Ah, the industry meet and greet. Once you’ve gone back and forth a few hundred times to find a time that works for both of you, inevitably the next question comes, “where should we meet?” Cue panic? Of course not!
A cool PR pro always has a place in mind, one that is easy to get to, delicious, relatively quiet (ever found yourself trying to yell over a lively crowd during happy hour at the new hot spot? Nightmare), and of course, highly Instagrammable.
Below are a few of my favorite places in NYC to meet potential clients, media friends and colleagues. Next time you’re looking for the perfect place to meet a new client, close a deal, or expand your professional network, choose a spot that will set you up for success.
Centrally located in Union Square with access to multiple subway and bus lines, Coffee Shop is the ultimate meet-up for business meetings and meals. It gives off a very friendly vibe, won’t crush your expense account, offers seating both outside and inside, and has a great variety on the menu. The atmosphere is lively, but it’s not too loud or noisy, making it a great place to catch up or talk business. My favorite thing on their lunch menu is definitely their chopped chicken salad!
VisitThe Coffee Shop
A hip spot where you can eat healthy but also grab a glass of wine. I drool over their acai bowl and always get great Instagram shots, since their pink decor makes everything pop.
VisitCafe Henri
A hidden gem on the Upper East Side, you can spend the whole day getting work done - there is something about the setting that is so conducive to productivity! The outdoor patio makes it almost feel like you're sitting in the backyard of a fancy brownstone, and their coffee, donuts, and other food/drinks will keep you fueled all day long!
VisitCafe Jax
When the weather is great, there's nothing better than a NYC rooftop, and that's what makes this trendy spot on the top of The Refinery hotel in Midtown a great place for your next meeting. The guacamole and meatballs appetizer are great starters if you’re short on time or there to celebrate, they also have a great cocktail menu. When you get there, be sure to check out that month's featured slushy that is extra sweet; a percentage of sales are donated to charity.
VisitRefinery Rooftop
Great outdoor seating in the heart of Soho lends itself to some of the best-people watching in NYC. This is the spot to take your health & wellness clients for a healthy fix. With a juice bar, vegan-friendly options, smoothies, and more, your body will like you better for choosing this spot as opposed to your go-to coffee shop.
While it doesn't look like much more than your average diner when you walk in, this trending hot spot's creative menu and downtown vibe (locations in West Village and Soho) make it a great place for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks. The matzoh ball soup may be the hidden gem on this menu, while you can never go wrong with their "Prego" sandwich (chicken or steak). I suggest this place for weekday breakfast, lunch, or coffee - it does get busy in the evening.
VisitJack's Wife Frida
With multiple locations in NYC, Grey Dog provides a great environment for a casual meet up, with an occasional celebrity sighting for good measure. We've never had a bad meal here and I love holding breakfast meet-ups at The Grey Dog because of their Challah French Toast. You don’t have to be dressed up, you’ll feel at home and can stay as long as you please.
VisitThe Grey Dog
A bit ubiquitous but a great go-to all the same, Le Pain Quotidien has locations pretty much everywhere. LPQ’s have the best avocado toast and offer free wifi, with a majority of locations offering outdoor seating so you can people watch and grab a drink al fresco. The large community tables hardly ever fill up - making it a good pick for times when you're meeting a group
