The couple arrived at the upscale Midtown Manhattan restaurant, owned by Ralph Lauren, under heavy security. Witnesses observed a significant Secret Service presence, with up to seven black SUVs stationed outside and several agents escorting Harris and Emhoff into and out of the venue.
🚨JUST IN🚨
Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff took over two dozen bodyguards including Secret Service to a bar in NYC.
The failed presidential candidate mingled with elites at Polo Bar before her rumored Met Gala appearance.
(BACKGRID) pic.twitter.com/Sl0vy9GJt1
— Breanna Morello (@BreannaMorello) May 5, 2025
While ex-vice presidents typically receive taxpayer-funded Secret Service protection for six months post-term, President Joe Biden signed an order extending Harris’s security detail to 18 months. This coverage is expected to last through July 2026 unless altered by executive order or personal request.
Known for its exclusivity and high-profile clientele, the Polo Bar is one of the hardest tables to book in New York City. Reservations are released approximately one month in advance, and the venue enforces a strict dress code that prohibits casual attire such as hoodies, ripped jeans, and athletic wear.
Inside, Harris and Emhoff were seen mingling with guests and posing for photos. The menu at the Polo Bar features upscale American fare, with some wines priced at over $10,000 per bottle. A single corned beef sandwich is listed at $36.
The couple’s appearance comes amid ongoing media coverage of the 2025 Met Gala, one of fashion’s most high-profile events. Harris is expected to make a red carpet appearance alongside other political, entertainment, and cultural figures.
Their visit to the Polo Bar underscores the fusion of political presence and celebrity culture that defines the Met Gala weekend in New York.