Updated: September 25, 2022

23 Client Entertainment Ideas in NYC, NY

Here is our list of the best client entertainment ideas in NYC, New York.

Client entertainment ideas in NYC are ways to show your commitment and learn more about your clients in a fun environment within the city. For example, taking a class at Home Cooking, dining at Moxy Times Square, and touring the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The purpose of these ideas is to show that you care and effectively strengthen your business relationship with clients.

These ideas are examples of group activities for adults in NYC and NYC corporate events.

This list includes:

  • VIP client entertainment ideas in NYC
  • client appreciation event venues in NYC
  • places to bring clients in NYC
  • client meeting spaces in NYC

Let’s get to it!

List of client entertainment ideas in NYC

Entertaining your clients allows you to show commitment and create a lasting impression. From visiting One World Observatory to taking a class at PMT House of Dance, here are the best ideas you can use to entertain clients in New York City.

1. The Red Hook Winery

The Red Hook Winery is one of the best client appreciation event venues in NYC. The winery features a tasting room where your guests can learn about the company’s history while sipping wines. You will taste six wines carefully selected from the company’s rotating menu. Although you cannot bring outside food, you can get light snacks onsite, like corn nuts, olives, and flatbread crisps. Each session lasts between 60 to 90 minutes.

The experience is available on both reservation or walk-in basis, though the latter’s availability is at the winery’s discretion. In addition, the winery is wheelchair accessible and welcomes furry friends. Your clients will have a great time in the informal and relaxing atmosphere of the destination.

Learn more about The Red Hook Winery.

2. Metrograph

Metrograph is a cinema located in the Lower East Side neighborhood. The cinema shows the best of classical and contemporary movies, like The Aviator’s Wife, A Face in the Crowd, and Walking Girls. Once you reserve your tickets, you will automatically have a seat assigned for you and your client. General admission pricing is around $20 per guest.

After your movie, you can chat with your client at the theater’s dining area featuring a restaurant and a lobby bar. You can also enjoy a variety of beverages and desserts in a private dining room.

Learn more about Metrograph.

3. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also called The Met, is home to over 490,000 artifacts collected from different parts of the world. If your client is fond of artistic works, then visiting the museum will be a great idea.

You will find many artworks to explore, from historical statues and fashion items to musical instruments and paintings. You can also use an audio guide to enhance your experience. Your museum admission will give you access to free events like Art Trek, Intern Insights, Seeing Through Drawing, and Information Session. You can build a better relationship with your client by sharing perspectives on the museum exhibits.

Learn more about The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

4. Apotheke Mixology

Apotheke Mixology is one of the best places to bring clients in NYC. You will find the bar in Chinatown and Nomad. Whichever location you visit, you can expect a luxurious cocktail service delivered to you and your clients.

Also, you can plan your visit on a day when the bar schedules a mixology class, which can significantly enhance your guests’ experience. The classes have varying themes, like Whiskey Business, Spirits of Mexico, and Prohibition Era. An expert mixologist will guide you through creating four cocktails, with the ingredients varying by class.

Learn more about Apotheke Mixology.

5. Barcade

Barcade is an arcade bar and a 21+ venue in New York City. From Ms. Pac-Man and Ghost Town to Time Traveler and Crazy Taxi, the bar offers various classical games that will spark nostalgia in your guests.

A visit to Barcade is an excellent opportunity to chat and learn about your clients. You can have exclusive access to the lounge on select days. You can also reserve a table during regular business hours. Barcade serves great food with a commendable selection of cocktails, wines, and beers.

Learn more about Barcade.

6. New York Comedy Club

Watching a show at New York Comedy Club is one of the best client entertainment ideas in NYC. The venue showcases must-see performances from various comedians, including Connor King, Adam Ray, Justin Silver, Krystyna Hutchinson, and Zarna Garg.

From Comedy Mob Open Mic to New Jokes & Newbies, you will find tons of exciting shows to keep your clients hooked and entertained. You can watch comedians practice new materials in the New Jokes & Newbies events. Your experience can include a cocktail hour before or after watching a show. The comedy theater conveniently sits in East Village and Midtown NYC.

