It’s Nearly Impossible To Get A Reservation at This NYC Restaurant Thanks To Taylor Swift

Late last year, I saw a picture of Taylor Swift outside of The Corner Store in New York City. Prior to Swift's appearance at the restaurant, I didn't even know it existed, but you can leave it to the pop singer to put anywhere she goes on the map. 

As you can probably imagine, the restaurant has become incredibly popular ever since Swift's visit — the line for the waitlist for bar seating wrapped around the block. Now it's almost impossible to get a reservation. However, I was able to snag a table for two, and I have some thoughts.

How to Get a Table at The Corner Store 

You might be wondering, well, how do you get a table at The Corner Store? For starters, the Corner Store does not accept walk-ins for tables, but instead, you have to book on The Corner Store's website two weeks out from the date you're looking to visit. Reservations go quickly, and it could take weeks or even months of consistently trying to snag a table. 

It is possible to get a seat at the bar if you wait in line. However, the wait time for that has been reported to be between 1 and 4 hours, depending on the time of year and whether it's a weekend or weekday.

My First Impressions of The Corner Store

Upon walking in, my first impression was that it was dimly lit and upscale, perfect for a date night or special celebration. I could instantly tell why Swift would dine here on a visit to NYC, as it felt exclusive and elevated. 

The bar was right in front, and the main dining area was in the back. I was seated in a spacious booth towards the center of the restaurant, and there were framed photographs along the wall, which was a nice touch. Shortly afterward, the server came over and gave us a brief rundown of what to expect from the night and elaborated on the night's specials.

What to Eat at The Corner Store 

The Corner Store describes its menu as straightforward, with an element of nostalgia. It includes starters, raw fish, meat, main courses, and desserts, along with an extensive drink menu. I didn't try the meat or the raw fish. However, some popular picks are the seasonal crudo and bone-in New York strip. 

For starters, I ordered the five-cheese pizza rolls. Think of these as an elevated version of your standard microwaveable pizza rolls, with a crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy interior. They came with honey, which I drizzled on top, adding sweetness and complementing the cheese flavors nicely. 

I also placed an order for the hand-cut French fries and the Corner Store Caesar salad. I saw a lot of hype about the French fries on TikTok, with people saying they were delicious and the best ever. However, I thought they were just okay. They weren't bad, but I don't think I'd spend money on them again if I went back. On the flip side, the Caesar salad was amazing — creamy, cheesy, and simply divine, complete with everything-bagel croutons. 

For the entree, I had the vegetarian chicken parm. This was good, but I wasn't blown away and wished they had the option to get regular chicken parm. Also, for the price of $36.95, I expected this to come with pasta and maybe a breadstick, but it was a singular piece. 

Last but not least, the dessert was my favorite part of the entire meal. I saw the Samoa sundae all over my TikTok page and knew I had to get it. It definitely lived up to the hype with the brown butter caramel, coconut soft serve, Valrhona chocolate fudge, salted shortbread crumble, and toasted coconut. Although the sundae was $23, which is pretty steep, it was unlike anything I've ever had before, making it worth the price. I also ordered the apple hand pies, which were incredible with a sweet shortbread crust and vanilla bean ice cream.

It's worth noting that The Corner Store has an extensive beverage menu filled with cocktails, wine, beer, and zero-proof options. According to the restaurant's website, they make all their cocktail ingredients in-house, minus the liquor. I don't drink, so I kept to water for my meal; however, from what I could tell, everyone seemed to be enjoying their beverages all night long. 

Overall Thoughts 

The bill for my party of two came to $200, including tax and tip. We didn't order drinks, and my guest and I split an entree to put it into perspective. 

Overall, I had a good experience at The Corner Store and am lucky to have visited and tried it out. The service was great, and I did not feel rushed at all — a welcome change from other popular NYC restaurants that are keen on turning tables at the cost of a patron's experience. That said, would I return? Yes, but probably only for a special occasion, as it is very expensive and a hassle to get a reservation. 

If you're interested in learning more about The Corner Store, be sure to check out their website for information and available reservations.

Interested in things to do in the Empire State? Discover the top New York experiences to plan for this year. You can also take a walk along the Fort Tryon Park Trail, a picturesque hiking trail in Upper Manhattan with views of the Palisades River.