Nowadays, there’s pretty much a private club for whatever strikes your fancy. But getting back to basics, there’s no better reason to join a private club than food. Especially if you get Carbone’s rigatoni on demand. These are the dining clubs which confirm: membership does have its privileges.
The Club: ZZ’s Club New York
The Location: New York, NY
After launching its first location in Miami in 2021, ZZ’s Club burst into the New York dining scene with a bang in 2023. What sets it apart from its sibling down south? One word: Carbone. This members-only dining club from Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi, & Jeff Zalaznick has prime real estate in New York’s Hudson Yards. And, it sets itself apart from NYC’s plethora of other social clubs by focusing on the best part of every social gathering: the food. Upon entering ZZ’s Club New York, members can embark on the world’s bougiest scavenger hunt through a multitude of culinary experiences; ZZ’s Japanese Restaurant, The Clam Bar, and of course, the world’s first fully private Carbone. Carbone Privato is the innovative and experimental counterpart to its iconic NYC location, with everything from the menu, the uniforms, and even the playlist, uniquely curated for ZZ’s. We’ll give you one spoiler, though; for the first time ever, Mario Carbone is serving risotto.
The Club: Auric Room 1915
The Location: Big Sky, MT
So you just finished binge-watching Yellowstone and you’re having major withdrawals. Look no further than Auric Room 1915. Located on the Lone Mountain Ranch in the secluded wilderness of Big Sky, Montana, this members-only dining club and speakeasy brings Hollywood glamor to the wild west. Even Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce kicked up their boots at Auric Room 1915 in March. But don’t be surprised that you didn’t see any photos of the power couple channeling their inner cowboy — the club has a strict no-cellphone policy to protect the privacy of its members. On the menu are rare whiskies and craft cocktails, like The Midnight Cowboy and The Gold Rush, along with dishes like Bison Milanese that blend cowboy comfort fare with haute cuisine. In addition to delicious food and drinks, the club serves impeccable rancher-chic vibes that would even give Kevin Costner a run for his money.
The Club: Chez Margaux
The Location: New York, NY
With no less than 14 restaurants peppered across New York City, Jean-Georges should be crowned culinary king of Manhattan at this point. But among his mouth-watering portfolio, none are as exclusive as Chez Margaux. We’re talking so exclusive, that there aren’t even any photos of the inside. Nestled in the heart of the Meatpacking District, Chez Margaux is Jean-Georges’ first foray into the private club scene. But just one restaurant was not going to cut it for internationally-renowned chef and overachiever (we mentioned he has 14 restaurants in New York alone, right?). Chez Margaux features three distinct culinary offerings. There’s the main dining room that highlights traditional French cuisine, a more casual lounge that offers Japanese-inspired fare, and the caviar-and-cocktail bar that transforms into the Gaux Gaux nightclub in the evening hours.
The Club: Harry’s Bar
The Location: London, UK
For over four decades, Harry’s Bar has set the standard for private dining in London, attracting the likes of King Charles III, Frank Sinatra, and Madonna, to name a few. But don’t let the word “bar” fool you — this is not your dad’s pint-serving pub. Harry’s Bar is all about enjoying the finer things in life. Which is fitting for its location in Mayfair — one of London’s most exclusive neighborhoods. The interior of the club is filled with Venetian chandeliers and Murano glass. Its decor is actually so elegant, it’s received praise from Giorgio Armani and Valentino Garavani. Totes casual. But what about the food? Harry’s Bar is renowned for its traditional Italian cuisine, as well as its impeccable service. Part of that impeccable service is Club Director Luciano Porcu’s “truffle sourcing” trips. Twice a year, Porcu personally travels to Northern Italy to source the region’s finest truffles for the club’s members. Talk about taking farm to table to the next level.
The Club: Flyfish Club
The Location: New York, NY
Welcome to the private dining club of the future. Obviously, I’m talking about Flyfish Club. Nowadays, private dining clubs are a dime a dozen in New York City. But in 2024, Gary Vaynerchuk’s Flyfish Club made headlines as the world’s first blockchain-based private club, where memberships were held as non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Since its opening, they’ve added typical payment-based memberships, but the blockchain packages still include a myriad of extra perks. The club itself occupies a whopping 11,000 square feet on Manhattan’s Lower East side and houses a restaurant, a lounge, a private dining room, and an exclusive omakase counter for select members. The restaurant has a pretty extensive menu, including a raw bar, shareables for the table, pasta dishes, and steaks. Although, we wouldn’t expect anything less with chefs Josh Capon and Conor Hanlon at the helm.
FAQs:
Q: What is the membership fee for ZZ’s Club New York?
A: An individual membership at ZZ’s Club New York has an annual fee of $10,000 and a one-time initiation fee of $20,000.
Q: Does Harry’s Bar have a dress code?
A: Yes, Harry’s Bar has a strict dress code that requires members to be elegantly dressed. You can review the dress code in detail HERE.
Q: How can you access the omakase counter at Flyfish Club?
A: In order to access the omakase counter at Flyfish Club, you must purchase the Omakase Membership ($5,500 annual fee and $1,500 initiation fee for individuals) or purchase a Blockchain Membership.
