“Gossip Girl” is the only show that legitimately never gets old. I can watch it over and over, even though I know that (spoiler alert) Jenny will never stop wearing too much eyeliner. When I was in middle school, I obviously wanted to be Blair, and tbh I still do. Sadly, I do not have a hot man and a ridiculously large trust fund to rely on, so I decided to settle on eating at the Gossip Girl restaurants instead (because… food).
Obviously not all of the restaurants that the characters wined and dined at are financially realistic for a college student, but some of these places you could check out with the fam.
The Campbell Apartment
Where it all began — this is the site of Nate and Serena’s clandestine hookup in the pilot episode. Check out The Campbell, which recently dropped “apartment” from its moniker, inside of Grand Central for a drink after a long day of scheming.
Gramercy Tavern
Reportedly Blair Waldorf’s favorite restaurant, Gramercy Tavern is the perfect place for an intimate date night. I would recommend grabbing a bite in the tavern rather than the dining room for the same high-quality seasonal delights at a slightly more reasonable price.
STK
You probably don’t remember Amanda, Dan’s temporary love interest after his break-up with Serena in Season 2, but I’m sure you remember the infamous nairtini that Serena threw at her. Don’t worry, none of STK’s drinks actually have Nair in them.
Dylan’s Candy Bar
Honestly I forgot that Nate and Vanessa ever dated, but Vanessa did buy Nate his anniversary gift here. The relationship was clearly doomed from the start because who buys their somewhat-adult boyfriend candy lol?
That being said, Dylan’s Candy Bar is by far the best candy shop in town. Founded by Ralph Lauren’s daughter, Dylan’s is a one-stop shop for all candy-related paraphernalia.
Russian Tea Room
You don’t have to have just left bible camp like Georgia to go to the Russian Tea Room. You can choose between 40 different varieties of vodka to chase your convo with Poppy the scammer and get a solid Insta by the awning outside (where Serena got arrested).
Veselka
Head down to the East Village for some classic Ukrainian food. Go here if you want to hang out with Dan and eat some pierogis. The best part: Veselka is open 24 hours a day, so you can go for some late night drunk eats.
Barrio Chino
Remember when Serena stumbled out of a Nolita eatery after a drunk Thanksgiving affair? Serena probably doesn’t, but she cured her hangover at Barrio Chino munching on some yummy tacos.
Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC
Formerly known as Babycakes, Erin McKenna’s is where Dan first saw Serena. AKA right outside of Barrio Chino where she almost got hit by a cab, and Dan lost his pumpkin pie. Thankfully, he got the girl in the end.
Pinkberry
Yes, most of us have been to Pinkberry at some point (most likely in middle school), but not all of us have experienced a “Gossip Girl” Pinkberry moment. The real Pinkberry experience involves being publicly shamed by Penelope over froyo.
The Empire Hotel Bar
When Chuck Bass bought The Empire, he didn’t just buy a hotel, but also a bar. The legit Empire Hotel embraces his legacy with the “I’m Chuck Bass Cocktail.” Mixed with Dewar’s Scotch, Red Apple, Ginger Bites and Apple Cider, the Chuck Bass cocktail is perfect for your next night out (or, in Chuck’s case, your morning wake-up call).
Butter
Let’s be real, Blair would never have fallen for that fake invite to Butter from Season 1 IRL, but I get why she wanted the restaurant to be cool. Butter is freaking lit with the chocolate matcha checkerboard cake.
Communitea
Head to the outer boroughs and hit up this Long Island City coffee shop to see where Vanessa used to work. Communitea is about as hipster/granola as you would expect, and all their coffee is brewed from Irving Farm Coffee Roasters.
Socialista
Fully live out Jenny’s dream birthday party at Socialista Lounge in SoHo. Kylie Jenner was recently spotted there, so it’s clearly still lit af.
The Oak Room
Located inside the Plaza Hotel, this is where Chuck (finally) told Blair he loved her. Head to The Oak Room for some romantic vibes with that special someone ;).
Pomme Palais
Go to Pomme Palais at The Palace Hotel so you can really feel like Serena van der Woodsen. Serena’s classic order (the grilled fontina cheese sandwich with truffle oil) is no longer on the menu, but the croque monsieur is a close substitute.
Mamoun’s Falafel
Head down to NYU territory and check out this Greenwich Village classic: Mamoun’s Falafel. Dan and Vanessa basically lived there during their NYU days, and you will too.
Geisha
Nate and Blair had a super awkward date at Geisha Sushi in the pilot episode, but their sushi makes it worth the trip. Be sure to order the pineapple fried rice for a special (and Insta-worthy) treat.
Ladurée
A freaking classic both in “Gossip Girl” and IRL, Ladurée whips up some of the best macarons in the world. No joke. I would recommend eating these in your bathtub while trying to avoid devilish suitors a la Blair.
The Steps of The Met
Not so much of a restaurant as a lifestyle, the Steps at the Met were the OG stomping grounds of Manhattan’s elite. Bring some yogurt from a nearby bodega (it better be organic and expensive af), and make sure that everyone is sitting on lower steps than you — because you’re the Queen B.
Spotted: you, at one of the best “Gossip Girl” restaurants in NYC. Shit is getting stirred up, but at least the food is amazing. xoxo, Gossip Girl.