Inside Ralph Lauren's First NYC Restaurant

With a career and reputation as distinguished as Ralph Lauren's, it would be completely understandable for him to sit back, relax, and rest on the laurels of building one of America's greatest fashion empires.

But that's just not his style. Ralph's just tossed his pony-logoed hat into the ring as New York City restauranteur, with the opening of the brand's first-ever dining room in the city where it was conceived.

Inside, it's the epicurean equivalent to the timeless casual and comfortable vibes that have come to define the preppy apparel giant. 

Located at the brand's flagship store on 5th Avenue and 55th Street, the place oozes with the charm of an old-school private gentleman's club, where titans of industry and their ilk would have likely bantered about capitalism for hours over Scotch and cigars.

Under the dim glow of warm light (and a couple fireplaces), the wood-soaked walls and ceiling successfully transport you from the bustle of 5th Ave (and New York City, for that matter) to a lodge in the country.

Unsurprisingly, the digs' decor is insanely on brand, adhering to an old-school polo theme. Each of its rooms are appointed with beautiful sport-related artwork, as well as riding hats, saddles, mallets, and other ephemera you would associate with the sport of kings.

If the hyper-polished Polo Bar seems a little too perfect to be RL's first at-bat in the restaurant world, it's because it's not: He's opened two other restaurant concepts around the world, honing his craft before unleashing his pièce de résistance on Manhattan's Upper East Side.

The menu's fully inspired by Mr. Lauren's favorites and includes things like crab cakes, corned beef sandwiches, a kale caesar salad, and a selection of beef sourced from his Double RL ranch in Colorado.

Though if you're not hungry, it's a great spot to just grab a drink, too. The lounge boasts a robust cocktail list and one hell of an old wooden bar to sidle up to.

And remember, it's no trouble if you accidentally overdo it food-wise, considering piles of newer, bigger pairs of pants await you only steps away.


Joe McGauley is a senior editor at Supercompressor. He has never played or watched a polo match, but he can wear the hell out of a Ralph Lauren sweater.