Katie Couric's Manhattan
Her favorite places to drink and dine around the city
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A longtime New York resident, Katie points to her favorite spots to drink and dine around Manhattan, cited in her recent memoir, Going There. Read on for more.
Three Guys
“Three Guys (960 Madison Ave. Manhattan) is a diner that became a staple for the girls and me when we moved into the Surrey Hotel for a year, waiting for our apartment to be renovated. As I write in the book, it has All-American hamburgers at Madison Avenue prices. I love going there for their soups and it’s a fun place to meet friends for breakfast. I always run into Donny Deutsch there, eating by himself and reading on his phone.”
Rainbow Room
“The Rainbow Room (30 Rockefeller Center, Manhattan) is glamorous NYC at its finest. First of all, I love 30 Rock. From the mural that greets you when you walk in the door, to the ice skating rink, to the flags flapping in the wind. When you walk into the Rainbow Room, the soundtrack in your head should be, “You’re the Top” by Cole Porter. In fact, I can’t believe the Rainbow Room isn’t in the lyrics. I celebrated Tony Bennett’s birthday there, attended some pretty swanky NBC parties, and brought my high school friends for a special night on the town when they visited me. As for the food, I don’t even remember it, because the setting and the scenery (inside and out) are so magical.”
Cipriani
“I think the first time I went to Cipriani (781 5th Ave., Manhattan) was when I got a bellini at Harry’s Bar in Venice in 1989. Nothing comes close to that experience, but Cipriani is pretty bellissimo. I love ordering the Dover sole (although it’s enough for two). And the place is always bustling with big shots (Charlie Rose was a regular back in the day). The Cipriani downtown hosts a ton of charity events and the space is cavernous. There’s nothing quite like watching all the power-lunchers wheeling and dealing around the tables.”
Cognac
“Cognac (963 Lexington Ave., Manhattan) is such a cute restaurant, and I’m not sure why I don’t go there more often. It's cozy–with a clubby atmosphere and pretty leather booths–and not far from our apartment. I’ve only been once, twenty years after Jay died, to have a drink with his doctors. I ordered a cup of tea, but I’ve since googled the menu and it looks delicious.”
Raoul’s
“I think Raoul’s (180 Prince St., Manhattan) qualifies as a true New York institution. Founded by two brothers who had moved to the United States from France, it’s the perfect SoHo bistro with the best steak frites in town. Inside is always buzzing and bustling, outside is a cute outdoor patio, if you’re looking for a quieter and COVID-friendly option. As you’ll read, I went on a date with an–ahem–much younger man there.”
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