Elmo Restaurant

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Elmo Restaurant

Elmo Restaurant is a trendy and swanky new American restaurant, bar & grill located on 7th Avenue in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood. Praised by New York Magazine and named "Best Restaurant of the Year" by Instinct Magazine, the eatery is known for its chic decor, comfortable American cuisine, and fabulous cocktails. With an artsy and fashion-forward crowd flocking to its 1960s Miami-style ambiance, Elmo boasts a lively downstairs lounge that can get quite loud. If you're in the mood for some high-energy dining and partying, Elmo might just be your perfect hotspot.
(2454)

Recent social media posts

03/14/2026

03/09/2026

“Elmo Takes Manhattan!”
- New York Magazine

“The Best Restaurant of the Year.
Swanky, trendy décor and American “comfort” cuisine, beautiful people and an achingly cool reputation make Elmo our pick for the best eatery of the year!”
- Instinct Magazine

"Part of the Chelsea arts scene? A follower of fashion? Part of the uber-attractive crowd? You’ll love this sleek hotspot with the chicest of chow.”
- Gotham Magazine

There's "no pressure" and not "too much attitude-yet" at this Chelsea eatery that attracts a fashionista crowd with "fabulous cocktails" and fancy schmancy 1960's Miami decor. Its "downstairs" lounge is a more recent addition, but already so loud "you’d better brush up on your sign language!"
- Zagat

03/02/2026

Dear Friends,

For nearly 25 years elmo has been the destination for hundreds of thousands of guests to enjoy some of life’s best moments.

It’s been a place for a first date or dinner with friends. A place for important celebrations and fabulous parties….or simply a place to gather comfortably with members of your community at a home away from home. Elmo has also been a space for hundreds of staff to build lifelong friendships.

We’ve seen marriages between guests and also amongst co-workers. We’ve hosted countless events from birthday parties to memorial services and political fund raisers.

We opened just months after the events of 911 and stayed open and serving food and cocktails through Sandy, several blackouts and record snow falls. We survived COVID with style by launching our wonderfully successful speakeasy, Coby Club. We’ve enjoyed so many proud moments I lost count a long time ago.

It was just confirmed to me that our building—home to elmo for 25 years—has been sold.
Our lease expires with that sale.
The new owners will soon bring a residential building to our neighborhood.

Sadly, all things must come to an end and elmo will serve its last meal on Friday, March 13.

With this news I personally will try to embrace all the beautiful memories and wonderful experiences elmo has given me and will move forward with new ventures and philanthropic projects that hopefully will have a wide impact.

There are few businesses as challenging or as exciting as owning a restaurant in New York City.

25 years is a very long time. To own a restaurant that has enjoyed the astonishing success and iconic stature that elmo has is a privilege and an honor. It has been a wonderfully exhilarating ride.

I will always remain deeply and profoundly grateful for your years of support and for your friendship.

I’ll see you around.

Bob Pontarelli

12/13/2025

What are you doing New Year’s Eve?

05/21/2025

Address

156 7th Avenue
New York, NY
10011

To reach the American restaurant and American restaurant and bar & grill located on 7th Avenue in New York, there are various public transport options available. The nearest subway station is just a few blocks away, and you can take Line 1,2, or 3 to reach the destination. There are also several bus routes that pass close by.

If you prefer driving, there are several parking garages situated nearby where you can park the car for a fee. However, it's worth noting that parking in this area can be challenging at times due to high traffic volume.

Opening Hours

Monday	11am - 12am
Tuesday	11am - 12am
Wednesday	11am - 12am
Thursday	11am - 1pm
Friday	11am - 1am
Saturday	10am - 12am
Sunday	10am - 11pm

Website

http://www.elmorestaurant.com/

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What people say

New American restaurants have been gaining popularity in recent years, offering a fusion of traditional American cuisine with modern twists and international influences. And when it comes to the best New American restaurants in New York City, Elmo Restaurant on 7th Avenue is definitely a top contender.

Elmo Restaurant has received numerous accolades from reputable publications such as New York Magazine, Instinct Magazine, Gotham Magazine, and Zagat. It has been named "The Best Restaurant of the Year" for its swanky and trendy décor, comfortable yet sophisticated atmosphere, and delicious American comfort cuisine.

The restaurant's chic 1960s Miami decor creates an ambiance that is both stylish and inviting. The fashionista crowd loves the fabulous cocktails served at Elmo, which perfectly complement the menu's diverse offerings. From classic dishes like mac and cheese to more adventurous options like tuna tartare tacos or Korean-style fried chicken wings, there is something for everyone at Elmo.

In addition to its main dining area, Elmo also features a downstairs lounge that has quickly become a popular spot for those looking to enjoy drinks and socialize with friends. While it can get loud down there, it only adds to the lively atmosphere of this hotspot.

Overall, Elmo Restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience that combines great food with a trendy vibe. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends, Elmo is definitely worth checking out.

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