gravitas that never wears off. In short, it’s a well-oiled gala machine starting with the cocktail hour Bellinis. Yes: you might have to dodge a vested fiance guy en route, but it’s much easier to get to than others, feels classic and, when it comes time to leave, you’ll have no problem hailing a cab. (Although it might take awhile to navigate around the round tables, depending on how fully they’ve packed the room.)
Temple of Dendur/The Met: Hosting an event here comes with bragging rights, though the space can feel a bit specific. (Oh, this temple in the background of our black tie photo? No biggie.) We’re never mad at a night at the museum, be it the YoungArts gala, a Sulwhasoo dinner or — ahem — the Met Gala.
Rainbow Room: Always feels nostalgic, always good for a skyline ‘Gram. A strong contender for any luncheon.
The Boom Boom Room: The Top of the Standard, “Boom,” the Boom Boom Room — whatever you want to call it, it’s a go-to late night setting for a party, be it the Met Gala after party or a fashion week fete. There’s usually a “surprise” performer on deck for events here, who often perform atop the iconic rounded bar.
Cipriani Broadway: The forgotten Cipriani. The venue is located in the Financial District, but it is not to be confused with the more popular Cipriani Wall Street a few blocks away. Bonus points for novelty, but it lacks the wow-factor of other venues.
Natural History Museum: No one can resist the allure of dining underneath the giant blue whale. Depending on the event though, the exhibits can look a bit strange in the background of photos; see the 2023 CFDA awards as example.
Gotham Hall: Not particularly notable but will get the job done, should everywhere else fall through. As a plus, it’s very centrally located.
Intrepid: Sure, it’s located at a pier along the Hudson River, but it’s also an aircraft carrier. Very event specific. The Jeffrey Fashion Cares benefit, once a beloved annual event, was notably held here several times.
Angel Orensanz Foundation: A little bit of a wildcard, the Angel Orensanz is a dramatic venue choice smack-dab in the center of the Lower East Side. Formerly a synagogue, the space has retained its neo-gothic vibe, with a balcony level that wraps around the main space.
Spring Studios: Anything with a forced elevator arrival/exit immediately loses points.
Cipriani South Street/Casa Cipriani: You can’t get more downtown than this — pro! It’s impossible to get a cab to leave or take the subway — con. We’ll never object to a view of the Statue of Liberty.
99 Scott: Making your guests decamp to a Bushwick warehouse is a choice — and it isn’t always the right choice, particularly if the majority of your invite list is over the age of 25. When the weather’s nice we do love the indoor/outdoor moment.
Cipriani Wall Street: It’s a classic gala location, but dare we say, the least thrilling? Expect your standard Cipriani-catered evening, with the addition of a small balcony level for cocktail hour.
Chelsea Piers/Pier 60: There are good reasons to trek over to Chelsea Piers — golfing? rock climbing? — but none of them include black tie. Overall, the event space feels non-distinct.
Zoom: And taking up the rear, the Zoom gala. It made sense in the moment, but sipping a drink at home, dressed in cocktail attire from the waist up was a low.
WWD’s Ultimate Ranking of New York Event Venues
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