Ten Tables, One Legend

October 8, 2026

Long before it became one of New York’s most iconic destinations for champagne and celebration, The Champagne Bar began as a remarkably exclusive outdoor restaurant known as the Champagne Porch. Introduced with The Plaza Hotel’s opening in 1907, the seasonal venue occupied what is now the hotel’s Fifth Avenue entrance and featured just ten tables, making it the most exclusive dining outlet in the hotel.

From its coveted perch overlooking Fifth Avenue, guests enjoyed a front row seat to New York society. Across the street stood the grand mansion of Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a symbol of the Gilded Age and one of the city’s most distinguished residences. In an era when Fifth Avenue was the epicenter of New York’s social life, the Champagne Porch offered an unmatched setting for leisurely lunches, afternoon refreshments, and elegant conversation.

Its intimate size only added to its appeal. With seating limited to ten tables, the Champagne Porch quickly became one of the most sought-after reservations in the city. Notable patrons included Diamond Jim Brady and the Prince of Wales, whose visits helped cement the venue’s reputation as a gathering place for society’s most prominent figures.

As New York evolved, so too did The Plaza, but the spirit of the Champagne Porch endured. In 2014, the space was beautifully reimagined as today’s Champagne Bar, preserving the elegance and sense of occasion that have defined the venue for more than a century. Located adjacent to the hotel’s lobby and Fifth Avenue foyer, The Champagne Bar continues to welcome guests for champagne, cocktails, caviar, and light fare in a setting that celebrates both history and modern luxury.

Today, every toast carries a connection to the generations of guests who gathered here before. More than a dining destination, The Champagne Bar remains a living piece of Plaza history, where timeless traditions and unforgettable moments continue to unfold against the backdrop of Fifth Avenue.

Experience The Champagne Bar

Whether for a morning coffee, an afternoon glass of champagne, or an evening celebration, discover one of The Plaza Hotel’s most iconic traditions.

Raise a Glass