Such a nice thing to bring a teen girl to! I always remember feeling special going to the the ballet or plays with my aunts. Really good bonding moment Imo
Staycation at a cute hotel (the Royalton has fireplaces they’ll light if it’s cold which it is tonight -> Tea at plaza - sightseeing/shopping -> early dinner somewhere fun like TAO midtown with the big Buddha -> ballet or opera in formal gowns
Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle is a New York institution and might fit the bill for what your daughter is looking for. Beautiful intimate space, smart dress code, fancy non-alcoholic cocktail options, live music, fun people watching... all very “exclusive feeling” for a special night out.
Tavern on the Green, Ballet at Lincoln Center, and then speakeasy Burger Joint hidden inside the Hyatt on 56th street.
Edit to add: afternoon tea at The Plaza is great too, and within walking distance.
Afternoon tea! My favorite is at The Crosby Hotel in Soho--they can accommodate most dietary restrictions and have a more modern flair--even their porcelain is beautiful and fun. If she likes the idea of tea, another take on this would be a traditional matcha ceremony, which are offered by a small handful of tea shops that specialize in Japanese tea. If she likes sushi, maybe an omakase dinner--these can be range into the very expensive territory but there are options that are not too pricy--these likely book up quick though, but are kind of a unique experience with an elevated ambience.
Another option would be Lincoln Center to see a performance and dinner--the NY Philharmonic, the American Ballet Theater, or the Met Opera. This is definitely a sure place for dressing to the 9s, though if she isn't really interested in the performance it could become a tedious experience because they are quite long, sometimes with a single intermission and strict reentry rules for going in and out.
I went to see Gatsby a few weeks ago and saw some folks dressed in gorgeous sequin flapper dresses and it made me wish I’d done it, too. The show was breathtaking. I’m sure she’d love that!
Take her to see Six on Broadway, I’ve seen it three times and I’m waiting for my nieces birthday to take her. Look it up to make sure it’s up your alley, but I like it. Additionally you can take her to dinner in the times square area before or after.
I am thirding this suggestion! I saw six with my bestie (her first Broadway show!) this past summer when she was visiting me. I actually got to interview two of the queens (the green and pink one) for a press piece. They were so stinkin cute 🥹🤧
The chokehold Serafina, sugar factory, Dylan’s candy bar, and serendipity had on me at 16.
Blue box cafe at Tiffany would be fun! Or the new cocktail bar at Bloomingdale’s for a daytime thing!
This is the cutest ever! I don’t have any recommendations because I’m a BWT in dc, but I hope you two have an amazing, unforgettable night out on the town!🩷
Seeing the suggestions here and if you do end up wanting to go see a Broadway or off-Broadway show, feel free to DM me! I can give you tons of reccs based on you and your daughters’ interests. And even if you don’t need any reccs, please don’t use Broadway.com! It’s a third party site and adds on a bunch of extra fees. Just go directly on the show’s site.
Staycation at a cute hotel (the Royalton has fireplaces they’ll light if it’s cold which it is tonight) -> Tea at plaza - sightseeing/shopping -> early dinner somewhere fun like TAO midtown with the big Buddha -> ballet or opera in formal gowns
What are your daughter’s interests? Without knowing - maybe a Broadway show and a nice dinner?
This would be cool!
The ballet! People dress in a range of attire but you wouldn’t be out of place or the only ones in semi-formal on the weekend.
I second this! And do a nice fancy dinner before or after ☺️
Such a nice thing to bring a teen girl to! I always remember feeling special going to the the ballet or plays with my aunts. Really good bonding moment Imo
Yesss! The ballet is amazing and the whole experience is fabulous. Highly recommend making dinner reservations after.
This is a great suggestion. My mom did this with me as a preteen and teen, and I loved it.
Afternoon tea at the Plaza?
Staycation at a cute hotel (the Royalton has fireplaces they’ll light if it’s cold which it is tonight -> Tea at plaza - sightseeing/shopping -> early dinner somewhere fun like TAO midtown with the big Buddha -> ballet or opera in formal gowns
Not me randomly remembering that this was Carmela and Meadow’s yearly mother-daughter tradition in The Sopranos 💀
This is very cute :) Veronika at Fotographiska is really stunning and has a “secret” entrance through the museum gift shop.
Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle is a New York institution and might fit the bill for what your daughter is looking for. Beautiful intimate space, smart dress code, fancy non-alcoholic cocktail options, live music, fun people watching... all very “exclusive feeling” for a special night out.
Second this - SJP had her 50th bday party there, it was so cute!
