Where is Suits Filmed? Explore the Real-Life Locations of Pearson Specter Litt in Toronto and NYC

For fans of the legal drama Suits, the allure extends beyond the sharp suits and even sharper wit. The show’s sophisticated backdrop, a blend of modern skyscrapers and classic establishments, is just as captivating as the characters themselves. If you’ve ever wondered, “where is Suits filmed?” you’re not alone. Many fans, myself included, are fascinated by the real-world locations that bring the high-stakes world of Pearson Specter Litt (formerly Pearson Hardman, and other iterations!) to life.

Before the world changed, I channeled this fascination into planning trips to the two primary filming locations of Suits: Toronto, which served as the primary setting from season one onwards, and New York City, where the pilot episode was filmed and also the symbolic home of Harvey and Donna’s romantic journey.

Leveraging existing online resources and a bit of personal detective work, especially for later seasons (7, 8, and 9), I’ve compiled this guide to share my explorations and assist fellow Suits enthusiasts in planning their own location-hunting adventures. A special shoutout to @darvey247 for her invaluable assistance in sourcing screenshots – all rights of which belong to Suits USA. Given the continued popularity of this topic, even after the series finale, I’ve updated this guide in 2022 to reflect changes in Toronto and NYC, particularly in the hospitality sector, which has seen closures and transformations. Unless explicitly stated as closed, assume the location is currently operational as of this update.

So, let’s dive into the world of Suits and uncover its real-life filming locations!

1. The Iconic Office Building: Pearson Specter Litt & Beyond

Exterior view of Bay Adelaide Centre, Toronto, showcasing its modern architecture

Close up of the revolving doors entrance to Bay Adelaide Centre, highlighting the marble floors and wood paneling

Interior lobby shot of Bay Adelaide Centre, showing the light panels and spacious layout

While Suits technically utilized two locations for the office building’s exterior and lobby, the Bay Adelaide Centre in Toronto became the consistent face of Pearson Specter Litt throughout the series. Its distinctive white marble-effect floors, wood-effect wall details, sleek light panels, and recognizable revolving doors have been the backdrop for countless pivotal scenes. Stepping into this lobby is truly a thrill for any Suits fan.

However, for the pilot episode, the production team initially chose 601 Lexington Avenue in New York City. During my visit in 2018, the area around this building was undergoing construction, but its unique stilt-like structure and lobby remained identifiable.

Exterior of 601 Lexington Avenue, New York City, showing its distinctive stilt-like architecture

Tips for Visiting Bay Adelaide Centre: Venture downstairs via the escalators to discover a food court, various shops, and public restrooms. The building also offers free Wi-Fi, perfect for relaxing in the outdoor seating area while staying connected.

Locations: Toronto – Bay Adelaide Centre – 333 Bay Street; NYC – 601 Lexington Avenue.

Iconic Darvey Locations in Toronto & NYC: A Must-See for Fans

2. The Diner: Scene of “The Other Time” and Countless Darvey Moments (Season 3, Ep 7)

Exterior of The Lakeview Diner, a classic diner with a retro sign

What better place to begin a Suits location tour than the setting of one of the most iconic Darvey moments? The Lakeview Diner is where Harvey famously asks Donna to return to work for him, where “The Other Time” agreement is made, the “can opener” idea is born, and years later, where Harvey’s jealousy regarding Donna’s relationship with Stephen surfaces. As you can see, The Lakeview Diner remains largely unchanged, artwork aside. For those seeking the specific booth, it’s the last one on the wall-side row as you enter, with bar stools directly across the aisle. It’s surprisingly smaller in person than it appears on screen, highlighting the magic of television production!

Tip: Their chocolate milkshakes are highly recommended! If traveling from Downtown Toronto, the 505 bus is a faster alternative to walking. Get off at the Ossington Avenue stop.

