10 New York Restaurants That Went Viral For Totally Unexpected Reasons

New York City is home to some of the most famous restaurants in the world, but sometimes the ones that go viral are not the ones you expect.

Whether it is a unique dish, an outrageous customer experience, or a bizarre marketing stunt, certain restaurants have captured social media’s attention in ways no one could have predicted. Here are ten New York restaurants that found unexpected fame for reasons that had nothing to do with Michelin stars.

A Slice of Pizza that Cost a Shocking $1,000 at Industry Kitchen

Industry Kitchen made headlines when it introduced a pizza topped with edible gold, truffles, and caviar. The extravagant dish had people questioning whether it was a genius idea or just a ridiculous gimmick.

The Hidden Basement Restaurant that Only Accepts Reservations Via Fax

Bohemian is a secretive Japanese restaurant that only allows diners who have been referred by previous guests. The fact that you have to fax your reservation request made it an internet mystery people were desperate to solve.

The Ice Cream Shop that Created a Flavor Inspired by New York Subway Smells

Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream shocked the internet when it released a limited edition flavor meant to capture the “essence” of the city’s underground trains. Whether people loved it or hated it, they could not stop talking about it.

The Restaurant that Charges a Fine if you Do Not Finish your Food

Kajitsu, a vegan Japanese restaurant, sparked debate when diners discovered it had a policy of charging customers extra for leaving too much food on their plates. The internet was divided on whether this was waste reduction or just unfair.

The Diner that was Shut Down for a Rat Dragging a Bagel Across the Floor

A video of a rat carrying a bagel inside the now closed Pick A Bagel location went viral, sparking a flood of memes and jokes about New York’s infamous rodent population. It was a moment the city would never forget.

The Spot that Went Viral Because a Celebrity Walked Out Over a Dress Code Rule

Balthazar made international news when a well known actor was reportedly asked to leave for wearing sneakers. The incident led to a heated debate on whether dress codes are outdated or still necessary.

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The Sushi Place that Served a Roll So Spicy it Sent Customers to the Hospital

Sushi By Bou became an internet sensation after multiple diners shared stories of their extreme reactions to its ghost pepper infused sushi roll. Some called it a fun challenge, while others called it dangerous.

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The Café that Banned Laptops and Went Viral for Telling Customers to Just Talk

Café Lalo gained online attention when it enforced a no laptop rule, asking customers to engage in conversation instead. Some praised it as refreshing, while others felt personally attacked by the policy.

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The All You Can Eat Buffet that Banned a Competitive Eater for Eating Too Much

A small Chinatown buffet found itself in the middle of an internet storm when it banned a man for consuming what they claimed was an “unreasonable” amount of food. People online had a lot to say about whether the restaurant was justified.

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The Italian Restaurant that had a Public Meltdown Over a Bad Yelp Review

A family owned Italian spot became famous when its owner responded to a negative Yelp review with an angry, all caps rant. Screenshots of the exchange went viral, proving that how you handle criticism matters more than ever in the digital age.

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New York restaurants go viral for all kinds of reasons, and not always because of their food. Whether it is an outrageous menu item, a strict policy, or an internet worthy scandal, these ten spots found themselves in the spotlight in ways no one could have expected. It is proof that in New York, anything can happen, and the internet will always be watching.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

15 Common Restaurant Tricks That Make You Spend More Money

Did you know that the layout of a restaurant menu isn’t random? In fact, restaurants strategically place their most profitable dishes in what industry insiders call the “Golden Triangle” – the top right corner, middle, and top left corner of the menu – where your eyes naturally gravitate first.

From psychological pricing tactics to carefully crafted dish descriptions, restaurants employ dozens of subtle techniques to influence your dining choices and spending habits.

Read it here: 15 Common Restaurant Tricks That Make You Spend More Money

7 Reasons High-End Restaurants Overcharge You

Dining at a high-end restaurant can be a luxurious experience—white tablecloths, impeccable service, and beautifully plated dishes. But when the bill arrives, the sticker shock can be real.

Many fine-dining establishments charge exorbitant prices, often making you wonder whether the meal was truly worth the cost. While quality ingredients and skilled chefs play a role, there are other hidden factors that drive up prices. Here are seven reasons high-end restaurants overcharge you.

Read it here: 7 Reasons High-End Restaurants Overcharge You

Is Walmart+ Still Worth It in 2025? The Truth After 3 Years

Is the new Walmart Plus worth the annual fee or is it just another failed version of Amazon Prime? I spent my own money trying this service out for 12 months and counting. I have a lot to say about the benefits and drawbacks in this Walmart+ honest review.

Read it here: Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!