Learn more about New York Comedy Club.

7. Supermud Pottery

Making pottery at Supermud Pottery is an excellent choice of entertainment that allows your clients to explore their creativity and take home a souvenir of your time together.

The studio has a program for every guest, irrespective of skill level. Depending on the experience you want, the class can include hand-building or wheel-throwing. The entire experience will run for two hours, with the pricing starting at $125. After the lesson, the studio will finish and fire your works, which will be ready for pick up weeks after the event.

Additionally, the location offers open studio rental options, which give renters access to six wheels and three work table areas.

Learn more about Supermud Pottery.

8. Live Axe NYC

Live Axe NYC is an entertainment center and a famous nightlife spot in the Lower East Side. An ax-throwing session can last anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes, depending on your group size. Before throwing, axeperts will teach you the sport’s basics and prepare you for a fun adventure.

If your clients do not wish to throw axes, then you can still hang around the location and relax in a sitting area. Live Axe NYC provides a Viking-themed lounge designed to inspire connection while you and your guests dine or chat over a drink.

Learn more about Live Axe NYC.

9. Moxy Times Square

Moxy Times Square is among the top-rated hotels with good quality facilities and dining locations that will impress your clients. The destination is one of the nice client meeting spaces in NYC, with three flexible event studios great for private time with clients.

You can dine at Magic Hour Rooftop Bar and Lounge during your stay. The area is a 21+ venue with indoor and outdoor seating on the rooftop, where you can get a striking view of the city. The lounge provides a menu with specialties like Pigs in a Blanket, Doctors Orders, The Sweetest Surprise, and Pink S’more Stack. Aside from the satisfying food and drink options, Magic Hour has an elegant setting and a gallery-like entrance hall.

The hotel also features Legasea, a restaurant that serves tasty seafood. The food scene at Moxy Times Square will take your client’s dining experience to a different level.

Learn more about Moxy Times Square.

10. The Spot Karaoke Lounge

The Spot Karaoke Lounge is among the best entertainment destinations in Midtown NYC. The venue features an open mic lounge, private Karaoke rooms, and a full-service bar. You can access two to three-hour karaoke sessions, beers, and popcorn from the packages available for booking. Also, you will find a list of over 50 new songs to sing. The Spot offers a menu of small bites, Korean Liquors, wines, champagnes, cocktails, and mocktails. Singing at The Spot Karaoke Lounge can go a long way in breaking the ice and allowing your clients to feel free.

In addition, the lounge has three sister locations in the city: Anytime Billards, Anytime Karaoke, and Anytime NYC.

Learn more about The Spot Karaoke Lounge.

11. Great Jones Spa

The best ideas for appreciating clients in NYC include having a spa session at Great Jones Spa. Different facial, massage, manicure, and pedicure treatments are available. If any of your guests have sensitive skin or allergies, then the spa will tailor the treatments and products accordingly. You can extend your experience to include a session at the water lounge, which features a three-story indoor waterfall.

Great Jones Spa features a jacuzzi, river rock sauna, cold plunge, and color therapy in the chakra light steam room. Your clients will feel energized and refreshed with the right treatment at the spa.

Learn more about Great Jones Spa.

12. Top Hat New York Horse & Carriage

A ride with Top Hat New York Horse & Carriage is one of the VIP client entertainment ideas in NYC. The carriage service offers a VIP Ride package lasting about 55 minutes. Your adventure will begin the Central Park South, down to Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, where your clients can stroll around and take amazing pictures.

There is also The Quick Ride, which covers a similar route to the VIP experience, but within a shorter time. If you book the Moonlight Ride, then you will have about 50 minutes to enjoy a nighttime exploration of sights like Balto the Dog Statue, The Diary Visitors Center, and Sheep Meadow. The ride will give your clients a relaxing and charming experience in minutes.

Learn more about Top Hat New York Horse & Carriage.

