Where to Celebrate Graduation Season in New York City
From rooftops to exquisite restaurants, celebrate graduation in style.
It’s one of our favorite times of the year: graduation season. It’s not every day that you get to watch your child or loved one walk across the stage as they accept their diploma or college degree and celebrate all of the blood, sweat, and tears that they put into it. Between trying to find the perfect gift and inviting all of the family members, finding a restaurant to celebrate can be a hassle. Thankfully, we’ve rounded up the best restaurants to celebrate your grad, from prix-fixe three-course meals to casual, fun, and crazy pizzas. Here are our top picks.
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Carmine’s
200 West 44th St.
212-221-3800
This classic diner has been around since 1990, which means it has over 30 years of experience providing grads with excellent meals on their special day. Whether you’re opting for their savory Italian cuisine, including staples like fried calamari, broiled porterhouse steak, and homemade meatballs, or prefer to celebrate with a sweet tooth with their Italian cheesecake or show-stopping Titanic banana split, the diner will be a celebration to remember.
Clover Hill
20 Columbia Place, Brooklyn, New York
347-457-6850
Located in the quiet streets of Brooklyn Heights, Clover Hill offers a majestic dining experience appropriate for anyone celebrating a four-year school commitment. The seasonal menu includes fresh favorites, including leafy red lettuce, Elysian Field lamb and artichoke, Montauk scallops, squid and mussels for a splash of flavor.
Crazy Pizza
218 Lafayette St.
646-298-1565
Nothing says “I just graduated” like a funky slice of pizza from Crazy Pizza. The restaurant is the definition of a party restaurant. Grads can enjoy “Spinning Chefs” tossing dough midair, live DJ sets, bright and refreshing cocktails, and sleek red design details.
Grand Brasserie
89 E 42nd St. Vanderbilt Hall
Nothing is too grand for your grad, and this Grand Central Terminal restaurant is the perfect option for them. Offering brunch and a classic French menu curated by Executive Chef Guillaume Thivet, choose from steak tartare, gratin de macaroni, trout almondine and more. The elegant design of the dining rooms gives a luxurious and rich feel, perfect for anyone ready to celebrate.
Jac’s on Bond
26 Bond St.
212-677-4579
Located near the prestigious New York University, take your grad to this stylish and intimate restaurant for a celebratory seated dinner. The guest of honor can choose from deliciously crafted cocktails while they play a celebratory game of pool, or dine in exquisite flavors, choosing from shrimp and avocado, Caprese meatball sliders, or artichoke tart.
Saga NYC
70 Pine St., 63rd Floor
212-339-3963
For business majors, give them a head start by dining in the Financial District with views overlooking the city. With meals curated by Michelin-star Chef Chuck Good, Saga offers prestige fine dining options, from three- to four-course pre-fixe meals to luxurious champagne bottle options.
The Modern
9 W 53rd St.
212-333-1220
For any graduating history major, The Modern is a refreshing and upscale celebratory dining experience. Nestled in the Museum of Modern Art, the two-Michelin-star restaurant offers exquisite lunch and dinner three-course pre-fix options, ranging from violet artichokes with ricotta gnudi and ramps to poached lobster with Belgian endive, orange, and espelette and banana sabayon with coffee and cacao nib.
Philippe Chow
355 W 16th St.
212-885-9400
Located in the lively Meatpacking District neighborhood, the upscale Chinese restaurant serves Beijing-style cuisine, perfect for a party. Grads can enjoy a multi-course tasting menu with a range of traditional favorites, including chicken satay, honey-glazed spare ribs, sweet and sour chicken, and Peking duck.
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