The Dual Life Of Pat Moore: 5 Shocking Secrets Of The Model Who Dated Tony Bennett And Became A P.J. Clarke’s Legend

The passing of Patricia "Pat" Moore, a true New York icon, has brought to light the astonishing dual life of a woman who was equally at home on a high-fashion runway as she was behind the bar of a legendary Manhattan saloon. As of December 2025, the news of her recent death at age 89 is still resonating through the city's social and culinary circles, sparking a renewed interest in her incredible, decades-long career.

For nearly half a century, Pat Moore was not just an employee at P.J. Clarke’s—she was the very soul of the institution, a steadfast presence in a city defined by constant change. Yet, before she became the legendary server known to generations of celebrities, politicians, and regulars, she lived a glamorous life as a professional model, a career that led her to a surprising and secret romance with some of the 20th century's most famous crooners. Her story is a remarkable testament to the enduring, often hidden, glamour of New York City life.

Patricia "Pat" Moore: A New York Icon's Biography

Pat Moore's life spanned nearly nine decades, transitioning from the high-stakes world of fashion to the intimate, beloved chaos of one of New York's most famous bars. Her biography is a fascinating study in reinvention and dedication.

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• Full Name: Patricia Moore (Known universally as "Pat" Moore)
• Born: Circa 1936 (Based on her passing at age 89)
• Died: Recently, at age 89 (Obituaries published in late 2025)
• Primary Career (Early Life): Professional Model, with credits in various fashion and catalogue publications.
• Primary Career (Later Life): Server/Waitress at P.J. Clarke's, a historic Manhattan saloon.
• Tenure at P.J. Clarke's: Approximately 45 years.
• Notable Relationships: She famously dated two of her most famous customers: crooners Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra.
• Nicknames/Titles: "Miss P.J. Clarke's," a "landmark in a landmark," and an "institution" at the bar.

From Runway to Rail: Pat Moore’s Unexpected Career Shift

Pat Moore's journey from a professional model to a legendary server is a story that could only happen in New York. Her initial career saw her "gracing the pages" of various publications and doing catalogue work, placing her firmly within the glamorous fashion industry of the mid-20th century.

The modeling industry, however, is notoriously fickle. While many models fade away after their prime, Moore found a second, more enduring calling at P.J. Clarke's. This venerable Manhattan saloon, founded in 1884, became her second home. She began working there and quickly transitioned from a beautiful face to an essential fixture, a testament to her personality and work ethic.

Her tenure at P.J. Clarke's lasted an incredible 45 years, a period that saw the bar survive numerous changes in the city. She was the one constant, serving generations of patrons, from the neighborhood regulars to the biggest names in Hollywood and politics. She became so synonymous with the establishment that she was often referred to as a "landmark in a landmark."

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The Glamour of the Grill: Why Pat Was an "Institution"

The term "institution" is not used lightly in New York City, but Pat Moore earned it. She was more than a waitress; she was a gatekeeper, a confidante, and a living piece of the bar's history. Her presence was the reason many patrons returned, seeking her sharp wit, no-nonsense attitude, and the comfort of her familiarity.

She was known for her exceptional memory, recalling the favorite drinks and regular orders of customers who hadn't been in for years. She treated everyone with the same direct, professional demeanor, whether they were a famous movie star or a local dockworker. This egalitarian approach cemented her status as the queen of the saloon.

Anecdotes abound of her dedication. Even in her later years, she remained on the job, a symbol of the old-school New York service industry. It was a career she loved, and she reportedly passed away while still actively involved with the saloon, a true server until the end.

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The Secret Life: Dating Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra

The most fascinating aspect of Pat Moore's life, and one that highlights the incredible social circles she moved in, was her romantic history. It was her time as a model that first connected her to the world of celebrity, and she maintained those connections throughout her life at P.J. Clarke's.

It is widely reported that Pat Moore dated two of her most famous customers, both legendary crooners: Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra. This detail is a powerful reminder that the most interesting stories in New York are often found in the most unexpected places—like a quiet corner booth at a historic bar.

The Tony Bennett Connection

Tony Bennett, a frequent patron of P.J. Clarke's, was one of the famous customers Pat Moore dated. Their relationship was a quiet affair, but it speaks volumes about the level of glamour and attraction Moore possessed. Bennett, a man known for his sophistication and appreciation of beauty, was clearly captivated by the former model. The fact that the news of her passing was reported with a focus on her status as Bennett's ex-girlfriend underscores the significance of their connection in her public profile.

The Frank Sinatra Connection

Even more astonishing is the revelation that she also dated Frank Sinatra, another titan of the crooning world and a customer at the saloon. Sinatra, famous for his demanding nature and high-profile relationships, found a connection with Pat Moore. Her ability to navigate the demanding world of a New York saloon with grace and authority likely appealed to the legendary singer.

The fact that she was romantically involved with both Bennett and Sinatra—two men whose lives and careers were often intertwined in the public eye—cements her own status as a hidden figure of 20th-century New York celebrity culture. Her relationships were a quiet secret, a testament to her discretion and the respect she commanded.

Pat Moore’s Enduring Legacy as a New York Institution

Pat Moore's death marks the end of an era for P.J. Clarke's and for New York City itself. Her life was a bridge between the city's golden age of glamour and its modern-day reality. She proved that a person's true legacy is built not just on fame, but on consistency, character, and connection.

Her story—the model who chose the life of a server, the woman who dated two of the biggest stars in the world but found her true home in a saloon—is the essence of a New York legend. She will be remembered not only as the beautiful former model but, more importantly, as "Miss P.J. Clarke's," the warm, formidable, and unforgettable presence who made the historic bar feel like home for countless people over 45 years. Her life serves as a powerful reminder that true star power often shines brightest in the most unexpected corners.