You know the type, there’s one in every crowd: the smooth talker and inveterate charmer who has the social scene wrapped around his little finger. Men want to be him and ladies want to be with him. Well, take that suave cachet, distil it down to an essence–not a man, but an experience–and you’ve got Michael McCarty’s in Palm Beach, Florida.
Suffice it say any socialite worth his or her salt swings by this buzzing hive of see-and-be-seen action to “check in” immediately upon arriving on the island. Of course, charismatic Vespa-riding owner Michael McCarty has a lot to do with that. A New York City native and seasoned restaurateur, he knows just what makes the snowbird scene tick: strong drinks, a solid menu of American comfort food, and a comfortable, open space that makes for easy mingling. But while McCarty himself is certainly something of a draw (he can be found keeping the scene lively most nights), it’s the institution itself–particularly the lively, oh-so-preppie scene–that’s at the heart of it all.
The posh British colonial look is the kind of thing Indiana Jones might go for (think khaki stripped wallpaper, wicker furniture, lots of mahogany and bamboo, old school ceiling fans, and potted palms), but the hopping bar, mingle zones, and gaming tables recall a hero more along the lines of 007. If debonaire’s not you thing, private club room “Rory’s”, which turns the restaurant’s look on its head with the bubble gum pinks, neon lights, and copious amount of vinyl of “pop princess” décor, opens on peak night for more intimate schmoozing. That said, the best spot in the house, the one that draws the Palm Beach king (and queen) makers, is the terrace. Sure, it overlooks the parking lot, but it’s certainly a well stocked lot (Jags and Bentleys anyone?), and besides, everyone’s so wrapped up in the mature scenester antics that they don’t seem to notice. This is a stylish and wealthy crowd–all power-dining socialites, tycoons on the relax, and a smattering of celebs à la Ivanka Trump–and the resulting ambiance is lively, to say the least. (Later in the evening, the grown up crowd’s good-looking offspring trickle in, too.)
When we swing by, we definitely make sure we sport the Palm Beach “uniform” (preppie classics or understanding designer wear), brush up on our small talk, and do our best to get a seat outside. (It definitely helps to make a reservation.) If we’re coming for lunch, we munch on menu classics like shrimp cocktail, truffle fries, or meatloaf–and, if we’re feeling indulgent, Graeters Ice Cream. (A word to the wise, one thing we like about Michael McCarty’s is that it’s one of the few casual lunch spots in town that’s not a burger joint.) Otherwise, we’re happy to make like a suave scenester and swing by after sundown, settle down with a cocktail, and watching the cream of Palm Beach go by.
Read more about Michael McCarty’s in our Palm Beach Guide.
Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Palm Beach
