Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Steven Bustos once lit up the soccer pitch as a pro player for Marconi Football Club, sharing the field with future legends like Christian Vieri and Mark Bosnich. His journey eventually brought him to New York City where he found his stride in hospitality, opening Gilligan’s in 2013 as its founding General Manager before bringing his signature charm to The Django at the Roxy Hotel.

In 2019, Steven helped launch The Nines—a velvet-draped supper club and piano bar tucked above Acme on iconic Great Jones Street. Now back at Soho Grand, he leads the charge at the Club Room, where his warmth, style, and hospitality know-how set the tone for unforgettable nights.

As a key figure in New York’s food and drink scene, we asked Steven to spill on his favorite local haunts—and how he lives his best city life.

What would the title of your autobiography be?
Yes to Everything.

What’s your favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon in NYC?
I usually hang out with my daughter on Sundays. We go to parks, check out restaurants, visit Coney Island, Rockaway—head to the beach. Sometimes, we’ll just take a day trip upstate.

If you could choose one person to show you “their New York City,” who would it be and why?
I see Patti Smith walking around my neighborhood, and I’ve always wondered what her New York would be like. I’d ask Patti Smith to show me her version of the city.

What or who has inspired you recently and why?
Last night I had a Negroni—but it was spirit-free, a “phony Negroni”—and it was absolutely delicious. It tasted just like the real thing, which felt pretty unique.

What are your favorite NYC restuarants? What do you order there?
I go to Little Ruby’s for great Australian coffee, poached eggs, and avocado toast.

What are some of your favorite NYC brunch spots? What do you order when you go?
I like Little Ruby’s—I usually get the avocado toast with poached egg. Banter is another favorite; I usually order the Banter Bowl.

Where do you get your art fix in NYC? Do you have a favourite artist?
I usually go to the Morrison Hotel Gallery on Prince Street. I love the photography there.

What are some of your under-the-radar must-do recommendations for NYC visitors?
Watch a movie at Angelika—they always have great indie films.

What are some of your favorite NYC stores and why?
John Varvatos has an old-school rock-and-roll theme that I love.

What music are you listening to these days? Who are some of your favorite musicians?
I grew up listening to Depeche Mode, Jeff Buckley, Oasis, and De La Soul. Lately, I’ve been into 21 Savage.

What album or song would you consider your personal soundtrack to NYC?
Frank Sinatra – My Way.

When you think of NYC, are there any particular emotions or memories that immediately come to mind?
There was a moment in 2003 when I rode my bicycle through Greenwich Street in the West Village with my best mate—I’ll never forget that feeling of laughter and being alive. There’s a nostalgia and melancholy in how beautiful New York can be.