Since the 1840s, The Waverly Inn has gone through many transitions - from its early days as a West Village bar and bordello, to its tavern and tea house iterations, to its status today as a star-welcoming restaurant.

During its tea house days in the 1920s, it reportedly attracted such writing luminaries as Robert Frost and Edna St. Vincent Millay.

Since 2006, when former Vanity Fair Editor-in-Chief Graydon Carter oversaw its overhaul, it’s been a welcoming pasturage for a cavalcade of actors, authors, execs, models and musicians.

It’s even said The Waverly Inn is a favorite of Taylor Swift - who brought her beau Travis Kelce here in late 2023.

What brings everyone together is the ambience. 

The West Village spot harkens back to different eras of New York. There’s the fireplace-graced wooden bar with drink coasters honoring Norman Mailer; the white table cloths, red leather chairs and Edward Sorel mural in its front dining room; and the airy Gilded Age romance of its back garden room.  

The front room is very lively and front-loaded with VIPs while the back room is larger and more spacious. We like sitting in the middle of the action - a cozy red leathered banquette that seats five to six.   

As for the food, it’s upscale American fare, including duck, venison, halibut and steak. The eatery also offers a hamburger, which is a surprising stand-out. 

And of course, the martinis are old-school and classy.

Overall, it’s hard to be on the outs with this inn. 

Just keep your camera down and your spirits high. 

CONTACT

https://www.waverlynyc.com

LEAD-IN IMAGE

@thewaverlyinnstagram / Instagram