Location: The Lakeview Diner, 1132 Dundas Street West – http://www.thelakeviewrestaurant.ca

3. Citizen (Now Myth Restaurant): Where Harvey and Donna First Met (Season 4, Ep. 16)

Exterior of Citizen bar and restaurant, showcasing its street view and signage

This bar holds a special place in Suits history – it’s where Donna boldly approached Harvey, sparking their legendary partnership. It’s also where Forstman extended his job offer to Harvey, observing from across the room after Donna rebuffed Harvey’s initial advances. These pivotal scenes were filmed at Citizen, a bar I personally enjoyed during my Toronto trips in 2018 and 2019. Sadly, Citizen closed its doors in 2021 and underwent renovations, reopening as Myth, a Greek restaurant. The silver lining for Suits fans is that online photos suggest the central square bar area remains, offering a tangible link to the show’s history. While the ambiance has shifted, you can still have a drink in the very spot where Harvey and Donna’s journey began.

Here’s a glimpse of Myth’s new interior, showcasing the central bar area:

Interior of Myth Restaurant, highlighting the redesigned central bar area with modern Greek decor (Photo from Myth Restaurant website)

Photo of Myth Restaurant’s new interior (courtesy of their website – link below)

As a guide, upon entering Myth (the entrance appears to be in the same location), aim for a bar stool on the side of the central bar closest to the entrance. Standing at the bar, the doorway should be behind you. This positioning should place you in the same physical space as the actors during filming. Based on the photo, the doorway might be in the top right corner, meaning you’d want to be on the less visible side of the square bar. (If you visit, let me know if this is accurate!)

The refurbishment has also significantly altered the back wall table area, where Harvey and Donna had their initial conversation. My photos below depict the scene from Suits and Citizen’s original layout. Location-wise, this area was directly behind the bar, so once you’ve located the bar spot, the corner against the wall behind you would be it.

Scene from Suits at Citizen bar, showing Harvey and Donna at the back table

The raised bar area where Forstman sat has also been transformed. Previously located to the right of the interior space, its current appearance is uncertain without a personal visit. Below is a scene screenshot and a photo from my visit when it was Citizen.

Scene from Suits at Citizen bar, showing Forstman seated at the raised bar area

While the aesthetic has changed, a visit to Myth still offers Suits fans the chance to stand and have a drink where television history was made. Plus, Greek cuisine and wine are always a delightful choice!

Location: Myth Restaurant, 522 King Street West (entrance on Brant Street) – https://mythrestaurant.com/

4. Donna’s First Apartment Exterior (Season 2, Ep. 7 “Sucker Punch”)

Exterior of 176 John Street, Donna's first apartment building in Suits

Suits has used three different exterior locations for Donna’s apartment. The first, 176 John Street, appeared in Season 2, notably in the scene where Harvey waits outside to ask her to participate in the mock trial. During my 2018 visit, this location had already undergone some changes since filming. In 2019, construction was evident in the street, but dedicated fans might still recognize it, especially if the metal awnings adjacent to the building remain.

5. Donna’s Second Apartment Exterior (Season 3, Ep. 9 “Bad Faith”)

Exterior of 11 Duncan Street, Donna's second apartment building in Suits

For subsequent pivotal Darvey moments outside Donna’s apartment, the filming shifted to 11 Duncan Street, remaining there through Season 8. This location is where Harvey waited to take Donna for breakfast at Nougatine in Season 3 and where he confronted her about the Liberty Rail case at the start of Season 4. The area remains largely unchanged – even a black car was present during my visit! It’s a bit of a mystery why they switched locations again for Season 8.

6. “Because She Earned It!”: A Powerful Scene at Bay Adelaide East (Season 8, Ep. 7 “Sour Grapes”)

Lobby of Deloitte office building at Bay Adelaide East, location of the "Because She Earned It!" scene

Every Darvey fan remembers the intense “Because She Earned It!” scene from Season 8, where Donna passionately rebutted Harvey’s dismissive comment about her position. Filmed in the lobby of the Deloitte office building at Bay Adelaide East, 8 Adelaide Street West, this location is conveniently next door to the firm’s usual lobby setting. (And yes, I’m still slightly bitter about missing the filming of this scene by mere minutes!)

7. Harvey Tells Donna He Needs Her: A King Street West Encounter (Season 2, Ep. 9 “Asterisk”)

Street view of King Street West near Portland Street, location of the "I Need You" scene

Another unforgettable Darvey moment is when Harvey, determined to win Donna back, stops her on the street to declare his need for her. This heartfelt scene was filmed on King Street West, near Portland Street. While less recognizable now, the orange signage visible behind Harvey in the scene still exists, along with the trees lining the street.