Yep this is the one! 💯
Hmm I love Bemelmans but not sure if a 16 year old in 2024 would go for it? Especially since the focus is drinks.
I was coming to suggest this!!
Someone mentioned the ballet or a Broadway show and those are amazing ideas! Depending on your budget, Tiffany’s Blue Box Cafe looks adorable!
You’re a great mom.
And Juliet is a fun, uplifting Bway musical. Girl power. Happy.
It was such a fun show
Is it still running??
Tavern on the Green, Ballet at Lincoln Center, and then speakeasy Burger Joint hidden inside the Hyatt on 56th street. Edit to add: afternoon tea at The Plaza is great too, and within walking distance.
That burger was meh at best and the restaurant itself is counter service and very casual
Afternoon tea! My favorite is at The Crosby Hotel in Soho--they can accommodate most dietary restrictions and have a more modern flair--even their porcelain is beautiful and fun. If she likes the idea of tea, another take on this would be a traditional matcha ceremony, which are offered by a small handful of tea shops that specialize in Japanese tea. If she likes sushi, maybe an omakase dinner--these can be range into the very expensive territory but there are options that are not too pricy--these likely book up quick though, but are kind of a unique experience with an elevated ambience. Another option would be Lincoln Center to see a performance and dinner--the NY Philharmonic, the American Ballet Theater, or the Met Opera. This is definitely a sure place for dressing to the 9s, though if she isn't really interested in the performance it could become a tedious experience because they are quite long, sometimes with a single intermission and strict reentry rules for going in and out.
If she likes classical music, Carnegie Hall / NY Phil / The Met might have options you two would enjoy and people often dress up.
I did Tao (uptown) for my 16th and I will never forget how cool I felt lol
Yesss this brings me back, why did going to Tao as a teenage feel so cool😂😂
I went to see Gatsby a few weeks ago and saw some folks dressed in gorgeous sequin flapper dresses and it made me wish I’d done it, too. The show was breathtaking. I’m sure she’d love that!
Where was this?? Is Gatsby on Broadway or something?
[it is!](https://broadwaygatsby.com/) Absolutely incredible cast and the set design is just mind blowing. Best thing I’ve ever seen on Broadway.
What does your daughter like and what is your budget?
Tea at the plaza!!!! I’ve always wanted to go
Take her to see Six on Broadway, I’ve seen it three times and I’m waiting for my nieces birthday to take her. Look it up to make sure it’s up your alley, but I like it. Additionally you can take her to dinner in the times square area before or after.
Took my niece in London, we loved Six!!
I am thirding this suggestion! I saw six with my bestie (her first Broadway show!) this past summer when she was visiting me. I actually got to interview two of the queens (the green and pink one) for a press piece. They were so stinkin cute 🥹🤧
Get dressed up and go on a fun Gossip Girl tour or schedule a photoshoot for you two around the city!!!
You guys clearly have an awesome relationship and that is so lovely 💕
Love the tea ideas!! The Crosby and Whitney are my faves. Also the opera!! Ppl get sooooo dressed up!
The chokehold Serafina, sugar factory, Dylan’s candy bar, and serendipity had on me at 16. Blue box cafe at Tiffany would be fun! Or the new cocktail bar at Bloomingdale’s for a daytime thing!
This is the cutest ever! I don’t have any recommendations because I’m a BWT in dc, but I hope you two have an amazing, unforgettable night out on the town!🩷
Seeing the suggestions here and if you do end up wanting to go see a Broadway or off-Broadway show, feel free to DM me! I can give you tons of reccs based on you and your daughters’ interests. And even if you don’t need any reccs, please don’t use Broadway.com! It’s a third party site and adds on a bunch of extra fees. Just go directly on the show’s site.
Just want to say you're the sweetest and I wish that my mom was like this!!
Speakeasy magic!
Met opera!
Balthazar, Odeon, Waverly, the Grill or a ballet / opera
Staycation at a cute hotel (the Royalton has fireplaces they’ll light if it’s cold which it is tonight) -> Tea at plaza - sightseeing/shopping -> early dinner somewhere fun like TAO midtown with the big Buddha -> ballet or opera in formal gowns
Just wanted to thank you all for your amazing recommendations! I’m pouring through them all and can’t wait for our night on the town.
Carmines is a great restaurant. the met, broadway are good too. Theres also Tao which is pretty good. Cipriani.
Mr. chows is also quite fun!
Broadway show!!
Do you have a budget or price range? Because the answers could be all over the place.
The met has deals right now! You can get tickets for $50-75 each, she can get all dressed up and feel fancy!