The Review
Ralph Lauren opened the Polo Bar in 2015 beneath his flagship Madison Avenue store, and the restaurant is precisely what you'd expect from a designer who built an empire on the idea of idealized American heritage: dark wood paneling, Ralph Lauren imagery on every wall, a menu of American classics executed with a budget and attention to sourcing that most restaurants cannot approximate.
The club sandwich here is a serious object. Three layers of toasted white bread, turkey roasted in-house, applewood bacon cooked correctly, vine tomatoes, lettuce, house mayonnaise. Every element is chosen with the same scrutiny that goes into fabric quality. The sandwich itself costs $38, which is the price you pay for eating a club sandwich in a room that looks like a Nantucket yacht club circa 1965.
Is it worth $38? The sandwich is excellent by any measure. Whether the room and the experience are worth the premium is a question only you can answer. The setting is genuinely beautiful.
What to Order
The club sandwich, obviously, if you're going for the experience. The burger is also very good. The service is warm and professional — this is not a pretentious room despite the price point.
Tips
Reservations required well in advance, especially for dinner. Lunch is more accessible. The bar is walk-in friendly and serves the full menu. Dress with some consideration for the setting.
Our Rating
★★★★☆
Price Range
$$$$