8. Del Posto (Now Al Coro): The Quintessential Darvey Restaurant

Interior of former Del Posto restaurant in NYC, showcasing its elegant dining room

Another interior view of former Del Posto restaurant, highlighting its sophisticated ambiance

Del Posto is synonymous with Darvey for Suits fans. It’s the restaurant where they annually celebrate Donna’s anniversary of working for Harvey. While the Season 5 scenes were filmed in Toronto, the actual Del Posto existed in NYC, and I had the pleasure of dining there for my birthday a few years prior to its closure. The food and drinks were exceptional, and the service was unparalleled – they even provided a cushioned footstool for my handbag! Adding to the magic, the pianist began playing “The Scientist” while we waited for our table. (Succession fans might recognize it from the Season 2 premiere).

Sadly, Del Posto closed during the pandemic. However, its former executive chef, Melissa Rodriguez, and former restaurant manager, Jeff Katz, have partnered to open a new Italian restaurant in the same space called Al Coro. Maintaining a similar high-end price point, Al Coro no longer offers lunch, which is a loss, but it’s wonderful to see the chef and staff back in operation.

Location: Al Coro, 85 Tenth Avenue, New York City, NY 10011 – https://www.alcoro-nyc.com/

9. Breakfast at Nougatine: Another NYC Darvey Gem (Season 3, Ep. 9 “Bad Faith”)

Interior of Nougatine restaurant in NYC, featuring its bright and airy breakfast setting

Another essential NYC Darvey location is Nougatine, where they shared breakfast. Located on the ground floor of the Trump International Hotel (political opinions aside), Nougatine welcomes non-hotel guests with reservations. Its proximity to Central Park makes it a perfect start to a day exploring that iconic area of the city. Breakfast is served from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM.

Location: Nougatine, 1 Central Park West, New York City, NY 10023 – https://www.jean-georges.com/restaurants/united-states/new-york/nougatine-at-jean-georges

Harvey & Mike: Celebrating the Bromance

Season 9 brought back the beloved bromance of Harvey and Mike, featuring several memorable location scenes.

10. “Is Donna ‘The One’?” – A Question Posed at Weslodge (Now Pink Sky) (Season 7, Ep. 14 “Pulling The Goalie”)

Interior of former Weslodge restaurant in Toronto, showing its bar area and kitchen

Another view of former Weslodge restaurant's bar, highlighting the seating

Close up of the bar area in former Weslodge restaurant, emphasizing the details

After Harvey’s breakup with Paula Agard, and his choice of Donna over her, the question on every fan’s mind was posed by Mike: Did Harvey realize Paula wasn’t “The One” because Donna was? This scene, filmed at Weslodge, was a personal favorite discovery – stumbled upon purely by chance while walking by! Weslodge was my favorite bar in Toronto, and it remained unchanged since filming. I even sat at the end of the bar, just like Harvey and Mike. The staff were incredibly friendly and offered me a sample of a new cocktail. Unfortunately, Weslodge closed during the pandemic. However, the good news for Suits fans is that Pink Sky, a new fish restaurant that has taken its place, retains much of the original interior design. Photos online of Pink Sky indicate the bar is still in the same location, with a similar kitchen visible to the side (prominent in the scene when the camera focuses on Harvey).

Location: Pink Sky Toronto, 480 King St West – https://pinkskytoronto.com/

11. Whiskey After Prison: Drake One Fifty (Closed) (Season 6, Ep. 10 “P.S.L”)

Interior of former Drake One Fifty restaurant, showcasing its bar and dining area

No one was happier to see Mike released from prison than Harvey, who welcomed him back with celebratory drinks and a job offer (initially declined). This scene was filmed at the stylish Drake One Fifty, located at 150 York Street. Sadly, Drake One Fifty has also closed, and there’s no information yet on a replacement.

