So you’ve watched every episode, quoted “No soup for you!” at least a dozen times, and you’re finally heading to the Big Apple. If you’re a Seinfeld tragic from Australia, New York City isn’t just another travel destination — it’s your chance to walk in the footsteps of Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer.
Here’s your guide to the real-life Seinfeld spots you can visit while you’re in NYC. No laugh track required.
☕ Monk’s Café (aka Tom’s Restaurant)
Where: 112th St & Broadway, Morningside Heights (Upper West Side)
This is the diner. The exterior shot of Monk’s Café you see in nearly every episode? That’s actually Tom’s Restaurant. It’s a real, working diner and yes, you can eat there.
The inside doesn’t match the set from the show — that was filmed in LA — but still, sitting down for a coffee here is a rite of passage for any fan.
👉 Pro tip: Grab a booth and order black coffee and toast. Jerry would approve.
🏙️ Jerry’s Apartment
Where: 129 W 81st St (at Columbus Ave)
While Jerry’s apartment was a Hollywood set, the building exterior shown in the series is real. It’s located on the Upper West Side, not far from where the show says Jerry lives.
You can’t go in (it’s a private residence), but it’s a solid selfie stop — and pretty thrilling to stand where Kramer would’ve made his legendary entrances.
🍲 The Soup Nazi’s Soup Kitchen
Where: 259 W 55th St (between 8th and Broadway)
Yes, the infamous Soup Nazi was based on a real guy — Al Yeganeh, who ran a soup shop called The Original Soup Kitchen in Midtown. Today it’s known as The Original Soupman, and you can still get incredible soup (no yelling required).
👉 Order the lobster bisque or jambalaya. And yes — wait your turn, no chatting, and for heaven’s sake, don’t ask for bread unless it’s offered.
🏢 Elaine’s Work – The J. Peterman Company
Where: Not a specific location, but in real life? The actual J. Peterman Company exists and you can browse the catalogue online. In the show, Elaine worked out of a fictional NYC office, but if you want a fun nod to her career arc, pop into SoHo and browse some boutique fashion stores. Pretend you’re approving muffin tops or heading off to Burma.
🏟️ Yankee Stadium (George’s Office)
Where: 1 E 161st St, The Bronx
George Costanza somehow conned his way into a job with the New York Yankees. The stadium scenes were filmed in California, but you can visit Yankee Stadium in The Bronx for a tour — or even catch a game if you’re lucky with the season.
👉 If you’re really keen, grab a Yankees cap and shout “Steinbrenner!” a few times for full effect.
🛍️ Kramer’s Reality Tour (Yes, really!)
Where: Departs near Midtown (Check online for dates/times)
The real-life inspiration for Kramer — Kenny Kramer — runs a quirky “Kramer’s Reality Tour”, which includes a bus ride around Manhattan and hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from the show’s creation. It’s kitsch, weird, and pure Seinfeld gold.
🗽 Final Thought
New York is packed with Seinfeld energy. You won’t find everything exactly how it looks on screen (a lot was filmed in LA), but there’s plenty to keep your inner fan buzzing. Walk the streets, hit the soup stand, snap photos at Tom’s, and soak it all in.
And when you’re back in your hotel that night, chuck on The Contest or The Puffy Shirt, and toast the fact that you’ve lived the Seinfeld life — at least for a day.
Here’s your downloadable Seinfeld-themed walking map of New York City: 👉 Download the Map (HTML)
Recent Comments