“Yes, Yes Yes!” There is no scene in rom-com history more iconic
than Meg Ryan’s orgasmic exclamations in the middle of a busy
Katz’s Deli. Established as a NYC
landmark long before the film debuted, the kosher-style deli has
been serving up its famous pastrami on rye since 1888. On the
corner of Houston and Ludlow Street, Katz is typically Lower East
Side, fostering a low-key vibe with
retro-style interiors that haven’t changed much since Harry and
Sally popped in for lunch. Signposted all over, you won’t miss
references to the cult classic, although chances are you’ll see the
line long before you reach the deli. A testament to old-school New
York, Katz is an icon with or without Harry or Sally but all the
better for it. And yes, we’ll have what she’s having.

Few can forget Dustin Hoffman in drag as Dorothy Michaels in Tootsie. The curly wig, chiffon blouses and fake appendages were the perfect precursor to Robin Williams’ Mrs Doubtfire years later. There is no scene more memorable than Dorothy’s accosting of their unsuspecting agent in an outlandish scene played out against the unlikely backdrop of the Russian Tea Rooms (a long-standing NY establishment founded by members of the Russian Imperial Ballet in 1927). Today the ornate grand dining room welcomes an array of actors, writers, politicians and executives to talk business, politics and fine art over high tea and Moscow Mules (for which they have the finest vodka selection). Squeeze into a booth with a mate and order Dottie’s frou-frou drink – “Dubonnet with a twist!” Make that two, please.

Do as Bux Fox and get a taste of the high life at this New York institution. The former Prohibition-era speakeasy has been credited with spawning the 80s “power lunch” where deals are made over expensive food and copious amounts of alcohol. Since Gekko and Fox talked money over steak tartare, the swanky lounge has seen many signet-ring-adorned hands shaken in their leather booths. The club has held on to its reputation as a hub of sophisticated fun and old-school pizazz – chequered paper tablecloths, sports paraphernalia (including John McEnroe’s smashed racket) and the iconic 35 mini jockeys atop the entrance railings add quirky touches on the institutions otherwise retro glamour. As you would expect, service here is second to none, so take a page out of Fox’s book and order off-menu – chances are they’ll make it for you. Everyday the lounge is adding to its Rolodex of celebrities, diplomats and deal-makers, but before you sashay through the iron gates, do as Gordon Gekko says and “buy a decent suit”.

Tom’s Restaurant served only as the facade of Seinfeld’s on-screen diner, with interior shots of Monk’s Diner filmed on a Los Angeles soundstage. Nonetheless the distinctive red and blue signage atop the corner diner is indisputably known as the “Seinfeld gang hang”. So much so, when you look at it from across the road you really can’t help but hum the show’s slap-bass theme. Still, Tom’s owner, Mike Zoulis, hasn’t given into to the tourist trap – clientele remains 80 per cent New Yorker a large majority of that Columbia University students on lunch break. Instead of sitcom memorabilia, inside you’ll find your standard NY greasy spoon, 75c coffee and no-frills food served over the counter or in one of their padded boots. Bring along your Elaine, George and Kramer to chat about absolutely nothing over big salads.

The self-proclaimed “Top Gun Bar’, Kansas City Barbeque certainly leans into its cinematic claim to fame but who can blame them when it’s the setting of a scene as good as Goose and Maverick belting out “Great Balls of Fire” on the piano – an artefact still standing today. The inconspicuous sports-bar-cum-restaurant was spotted by a Paramount Studios location scout when he popped in for a beer, before bringing along the film’s director Tony Scott to sign the release, and the rest is cinematic history… The restaurant is plastered in Top Gun memorabilia, a young Tom Cruise adorns most inches of wall, with movie posters and stills from the film framed side-by-side. A patio wall is painted proudly stating “Top Gun Sleazy Bar Scene Filmed here July 1985”. Gaudy, maybe. Great, definitely. While you may come for the Top Gun link, you should stay for the food. Opened by Kansas City natives Martin and Cindy Blair, the sports bar takes all things barbeque very seriously – their baby-back ribs are as delicious as they are messy.