Homes of Our Favorite Characters

Beyond offices and bars, Suits also showcases the homes of its characters, though not always consistently using the same exteriors. While Harvey’s first apartment exterior and Louis’s current residence remain elusive, here are some of the other character homes you can find:

12. Harvey’s Current Apartment (Seasons 4 & 7)

Exterior of 80 John Street, Harvey Specter's current apartment building in Suits

Full credit for uncovering this location goes to my friend @ireneirm, surpassing even the Torontoist articles in this instance. Located at 80 John Street, this building serves as Harvey’s current residence on the show. It’s recognizable from his arrival home in the Season 4 finale after his “You Know I Love You” declaration to Donna, and his confrontation with Malik in the Season 7 mid-season finale. The blue rock-like circles previously behind the lobby desk have been removed recently.

13. Mike & Rachel’s Apartment (Season 6)

Exterior of 3 Church Street, Mike and Rachel's apartment building in Suits

Predominantly featured in Season 6, 3 Church Street is Mike and Rachel’s apartment building. Notable scenes here include Harvey waiting for Rachel after dropping Mike off at Danbury in 6.01, and when Harvey briefly gets Mike out of prison. Conveniently, it’s located just around the corner from the legal clinic location.

14. Donna’s Current Apartment Exterior (Season 8, Ep. 12 “Whale Hunt”)

Exterior of 88 Scott, Donna's current apartment building in Suits

Close up of the entrance to 88 Scott, highlighting architectural details

Season 8 introduced a third exterior for Donna’s apartment: 88 Scott, near the corner of Yonge Street & Colborne Street. It’s seen when Donna returns home from her date with Thomas Kessler. Despite road construction during my visit, the crests on the wall flanking the door confirm its identity. This change might suggest a return to this location for Donna’s apartment exteriors in Season 9, if needed.

15. Jessica Pearson’s Apartment (Season 6, Ep. 2 “Accounts Payable”)

Exterior of Prince Arthur Condos, Jessica Pearson's apartment building in Suits

The grand exterior of Jessica Pearson’s apartment, seen in Season 6, is located at Prince Arthur Condos, 38 Avenue Road. The distinctive stone arch is immediately recognizable from scenes like Harvey picking Jessica up for work and Jack Soloff’s visit seeking his buy-in money.

16. Alex Williams’s Apartment Exterior (Season 8, Ep. “Right-Hand Man”)

Exterior of 37 Front Street East, Alex Williams's apartment building in Suits

One of the newer Suits characters, Alex Williams, also has a recognizable apartment exterior at 37 Front Street East. Harvey visits Alex here in Season 8, greeting him returning from a morning run. This location is conveniently close to several others on this list.

Other Key Suits Locations in Toronto

Beyond the mainstays, Toronto offers a wealth of other Suits locations worth exploring:

17. Mike’s Church: St. Paul’s Basilica (Season 5, Ep. 16 “25th Hour”)

Exterior of St. Paul's Basilica, Mike Ross's church and the almost wedding venue in Suits

St. Paul’s Basilica, at the corner of Power Street & Queen Street East, is Mike’s church, featured in flashbacks and present-day scenes. Most famously, it’s the location of Mike and Rachel’s almost-wedding in the Season 5 finale. It was closed during my visit, preventing interior photos.

18. “Teeth, Nose, Teeth”: Harvey & Louis’s Heart-to-Heart at Batch (Closed) (Season 6, Ep. 13)

Interior of former Batch restaurant, featuring its bar and craft beer selection

Close up of the bar area in former Batch restaurant, highlighting the tap handles

The hilarious and heartwarming “Teeth, Nose, Teeth” scene, where Louis seeks relationship advice from Harvey, was filmed at Batch, a craft beer and food spot at 75 Victoria Street. Batch also hosted a Season 8 scene where Samantha Wheeler outsmarts her opponent with Alex’s daughter’s help. Unfortunately, Batch closed permanently during the pandemic.

19. Marcus’s Restaurant: Cibo Wine Bar (Season 8, Ep. 5 “Good Mudding”)

Interior of Cibo Wine Bar, showing its dining area and wine displays

Another interior view of Cibo Wine Bar, highlighting its ambiance

Marcus’s restaurant in Season 8, where Harvey assists Marcus with his divorce, is Cibo Wine Bar. While not the same location as the memorable Harvey-and-mother scene from Season 7 (still on my location-finding list!), Cibo Wine Bar was a satisfying discovery.

Tip: The food at Cibo Wine Bar is excellent. I recommend the carpaccio, fettuccine with shrimp, tiramisu, and peach sangria cocktail!

