Review: The Polo Bar Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar Restaurant opened recently behind the flagship department store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. This boujee, ultra-chic, elusive restaurant and bar is a must try.

Inspired by classic New York and Ralph Lauren, The Polo Bar offers a casual yet refined setting for food and drink in Midtown. From polo match-inspired murals to saddle leather and equestrian art inside, the restaurant pays homage to the distinguished sporting lifestyle synonymous with the Ralph Lauren brand.

My mom and I spent one rainy Saturday afternoon in April in New York City attending the matinée of the recently opened Broadway musical Hello Dolly with Bette Midler. We had been attempting to secure reservations at The Polo Bar for quite some time, and finally — somehow — we did. We called exactly one month prior at 10 a.m., when it opened, and ended up with a 5:15 p.m. reservation.

After the matinée, we headed to 5^th and 55^th Streets for our dinner reservation. The door was already open, as a hostess was standing at the door greeting us — you cannot even get into the bar area without a reservation. Once inside, the long bar was on the left with small tables meant for cocktails on the right. A few steps into the restaurant we were greeted by name, by another hostess who asked if we preferred to take the stairs or the elevator. After the short elevator ride downstairs, we were greeted by yet a third hostess who showed us to our table. The dining room was a decent size, but given the exclusiveness I was expecting a packed house.

The cuisine, inspired by Ralph Lauren’s favorites, ranges from a crispy kale salad and crab cakes to a filet and the signature Polo Bar Burger. Guests can choose from classic cocktails and a diverse selection of wines and other spirits. We began with an appetizer of mini spinach ravioli topped with black truffles, which was delicious. For dinner, we both enjoyed a filet with a side of onion rings. My medium steak was cooked to perfection, as were the non-greasy, beer-battered onion rings. We also ordered a side of garlic spinach, which was a bit too garlicky. For dessert, we ordered the warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream. It’s safe to say that was probably the best apple pie I’ve ever enjoyed.

The wait staff was wonderful, friendly and attentive. If possible, I would love to return, preferably at a later reservation time.

The Polo Bar Ralph Lauren

1 E. 55th St.

New York, N.Y. 10022

212 207 8562