Thomas Burns Scully, Author at journiest

8 ways to be the NYC anti-tourist (While still technically being a tourist)

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Now that I’ve moved to the New York area, I’m thrilled that there are famous people everywhere. It’s not uncommon to be hanging out in the city and catch a sighting of celebrities going about their day. It’s such a recurring event that it barely excites the local crowd.

In fact, it becomes a bit of a game: who’s seen Adam Sandler here? Who’s waited outside this hotel (for hours — in the rain) just for the briefest glance at Justin Bieber? Where did you meet Shawn Mendes that one time?

As a devout One Direction fangirl, I know a thing or two about swarming the outside of hotels in hopes of a glimpse of your favorite celebrity. I mean, this is the same fandom that hacked into hotel security footage to see what the boys were up to in the hallway of their hotel room.

However, we’re not looking for restraining orders in 2024. These days, it’s more about immersing ourselves in the culture of the rich-and-famous. We all want a taste of their luxury lifestyle, but we often don’t know where to start.

While you may not be able to afford to live like Timothee Chalamet day-to-day, it is admittedly exciting to unexpectedly run into him at his fave bagel spot. Celebrity gossip pages like Deuxmoi have running rec lists for the hottest celeb spots in major cities like Los Angeles and New York. In fact, it’s never been easier to know about where the likes of Bella Hadid and Drake like to dine.

And even if you don’t catch a celeb sighting, these places are A-Lister approved for a reason. If you’re visiting New York City, or you’re a hometown hero looking for the hottest restaurants in the city for celeb sightings…you’ve come to the right place.

Barbuto – West Village

Celebs: Julianne Moore, Andy Cohen, Bella Hadid

Cuisine: An Italian restaurant with an option for private dining, this is one of Julianne Moore’s go-to restaurants in NYC. Their roast chicken is a cult-favorite, quite literally causing a roast chicken fad in Manhattan.

Buvette – West Village

@afreie like to save & expect a wait #nycrestaurants #nyc #nycbrunch ♬ Dreams (2004 Remaster) – Fleetwood Mac

Celebs: Timothee Chalamet, Gossip Girl

Cuisine: Of course Timothee Chalamet dines at this French Gastrotheque by himself. There’s nothing more Chalamet than that. Other than our resident French boy, Serena Van Der Woodsen (Blake Lively) of Gossip Girl opted for Buvette’s Waffle Sandwich w/ sunny-side egg, bacon & gruyère for breakfast.

Fanelli Cafe – SoHo

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Celebs: Nicholas Braun, Chloe Sevigny, Chris Rock

Cuisine: If you’re looking for traditional American food and to see Cousin Greg in the flesh…may I introduce you to Fanelli’s: a famous NYC spot that serves basic, delicious food with a side of celebrity. One of the more affordable options on this list, Fanelli’s is a hit every time.

Balthazar – SoHo

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Celebs: Literally everyone ever. Anna Wintour, The Olsen Twins, Meryl Streep, Zoey Deutch, Jared Leto, I could go on…

Cuisine: What can I say? The celebs love the French. Known for their steak frites and brilliant brunch, Balthazar is an absolute hotspot for the A Listers. Founder Keith McNally literally posts the famed customers who stroll into his restaurant and lists their waiter ratings on his Instagram.

Ruby’s Cafe – West Village

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Celebs: Jacob Elordi, Kaia Gerber, Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello

Cuisine: An Australian-inspired cafe would be Aussie Jacob Elordi’s favorite haunt. Ruby’s has a terrific selection of pastas, burgers, salads, and basic meals that are perfect for your next lunch date.

Carbone – Greenwich Village

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Celebs: Again, all of them.

Cuisine: One of the most famous Italian restaurants, Carbone is worldwide. The spicy rigatoni vodka is their star dish, and it’s a Mecca for celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Adele, Drake, and more.

The Polo Bar – Midtown East

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Celebs: Gwyneth Paltrow, Rihanna, Austin Butler, George Clooney

Cuisine: Designed by none other than Ralph Lauren, The Polo Bar serves up American dishes and a luxurious ambience. Anyone who is anyone is at The Polo Bar.

Minetta Tavern – Greenwich Village

Celebs: Taylor Swift, Brooke Shields, Phoebe Bridgers

Cuisine: Again, a French restaurant! Time to hop on the Emily in Paris train because clearly we’ve been missing something. A touchstone in Greenwich Village history, Minetta Tavern is a charming blend of a French steakhouse and an American tavern.