Location: Cibo Wine Bar, 522 King St. West – http://www.cibowinebar.com/cibo_ks/index_ks.html

20. Marcus Asks Harvey for Restaurant Money: The Gabardine (Closed) (Season 4, Ep. 16)

Interior of former The Gabardine restaurant, showing its cozy dining space

Before Marcus’s restaurant success, he sought funding from his brother, Harvey, then a young district attorney, at The Gabardine. This small but fantastic restaurant, located at 372 Bay Street, was conveniently near the office lobby location. Sadly, The Gabardine closed in 2019.

21. Harvey Visits His Father’s Grave: Toronto Necropolis (Season 2, Ep. 8 “Rewind”)

Entrance archway to Toronto Necropolis cemetery, a historical cemetery in Toronto

In the flashback-heavy Season 2 episode, Harvey’s out-of-town trip to visit his father’s grave was filmed at the Toronto Necropolis. The white archway at the entrance is highly recognizable.

Location: Toronto Necropolis, 200 Winchester Street

22. Hotel Rendezvous: Fairmont Royal York Hotel (Season 7, Ep. 8 “100”)

Lobby of Fairmont Royal York Hotel, showcasing its grand architecture and central clock (pre-renovation)

The Fairmont Royal York hotel appears frequently in Suits, often for client meetings. In the “100th” episode, both Donna and Louis head to this hotel for ill-advised dates. The hotel’s iconic old-fashioned clock at the center of a spiral staircase was a prominent feature. Sadly, the recent refurbishment removed the clock and staircase, replacing them with a new lobby bar and clock.

Tip: If you have time for a cocktail, the Reign bar (adjacent to the lobby) offers fantastic cocktails, including a great White Russian.

Location: Fairmont Royal York, 100 Front Street West – Fairmont Royal York

23. Mike’s Legal Clinic: 74 The Esplanade (Seasons 6 & 7)

Exterior of 74 The Esplanade, Mike Ross's legal clinic in Suits

Following his prison release, Mike’s legal clinic, introducing new characters and conflicts, was located at 74 The Esplanade. It’s conveniently around the corner from Mike and Rachel’s apartment exterior.

24. University Flashback: University College Quad (Season 3, Ep. 6 “The Other Time”)

Quad area at University College, University of Toronto, location of university flashback scenes in Suits

Flashback scenes depicting Mike’s college expulsion, Trevor’s fault as always, were filmed at the Quad at University College. This area is open to the public and students alike.

Location: The Quad at University College, 15 King’s College Circle

25. Harvey & Anita Gibbs Encounter: Market Street Balzac’s (Season 6, Ep. 11 “She’s Gone”)

Interior of Market Street Balzac's coffee shop, a charming cafe in Toronto

Harvey’s attempt to sway Anita Gibbs regarding Mike’s bar admission was filmed at Market Street Balzac’s, a charming coffee shop near the legal clinic location.

Location: Market Street Balzac’s, 10, Market Street – http://www.balzacs.com/locations/market-street/

26. Jessica & Harvey’s Merger Debate: Commerce Court (Season 2, Ep. 16 “War”)

Exterior of Commerce Court, a modern office complex in downtown Toronto

The tense scene where Harvey gambles on the Darby merger failing, only to be outmaneuvered by Jessica, was filmed outside Commerce Court, 199 Bay Street.

27. Daniel Hardman’s Party: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (Season 2, Ep. 16 “War”)

Interior of Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, showcasing its modern architectural design

While the exterior was Commerce Court, the interior for Pearson Hardman’s party was the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. This location also hosted the scene where Harvey questions Scottie about Mike in Season 5. Check their schedule for performances during your visit.

Location: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen Street West – https://www.coc.ca/plan-your-visit/fourseasonscentre

28. Scottie’s First Appearance: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel (Season 1, Ep. 7 “Play The Man”)

Lobby of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Toronto, featuring its elegant interior and staircase

Scottie’s debut in Season 1, as Harvey’s opposing counsel, was filmed in the lobby of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 181 Wellington Street West. While some décor has changed, the chandelier and staircase remain.

