It’s almost the best day of the year in New York City.
NYC Marathon Day.
If your eyes are easy to well and your hands are eager to clap and your voice is capable of stretching and screaming strangers’ names, you probably agree with this.
Marathon Day is the best because it shows the best in all of us — the runners doing the impossible (and looking good), spectators fervently believing in strangers, and my personal favorite: cafes, restaurants, and third-spaces opening their doors early and partying late for the city.
If you’re a spectator, you’re probably looking for the best places to cheer from the sidelines and even join in post-race beer drinking with the finishers.
If you’re a runner, you might want to know where to go for a little extra attention and a free pasta or two.
I’ve laid that all out for you here today — An Outpost Guide to Eating + Partying on NYC Marathon Day.
The crowds might slow down any subway plans you have had, but no plans should be made on marathon day except watching the marathon. Find a haunt, grab a coffee and a pastry, and scream for someone until you remember you’re alive.
For spectators: where to watch (and eat!)
These are the spots doing a little special something for spectators, whether it’s warm bone broth or free bagels.
Brooklyn
Fourth Avenue Pub (mile 7): This neighborhood bar opens early at 9am with free Bergen Bagels while they last, and a Bloody Mary and mimosa happy hour until 4pm. Get started early!
Strange Delight (mile 8) will be doing morning coffee, beignets, and po’boys to go for people viewing on Lafayette! Lafayette is where I’ll be cheering.
Baba Cool (mile 8): It’s always a party at Baba Cool for marathon Sunday! Breakfast sandwiches, warm apple cider, mimosas, and bone broth (!!) at the start of mile 8.
Lucky Dog (mile 11): This local dive opens right at 8am with Bloody Marys, hot cider and mimosas.
Mugs Ale House (mile 11): A cozy corner pub right on the course, Mugs is opening at 8am and ready to serve up some Bloody Marys for the early birds.
Hole in the Wall (mile 11.5): This specialty coffee + cocktail spot is turning into a party from 9am with DJ Tomasi and DJs until close, plus breakfast burritos, coffee, beer and cocktails.
Good Bar (mile 11.5): Good Bar is a cool vinyl bar, and happens to be hosting their annual block party from 9am, with drink specials all day.
With Others (mile 11.5/12): The 3rd annual magnums and mimosas party kicks off at 9am, with DJs and Sump coffee. At this laidback natural wine bar, you’ll see local bakery pop-ups setting up shop for spectators.
Layla (mile 11.5/12): This Euro bar is spinning records + smashburgers all day!
On x The Lot Radio x Vital Run Club (mile 12): This is an official cheer zone hosted by Vital Run Club with food from Win Son Bakery and a cute sign-making station. I’m in for the Win Son.
The McCarren (mile 12): The McCarren is a legendary marathon bar, with doors opening at 8am with breakfast, BBQ all day, a DJ and drink specials.
Eavesdrop x Bandit (mile 12.5): Eavesdrop has one of the best bar sound systems in the city AND it happens to be pretty much halfway through the race. They’re ripping a brand new sound and lots of sacks for the crowd.
Peter Pan Donuts and Radio Bakery (miles 12 to 13): These spots might not be doing anything specific for the marathon, but they’re right off the course with sweet treats to refuel.
Queens
LIC Bar (mile 14): A free breakfast bar kicks off at 9am with a live New Orleans brass band. Fun!
Gantry Bar, Woodbines and PJ Leahy’s (mile 14) are all Michelob Ultra official bars throwing parties all day long.
Manhattan:
Hendrickson’s and The Spotted Dog (mile 16): These watering holes are also Michelob Ultra cheer bars, so expect crowds but lots of freebies.
The Raven Pub (mile 17): The watch party kicks off at 9am, with lots of free-flowing drinks, first come, first served.
Horn’s Hook Tavern and Phil Hughes Bar (mile 18): These are also Michelob Ultra cheer bars.
For runners: post-race specials and freebies
I don’t think a beer will taste better than at these spots after 26.2 miles. Maybe the biggest gift for runners is a full Wagyu Sunday roast at Chelsea Living Room.
Wainwright’s Tavern (Upper East Side): This red-leathered-lined tavern is offering a free glass of champagne to runners who come with their bibs! I’m obsessed with this spot. Grab a burger while you’re at it.
Santo Taco (Nolita, West Village): Santi (a runner himself!) is giving out free tacos to post-race marathoners! Up to $30 at Santo Taco. Pretty sweet. That’s at least three of their al trompos, which are a dream.
Piccolo Morini (Nolita): For $30, finishers can enjoy bottomless bowls of Pomodoro or Cacio e Pepe Spaghetti.
Chelsea Living Room (Chelsea): Medal holders can feast at this spot’s free Sunday roast (Wagyu top sirloin, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, stuffing, stout gravy). Sunday from 2pm to close.
Shake Shack (citywide): A free ShackBurger or Veggie Shack all WEEK following the race, with the code that NYRR emails you prior to the race.
Veselka (East Village, Grand Central, Williamsburg): Four free pierogis (a dream!) with purchase through Sunday. Make sure to have your bib or medal!
Layla (Williamsburg): A free smash burger on Sunday with your bib at this cutie Euro bar.
The McCarren (Williamsburg): Free shots for finishers on Sunday!
Threes Brewing (Greenpoint): Free beers at Sprint & Sip’s after-party from 1pm Sunday at this sprawling, social Greenpoint brewery.
Aqua New York (Flatiron): A free alcoholic drink on Sunday and Monday with your bib.
Pasta Louise (Park Slope): They’re running a post-race “Victory Lap” (braised short-rib ragu with whipped ricotta) special, plus free banana bread if you wear your medal.
Mimi’s (all locations): A free cup of soft serve on Monday, Nov 2, one per medal.
For everyone: post-race parties!
Altro Paradiso (SoHo): The NYC Marathon After Party here will be a scene, with proceeds benefiting City Harvest, with Altro classics, Parcelle wine and music all night.
Threes Brewing (Greenpoint): Sprint & Sip’s after-party from 1pm, with free beers for medal holders. Easy, breezy, etc.
Mister Sunday’s season closer at Nowadays (Ridgewood), 3–9pm. It’s the last of 25 parties this season and DJ Justin Carter is running the marathon that morning and then DJing the party afterward.
Chelsea Living Room (Chelsea): Party with a DJ (and wagyu steak) from 6 to 10pm after the finishers’ roast.
Friends and Lovers (Brooklyn): Cool bar where the Resident Runners 2026 NYC Marathon After-Party starts at 6pm and goes to 11pm.
Shinsen (Bowery): Bridge Runners and Team WEPA’s after-after-party, starting at 10pm
Happy celebrating, whether it’s for someone else or for yourself. Either way, enjoy the spirit of the city and as always, eat + drink well.
