WWD’s Ultimate Ranking of New York Event Venues

Leigh Nordstrom and Kristen Tauer

Mon, September 23, 2024 at 7:20 PM UTC

5 min read

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As fall properly gets under way in New York, so too does events season. With that in mind, we present a ranking of the event venues most favored by New York’s party scene, from best to worst. A fun vibe is always important, as is setting for beautiful (and flattering) photos, good food and drink, the ability for the space to be transformed per event — and, when the time comes, access to a swift exit.

The Pool/The Grill: The Major Food Group’s pair of hot spots (one an events space, one a restaurant) has the legacy of a New York institution, thanks to the years of top-tier events held at former occupant, The Four Seasons Restaurant, as well as the benefit of being a new, modern-feeling concept. The space photographs beautifully, the food and drinks are always perfection, and the rooms are extremely versatile: it’s where Marc Jacobs chose to host his wedding in 2019, where the CFDAs were held in 2021, and where Thom Browne threw a dinner this past fall, to name a few. The Grill is a refined cocktail-hour space, with plenty of room to mingle, and who can resist the allure of the versatile titular centerpiece of The Pool?
The New York Public Library: A New York institution that always feels fun to be in after hours. It’s accessible, iconic and works as well for a fashion show a la Coach and Marc Jacobs as it does for a private dinner.
The Plaza: Elegant and classy, an event at The Plaza always feels elevated. The marble staircase is perfect for a dramatic black tie photo opp en route to the historic grand ballroom. We witnessed the infamous Cardi B x Nicki Minaj shoe fight at the Harper’s Bazaar Icons party, and we’ve run into President Joe Biden in the basement food hall during the Tonys after party. In other words: This venue has range.
Cipriani 42nd Street: The 42nd Street location comes in ahead of the rest of the Ciprianis in our book. Originally the Bowery Savings Bank, the space has vaulted ceilings and a gravitas that never wears off. In short, it’s a well-oiled gala machine starting with the cocktail hour Bellinis. Yes: you might have to dodge a vested fiance guy en route, but it’s much easier to get to than others, feels classic and, when it comes time to leave, you’ll have no problem hailing a cab. (Although it might take awhile to navigate around the round tables, depending on how fully they’ve packed the room.)
Temple of Dendur/The Met: Hosting an event here comes with bragging rights, though the space can feel a bit specific. (Oh, this temple in the background of our black tie photo? No biggie.) We’re never mad at a night at the museum, be it the YoungArts gala, a Sulwhasoo dinner or — ahem — the Met Gala.
Rainbow Room: Always feels nostalgic, always good for a skyline ‘Gram. A strong contender for any luncheon.
The Boom Boom Room: The Top of the Standard, “Boom,” the Boom Boom Room — whatever you want to call it, it’s a go-to late night setting for a party, be it the Met Gala after party or a fashion week fete. There’s usually a “surprise” performer on deck for events here, who often perform atop the iconic rounded bar.
Cipriani Broadway: The forgotten Cipriani. The venue is located in the Financial District, but it is not to be confused with the more popular Cipriani Wall Street a few blocks away. Bonus points for novelty, but it lacks the wow-factor of other venues.
Natural History Museum: No one can resist the allure of dining underneath the giant blue whale. Depending on the event though, the exhibits can look a bit strange in the background of photos; see the 2023 CFDA awards as example.
Gotham Hall: Not particularly notable but will get the job done, should everywhere else fall through. As a plus, it’s very centrally located.
Intrepid: Sure, it’s located at a pier along the Hudson River, but it’s also an aircraft carrier. Very event specific. The Jeffrey Fashion Cares benefit, once a beloved annual event, was notably held here several times.
Brooklyn Museum: It’s in Brooklyn but also has gravitas, which means even the most uptown of folk will feel at home. And what better opportunity to check out the museum’s latest exhibit? If it’s good enough for Dior, it’s good enough for us.
Angel Orensanz Foundation: A little bit of a wildcard, the Angel Orensanz is a dramatic venue choice smack-dab in the center of the Lower East Side. Formerly a synagogue, the space has retained its neo-gothic vibe, with a balcony level that wraps around the main space.
Spring Studios: Anything with a forced elevator arrival/exit immediately loses points.
Cipriani South Street/Casa Cipriani: You can’t get more downtown than this — pro! It’s impossible to get a cab to leave or take the subway — con. We’ll never object to a view of the Statue of Liberty.
99 Scott: Making your guests decamp to a Bushwick warehouse is a choice — and it isn’t always the right choice, particularly if the majority of your invite list is over the age of 25. When the weather’s nice we do love the indoor/outdoor moment.
Cipriani Wall Street: It’s a classic gala location, but dare we say, the least thrilling? Expect your standard Cipriani-catered evening, with the addition of a small balcony level for cocktail hour.
Chelsea Piers/Pier 60: There are good reasons to trek over to Chelsea Piers — golfing? rock climbing? — but none of them include black tie. Overall, the event space feels non-distinct.
Zoom: And taking up the rear, the Zoom gala. It made sense in the moment, but sipping a drink at home, dressed in cocktail attire from the waist up was a low.