By Chadner Navarro
For celebrated chef, hotelier, and model Roze Traore, there’s nothing like New York City during the U.S. Open Tennis Championships, the year’s final grand slam tournament held in Queens at the end of the summer. “It has become a bit of a ritual for me,” Traore says of attending the games. “What always sticks with me is the energy. It doesn’t feel like a traditional sporting event. It feels like New York at its most alive.”
Indeed, there is a palpable charge to all five boroughs during the weeks of competition as various brands launch a litany of tennis-related experiences all over the city, from public viewing parties to limited-time pop-ups. Traore takes full advantage by booking a few nights at Pendry Manhattan West and whipping around in the property’s complimentary Cadillac for his local favorites before heading to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for some electrifying matches.
Where to Stay for U.S. Open Tennis
Recharge at Pendry Manhattan West
With the city moving at an even more frenetic pace than usual during the U.S. Open, Traore says Pendry Manhattan West is where he resets. “It’s calm, minimal, and intentional,” he says. “I’ll usually start the day there with a quick, focused workout, and then a clean breakfast—nothing heavy. It sets the tone before everything starts pulling your attention in different directions.”
Pendry Manhattan West works well as a U.S. Open home base for travelers who want to stay in Manhattan while combining the tournament with dining, shopping and other New York experiences.
A suite at Pendry Manhattan West.
Where to Eat Before the U.S. Open
Fuel Up
To prepare for a long day of being out and about, Traore likes to add a lunch break at one of his local haunts to his U.S. Open schedule. It could be The Grill for something fortifying or Sant Ambroeus for a quick, light bite. He also favors the cool, casual, current energy of Dimes if he happens to be in the Lower East Side. “It’s less about chasing a list,” he says of how he decides where to eat, and “more about moving through places that feel aligned with how I want the day to unfold.”
Getting to the U.S. Open
Timing is Everything
In a city like New York, you never know what kind of traffic a day has in store, especially if, like Traore, you’re planning to drive to a big-ticket event. “I try to leave just before the city hits that late afternoon wall,” he says, which could be earlier or later than you think. But even with the risk involved, he prefers to drive. “Driving gives me control over the pace. I can move on my own time and reset a bit before arriving,” he says. “Music on, windows down if the weather’s right. It becomes part of the experience, not just the commute.”
U.S. Open Night Sessions
Bright Night Lights
While matches take place all day long during the two-week championship, Traore prefers the electric energy of night sessions. “There’s something about how the stadium transforms. It feels more intimate but also more charged,” he says. “I’ll usually stay for one or two matches, really lock in, rather than trying to rush through the whole schedule.”
What to Eat at the U.S. Open
Concession Cravings
These days many of New York City’s best restaurants and chefs can be found at the tournament, making its food court one of the best you’ll find anywhere. Masaharu Morimoto, Kwame Onwuachi, Simon Kim, and Alex Guarnaschelli have all partnered with the U.S. Open recently. Traore raves about how the offerings have evolved over the years. “It’s not just stadium food anymore,” he says, adding that he still tries to be deliberate with his choices. “The goal is to enjoy it without breaking the rhythm of the night.”
The legendary Honey Deuce.
The Honey Deuce at the U.S. Open
Sweet Hydration
Of course, no U.S. Open experience is complete without a sip or two of the Honey Deuce, the event’s signature cocktail featuring a bright mix of Grey Goose vodka, lemonade, and raspberry liqueur. Traore insists: “You have to do the Honey Deuce at least once—it’s part of the ritual.”
U.S. Open schedules, restaurant partnerships, transportation services, and event programming may change annually. Confirm current details before planning your visit.