13. Yankee Stadium Tours

Reserving a tour of Yankee Stadium is an exciting entertainment idea, especially if your clients are baseball fans. The stadium is home to baseball’s New York Yankees. During the tour, you will visit places not usually visible to the public. Also, the stadium can help you customize your private event to fit your clients’ preferred experience.

Your event can include photo shoots and lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe within the stadium. The Hands on History is also an exciting add-on experience, allowing your clients to touch and take pictures with historic Yankee artifacts like Babe Ruth bat and game-worn jersey, Mickey Mantle Contract, Aroldis Chapman gloves, and Ichiro Suzuki batting helmet.

Learn more about Yankee Stadium Tours.

14. Premier Indoor Golf

Premier Indoor Golf is one of the best client appreciation event venues in NYC. The golf center provides state-of-the-art golf simulators that will give your clients a chance to play from over 80 courses around the world. Each simulator Bay can accommodate up to four golfers, with hourly pricing starting at $65. The center will provide the needed club and equipment for free.

Whether or not your guests are golfers, you can host a client appreciation event at the venue. Your event is customizable to suit your needs and will include golf instruction, high-definition projection screens, food, drinks, and a comfortable space where your clients can have fun.

Learn more about Premier Indoor Golf.

15. Roni-Sue’s Chocolates

Roni-sue’s Chocolates is a dessert shop in NYC that also offers hands-on truffle-making classes reservable as a private or shared experience. During the session, you will roll truffles and receive instructions on tips for making custom-flavored ganache. The class pricing starts at $200.

You can also reserve a guided chocolate tasting at the store. Your client will have a behind-the-scenes experience of Roni-Sue’s Chocolates’ production process. Located in the Lower East Side neighborhood, the chocolate shop provides a relaxing setting for your clients to have a memorable experience.

Learn more about Roni-Sue’s Chocolates.

16. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

VIP client entertainment ideas in NYC include reserving a cruise with Circle Line. The sightseeing experience is accessible year-round and allows your clients to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city. The company offers a series of tours, including the Best of NYC, a two-and-a-half-hour cruise around Manhattan.

You can book tickets for the one-hour Liberty Midtown tour to let your clients have a good view of Lady Liberty from Midtown. In the Pawsitively Perfect Pup Cruise, your clients’ furry friends get to share in the experience for free and even receive tasty treats and specially reserved swag on board.

Furthermore, Cruise Line can help you customize the event’s menu to match your client’s taste.

Learn more about Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises.

17. Frames Bowling Lounge NYC

Frames Bowling Lounge is one of the fun places to bring clients in NYC. Located in the heart of Midtown, the bowling center provides entertainment that your clients will love. The location offers a VIP bowling experience with exclusive access to two lanes, a private room, projector screens, and a custom playlist.

Aside from bowling, you can sing your favorite songs in the karaoke lounge or play pool and ping pong. The karaoke lounge features comfy leather seats and more than 50,000 songs. The lounge provides a full dining service, including a great selection of cocktails. With side games like Jenga, giant connect four, and ping pong, your clients will have a great time at Frames Bowling Lounge.

Learn more about Frames Bowling Lounge NYC.

18. One World Observatory

One World Observatory, also called the Freedom Tower, is among the top attractions in New York City. The observatory gives your guest a thrilling, 360-degree perspective of the city. At the Horizon Grid, you will find celebrity faces and areas visible from the observatory, displayed on over 140 screens.

You can plan dining for your guests at the observatory’s restaurant on the 101st floor. The destination also features the Savor Illy Cafe and Gelateria, which serves tasty bites and Italian-inspired coffee drinks. Your clients will have an exciting experience at One World Observatory, starting from the 45-second elevator ride up through 102 stories.

Learn more about One World Observatory.

19. A Taste of Magic

The best entertainments for clients include events that trigger excitement and wonders, and one of the best ways to achieve this feeling is watching a show at A Taste of Magic. The show holds in NYC’s famous restaurants, particularly Ben and Jack’s Steakhouse, Tout Va Bien Bistro, and Gossip Restaurant.

You can purchase wines at the event location, but your ticket will cover a three-course meal. If you want a private table reserved for your clients, then you have to purchase VIP tickets. You can follow up with the upcoming shows updated on A Taste of Magic’s official website.