29. Rachel’s Misunderstood Lunch Offer: Temperance Street (Bay Adelaide Centre) (Season 2, Ep. 13 “Zane vs. Zane”)

Street view of Temperance Street behind Bay Adelaide Centre, a common filming location for Suits

The charming scene where Rachel mistakenly thinks Harvey is offering her his lunch was filmed on Temperance Street, behind the Bay Adelaide Centre. This area also housed the Cloud Gardens location (used for scenes like Donna and Stu’s conversation in Season 8). The gardens are currently closed for construction until 2020.

30. Mike’s Yoga Class Interruption: Black Market (Queen Street West) (Season 2, Ep. 7 “Sucker Punch”)

Exterior of Black Market clothing store on Queen Street West, near Donna's first apartment in Suits

Mike’s interruption of Donna’s yoga class, to convince her to participate in the mock trial, was filmed just outside Black Market on Queen Street West, near Donna’s first apartment exterior.

Season 9 Locations

While I missed outdoor filming during my 2019 visit, I did identify a couple of locations that appeared in Season 9.

31. Donna & Katrina’s Drinks: STK Toronto (Season 9, Ep. 5 “If the Shoe Fits”)

Interior of STK Toronto steakhouse, showcasing its modern and upscale dining ambiance

This upscale steak restaurant, STK Toronto, was used for filming Season 9, Episode 5. We deduced it was a night scene due to blackout curtains. We saw many extras in business attire but no principal cast, only realizing it was the scene where Donna encourages Katrina to reconnect with herself upon the episode’s airing. The food and cocktails are excellent, albeit pricey.

Tip: The Cucumber Stiletto and Strawberry Cobbler cocktails are exceptional!

Location: STK, 153 Yorkville Avenue – https://stksteakhouse.com/venues/toronto/

32. Harvey & Donna’s Dinner Date: Buca Osteria & Bar (Yorkville) (Season 9, Ep. 3 “Windmills”)

Interior of Buca Osteria & Bar (Yorkville), highlighting its stylish dining space and bar area

This location was pinpointed by my friend @ireneirm after online hints about Season 9 filming. Instagram photos suggested a dinner scene involving Louis, Harvey, and Donna at Buca Osteria & Bar. Intrigued, we visited for lunch.

Interior of Buca Osteria & Bar (Yorkville), showing the open kitchen area and dining tables

Ironically, we were initially disappointed not to be seated in the front area by the entrance and bar (pictured above), instead being led to a table near the open kitchen. However, upon watching Season 9, we realized we had been seated at the exact table used for Donna and Harvey’s first on-screen date! The table was rotated 90 degrees for filming, placing the kitchen behind Harvey, and resized for two instead of four. Though our photos of this specific table were lost, you’ll recognize the back area of the restaurant. The front area is where Louis briefly appears before changing his mind about interrupting their date.

Location: Buca Osteria & Bar (Yorkville), 53 Scollard Street, entrance via Yorkville Avenue, through the Four Seasons courtyard – http://buca.ca/phone/yorkville.html

Planning Your Suits Location Tour

Planning a Suits-themed trip? Mapping out these locations is highly recommended. The Suits production team often utilizes locations in close proximity. For example, Weslodge (Pink Sky), Cibo Wine Bar, and Citizen (Myth) are within a 5-minute radius. Careful planning allows you to see many locations efficiently. Below is a map plotting all locations mentioned (green numbers correspond to the list).

Zoomed out map of Downtown Toronto, showcasing the concentration of Suits filming locations
Zoomed out map of Downtown Toronto showcasing all locations.

Close up map of Downtown Toronto, highlighting the clustered Suits filming locations
Close up of the Downtown area, where most locations are clustered.

Map photo showing The Diner (location 2) slightly further out, accessible by bus
Map photo highlighting location 2 (The Diner) further out, accessible by bus.

Map photo highlighting locations slightly further from downtown core (15, 17, 21, 24, 31 & 32)
Map photo highlighting locations slightly further out (15, 17, 21, 24, 31 & 32).

Apps like Citymapper are invaluable for route planning, and Toronto Uber drivers are known for their friendliness.

For further exploration, the Torontoist’s “Reel Toronto” series offers archived articles detailing many locations from Seasons 1-6, which were instrumental in planning my trips. Links to these guides are below: