NoMa Social at Hotel NoMa: Why This New Rochelle Spot Still Draws a Crowd

NoMa Social at Hotel NoMa: Why This New Rochelle Spot Still Draws a Crowd

Finding a place that actually feels like a night out without trekking into Manhattan is a whole mood. For people in Westchester, NoMa Social has been that weirdly reliable anchor for years. Tucked inside what most locals still call the Radisson—even though it’s technically rebranded to Hotel NoMa, Trademark Collection by Wyndham—it’s a spot that manages to be a quiet lunch nook by day and a high-energy lounge once the sun goes down.

Let's be real: hotel restaurants usually suck. They’re often overpriced, sterile, and serve soggy club sandwiches to tired business travelers. But NoMa Social (which stands for "North of Manhattan") took a different path. It leaned into the "social" part of its name.

The Vibe Shift: From Radisson Plaza to Hotel NoMa

If you haven't been there in a minute, the building at 1 Radisson Plaza, New Rochelle, NY looks a bit different. In late 2023, the property underwent a "retro-reimagined" facelift. It’s now the only boutique-style full-service hotel sitting between the Bronx and White Plains.

Walking in, you're hit with this Mediterranean-meets-urban-glam aesthetic. Think zebra prints, white vinyl, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Some people hate the view—it looks out over a parking lot and a Toyota dealership near I-95—but inside? The atmosphere is surprisingly plush. It’s the kind of place where you might see a local bridal party taking shots next to a table of corporate types closing a deal over tapas.

✨ Don't miss: Anderson California Explained: Why This Shasta County Hub is More Than a Pit Stop

What’s actually on the menu?

Honestly, the food is better than it has any right to be for a hotel lobby. Executive Chef Bill Rosenberg, a CIA-trained vet, built a menu centered on Mediterranean small plates. The "Farm Egg in Purgatory" is basically legendary at this point—it’s a poached egg swimming in a spicy, basil-heavy tomato brodetto. You use these brittle pieces of grilled toast to scoop it up, and it’s genuinely messy and great.

  • The Tapas Game: They do a 3-for-$15 lunch special that is probably the best deal in New Rochelle. The Brussels sprout chips with sea salt are addictive.
  • Wood-Fired Pizza: The NoMa Social pizza comes with sweet sausage, shrimp, and hot cherry peppers. It’s a weird combo on paper, but the heat from the peppers cuts through the fat of the sausage perfectly.
  • The Octopus: They call it "Octopus in Purgatory." It’s charred just enough and served with a ton of garlic and olive oil.

Why People Keep Coming Back to NoMa Social

It isn't just about the food. It’s the fact that this place turns into a literal nightclub on the weekends. They have a "Grown & Sexy" vibe that’s hard to find in the suburbs. You’ve got live DJs, salsa nights, and themed parties that go until 2:00 AM.

It’s been a magnet for weirdly specific celebrity sightings too. We’re talking Real Housewives of New Jersey cast members, Mob Wives, and even Perez Hilton. It’s Westchester’s version of a "see and be seen" spot, even if the "seeing" happens right next to the highway.

🔗 Read more: Flights to Chicago O'Hare: What Most People Get Wrong

The Logistics (Parking is actually free)

One of the biggest headaches in New Rochelle is parking. If you’re heading to New Roc City or anywhere downtown, you’re usually fighting for a garage spot. NoMa Social has its own lot. It’s free. That alone makes it a top-tier choice for meeting up with friends who are driving in from Connecticut or the Bronx.

The hotel itself is also a five-minute walk from the Metro-North and Amtrak station. This makes it a strategic "third place." You can meet someone halfway between the city and the suburbs, grab a "Feisty Spicy" margarita (which uses 1800 Tequila and fresh jalapeños), and be back on a train in minutes.

Is it worth the hype in 2026?

Look, it’s not a Michelin-starred quiet dining experience. If you’re looking for hushed whispers and white tablecloths, this isn’t it. It’s loud. The music bumps. The crowd can get rowdy during happy hour (which runs Monday through Friday, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM).

💡 You might also like: Something is wrong with my world map: Why the Earth looks so weird on paper

But for a mid-week dinner or a place to host a birthday party without a massive venue fee, it works. They have over 1,000 square feet of event space and can host up to 290 people in the "Social Room." It’s a workhorse of a venue.

Actionable Takeaways for Your Visit

  • Go for Happy Hour: The $4–$6 deals on tapas and cocktails are the sweet spot. Try the "Smores" cocktail if you want something dessert-heavy—it’s made with Three Olives Smores Vodka and Godiva liqueur.
  • Check the Event Calendar: If you hate loud music, avoid Friday and Saturday nights. If you love to dance, those are your prime times.
  • Try the Risotto: Chef Rosenberg’s exotic mushroom risotto is a sleeper hit. It’s creamy, earthy, and way more filling than the tapas.
  • Stay for the Late Night Menu: They serve snacks until 1:00 AM or 2:00 AM on weekends. The "NoMa Wings" with bravas sauce are the move when it’s late.

If you’re planning a trip or a night out, call ahead at (914) 576-4141 to see if there’s a private event. Since it's a major wedding and party hub, they sometimes close off sections of the lounge.