Learn more about A Taste of Magic.

20. Home Cooking Classes

Taking a culinary class in an intimate space like Home Cooking is one of the exciting client entertainment ideas in NYC. Home Cooking organizes a grocery workshop where attendees can learn how to shop for ingredients and read food labels. The program also includes recipes and eye-opening lessons on good and bad fats.

You can reserve a private cooking session for your clients, which includes a sit-down meal after your event. The experience is a BYOB and will run for three hours. Home Cooking will take responsibility for the setup and clean-up. This cooking class will provide attendees with valuable culinary knowledge and even create a lasting memory of your business when the client remembers the experience or employs the acquired skills.

Learn more about Home Cooking Classes.

21. New York Aquarium

If your clients find animals interesting, then you can plan a memorable trip to New York Aquarium. The aquarium cares for diverse aquatic species, including octopuses, jellyfish, sharks, and sea otters. Your clients will have an up-close view and learn more about the creatures through experiences like Wild Encounters, Touch Pool, and Aquatheater Shows.

You and your client can end your visit by stopping for grabs at Seaside Café, located on the Aquarium Plaza. Also, you can rent a space on Ocean Wonders’ rooftop for private time with your clients while enjoying cocktails alongside the company of sand sharks.

Learn more about New York Aquarium.

22. PMT House of Dance

PMT House of Dance is a dancing school located in the center of Chelsea and Union Square. The school provides private dancing classes lasting one hour. Depending on the experience your clients prefer, the session can focus on aspects like Michael Jackson, social dancing, weddings, and hip hop.

The classes are ideal for all ages, with the fee starting at $115. The studio will customize the session to fit your skill level and goals, whether you are a beginner or an expert. Besides improved dance steps, the session will guarantee your clients a fun and memorable experience.

Learn more about PMT House of Dance.

23. Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point

Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point is one of the top courses and client meeting spaces in NYC. The destination is ideal for client appreciation events and provides lovely scenery enhanced by 407 yards of pristine trees. A dedicated host will help you plan your event, including custom cart signs and scorecards, food, beverages, and contests.

After a game, you can stop by The Waterfront NYC Restaurant for an exclusive dining experience. Aside from the tasty food and craft beer selections, the restaurant provides a fantastic 360-degree view of the Manhattan Skyline. The golf club’s outstanding services and good quality amenities will leave your guest with a satisfying impression.

Learn more about Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point.

Conclusion

Planning entertainment and appreciation events for your clients is a great way to build good business relationships. New York City is home to many opportunities, including iconic locations and top attractions you can use to entertain clients. The city has fun nightlife and an amazing dance and food scene. Plus, you will find countless theaters displaying must-see performances. New York City also has many avenues for learning or improving a skill. Furthermore, the city is not short of dining areas, with indoor and outdoor seating that offers a unique view of the neighborhoods. You can take advantage of these opportunities to deliver an entertaining and lasting experience to your clients.

For more advice, check out these lists of customer success books, customer experience books, and luxury corporate gift ideas.

We also have a list of the best holiday party ideas in NYC.

FAQ: Client entertainment ideas in NYC

Here are answers to questions about client entertainment ideas in NYC.

What are the best client entertainment ideas in New York City?

The best client entertainment ideas in New York City include tasting wine at The Red Hook Winery, touring Yankee Stadium, watching a show at A Taste of Magic, taking a class organized by Apotheke Mixology, and seeing a movie at Metrograph.

How do you entertain clients in NYC?

When planning entertainment for clients in NYC, you should create a budget your company can afford. Knowing your guest is important and will guide you in deciding what your clients will likely enjoy the most. Also, you should ensure that you plan within sufficient time to guarantee the best experience.

What are some good places to take clients in New York City?

Some good places you can take clients in New York City are Great Jones Spa, The Spot Karaoke, New York Comedy Club, Home Cooking, Bardcade, and Roni-Sue’s Chocolates.

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People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com.
Grace is the Director of People & Culture at TeamBuilding. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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