NYC's best hotspots for celebrity sightings
If you are planning a trip to New York City, besides attending a live taping of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” at the historic Ed Sullivan Theatre or sitting on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art channeling iconic character Blair Waldorf from the television series “Gossip Girl”, you should make some time for celebrity spotting.
In a city like NYC, where stars and talent from all over the country and the world gather, it would be easy to spot your favourite celebrities. (This reporter saw pop singer Ellie Goulding while clearing security for a flight.)
Even so, the chances of rubbing shoulders with your favourite celebrity are a lot higher if you are out and about at one of the following TAO group dining spots or nightclubs, which have garnered quite the reputation as celebrity hotspots.
1. Marquee NYC
Open until 4am, a Saturday night at this high energy nightclub includes DJs such as Bob Sinclair and David Guetta performing live sets that raise the roof.
You get to play spot-the-celeb with at least one guaranteed sighting, from Rihanna to Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery dancing the night away. This club was also the birthday location for Paris Hilton and Heidi Klum’s famous Halloween Party.
With over 100 celebrity sightings under its belt, the club is most recently known for the post-VMAs bash DJ Khaled threw where guests included Jennifer Lopez, Janelle Monae and Busta Ryhmes.
2. Vandal
Located on Bowery St, a street dating back to the 17th century, restaurant lounge Vandal opened in January 2016 celebrating the art, architecture and food of global street culture from New York to Vietnam to Barcelona and beyond.
The two-level space has become another celebrity hotspot in New York, with Ariana Grande and her rapper boyfriend Mac Miller hanging out at the Republic Records party, which saw other celebrities including the Jonas brothers.
3. Electric Room
Located on the lower level of Dream Downtown hotel in Chelsea, this intimate club features a full bar and a distinct Britannia feel.
It is also where where famous celebrities including Miley Cyrus, Courtney Love and Robert Pattinson, among several others, party regularly. This includes dancing to the beat of electro-pop or rock music, or lounging with friends at the plush leather couch.
4. PHD Rooftop Lounge
With views of the Hudson River and Empire State Building, this indoor and outdoor lounge at the hotel Dream Downtown’s top floor certainly makes an impression. With a reputation for lavish service, it is also one of the spots to see and be seen with celebrities.
Most recently, Serena Williams hosted her pre-wedding weekend with sister Venus and friends including singer Ciara. At the weekly Sunset Saturday party on November 11, iconic American singer Cyndi Lauper made an appearance and performed while rapper T-Pain was in attendance.
5. LAVO New York
Known as “one of the 10 most unique dining experiences in NYC”, this “clubstaurant” has hosted the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Jamie Chung and Flo Rida. Part dinner theatre, part dance party, its Riviera Sundays and Saturday Champagne brunch parties make it the most memorable weekend experience.
Besides being a regular celebrity sighting spot, it has also been the multi-time venue for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show After Party. There is also LAVO’s nightclub described as the “ultimate subterranean playground” where you can go on the lookout for an exciting list of VIP patrons who frequently hit this place.
6. TAO Downtown
The subterranean restaurant located in the heart of Chelsea is famous for its Quan Yin Buddha statue with 24 hands, ever changing thanks to 3D project mapping technology featuring waterfalls and growing moss. It is also known for its nightclub, separate from the restaurant, with a drinks only lounge, framed by murals of East Asian feminine beauty by UK street artist HUSH.
Social media stars and supermodels Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner could be spotted partying at the cub after the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2015. Celebrities love hanging out at both the restaurant and the club so get a table on one of the upper levels for the best vantage point.
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