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Consider us your one and only source into the lives of Manhattan’s elite (and where they eat).
By
Izzy Baskette
Gossip Girl here. If you were raised in the early aughts during the original run of the hit teen-drama show Gossip Girl, you know that it’s impossible to duplicate the truly chaotic and privileged energy that Blair, Serena, Chuck, Nate, and Dan brought to the screen (and that includes the lackluster 2021 reboot)—but that doesn’t mean we can’t try.
It’s no easy feat to recreate your favorite scenes in iconic or very private NYC sites like Grand Central Terminal—where Serena had her dramatic return to the city in season 1—or Serena’s mom’s penthouse—which famously hosted the table-emptying Thanksgiving dinner of season 3, but Manhattan restaurants and bars were frequently the backdrop for many scenes. From date nights and ruinous fights to new love connections and bestie brunches, many of the restaurants that hosted the show’s upper crust are still open today. Consider us your one and only source into the lives of Manhattan’s elite. Below is a list of still-standing filming locations to live out your Gossip Girl daydreams.
And for more famous filming locations in NYC, check out our Sex and the City list.
Midtown
One of Blair Waldorf’s favorite see-or-be-seen restaurants to dine with her minions was the original Butter located in NoHo. This is a classic throwback to the early aughts, when evocative one-word restaurant names were all the rage. Opened in 2002, it was a hotspot (especially on Monday nights) until closing in 2013. At the still-open Midtown location, guests can order the famous Parkerhouse Rolls served with house-made butter, Gnocchi “Mac and Cheese”, and Pan-Seared Branzino. Up to you, if you want to book a reservation. After all, “Not going to Butter is so much better than going to Butter,” according to season 1.
Midtown East
This sultry watering hole hidden within Grand Central Terminal is the infamous setting of Serena van der Woodsen and Nate Archibald’s notorious hook-up—which happened while Nate was still dating Serena’s best friend, Blair. The flashbacks of this shameful affair are replayed various times throughout the series. Originally the office and reception hall of Jazz Age financier John W. Campbell, the space features grandiose 25-foot hand-painted ceilings, ornate fixtures, and a stone fireplace. Classic co*cktails include the Campbell Dirty Martini and Midtown Cosmo, which pair alongside bar snacks like Marinated Olives or Cheese and Charcuterie.
Midtown
The site of countless scenes from the show, Lotte New York Palace (commonly called The Palace Hotel) was fictionally owned by Chuck Bass’ father. The actual ownership of the hotel has changed since the early aughts, but still retains all the opulent splendor seen on screen. Back in episode 1, Chuck orders an off-menu truffle grilled cheese to seduce a drunken Woodsen.
Various locations
This French import known for its pastel-colored macaron cookies and high-end tea room vibes has locations all over the world and is a Blair Waldorf favorite (she famously snacked on them in the bathtub). NYC boasts five locations if you want to grab pastries to go or even dine-in with a full menu of French-inspired fare. The SoHo locale is especially magical during the springtime, when the outdoor patio is covered in whimsical cherry blossoms.
East Village
In the heart of East Village lies a Ukrainian coffee shop and eatery that’s one of the neighborhood’s most iconic culinary institutions. Veselka, whose name translates to rainbow, has served the NYC community for more than 60 years. The popular restaurant is best known for pierogies, borscht, and goulash. If you want to relive the episode in which Dan and Serena brunched here, drop by during the weekend for Eastern European fare alongside bellinis and mimosas.
Gramercy
Known as Blair’s favorite restaurant, the Danny Meyer-owned spot has garnered a favorable reputation for its seasonal New American tasting menu priced at $168 per person. The more casual and affordable Tavern sibling offers a la carte dining. Highlights include the Tavern Burger served with duck fat potato chips and Duck Meatloaf.
Various locations
The site of many a van der Woodsen family meal, is known for its brunch dishes like Baskets of Popovers with marmalade, Fat and Fluffy French Toast, and Lemon and Ricotta Pancakes. Choose from the Upper West Side, Central Park South, Park Avenue South, and Tribeca locations for your chic brunch experience.
Various locations
Meat reigns supreme at this club/restaurant. Opened in the early aughts, the STK concept first took NYC by storm and has now expanded to include outposts across the US and internationally. With its honking cuts of meat and sexy ambiance, this was the ideal spot for a season 2 scene when Dan takes a short-lived love interest on a date after a breakup with Serena.
Various locations
Regularly throughout the show, viewers can spot the exterior and interior of Sant Ambroeus. The Italian-influenced cafe is known for its salads, pasta dishes, and espresso—which still draw hoards of celebs. Of the four NYC brick-and-mortar restaurants, the charming West Village location is the most ideal for people watching.
Lincoln Square
This real-life hotel on the Upper West Side which Chuck Bass fictionally invests in during season 3 is still up and running. Head upstairs to The Empire Rooftop Bar to spot the iconic signage, plenty of seating, and craft co*cktails perfect for golden hour hangs with stunning skyline views.
Editor’s Note: To ensure the quality and relevance of our content, Thrillist editors will regularly refresh this article and others to meet our editorial standards.
Izzy Baskette is the New York City Staff Writer for Thrillist. Talk to her at izzy.baskette@voxmedia.com or find her on Instagram.
