Zero Bond, Metropolitan Club, Union Club, Soho House, Oh La La, Core Club and NeueHouse are just some of the private member clubs in the mix.
These more modern, members-only scenarios tend to attract a relatively diverse cohort. They typically require two letters of recommendation to join, but the application process is still a screening of sorts, curating a crowd on the make for both work and pleasure.
Here’s a guide to the buzziest private clubs right now.
Zero Bond
Backstory: A mix of athletes, actors, fashion and other creative types enjoy a sort of private dinner party atop a five-floor 1874 landmarked building in Noho that was once the Brooks Brothers factory. Plush couches, exposed brick walls and oversized windows make it feel like a cozy two-story apartment.
Some Perks: Zero Bond offers access to one of the hottest dining scenes around. Guests can enjoy the cuisine of Chef Farnabe and there’s an omakase sushi bar and private dining rooms. To highlight the décor, there’s a multimillion-dollar art collection, screening room and library.
The Fees: Entrance requires a $1,000 initiation fee plus annual dues of $4,000. Those under 30 pay $500 for initiation and $2,500 annually.
NeueHouse
Backstory: Since it opened in 2013, creative types such as designers art dealers have flocked to this five-story industrial chic Gramercy club, which contains various workspaces. By day, members work, grab a bit at the Gallery café and network. By night, there’s extensive cultural programming with talks from everyone from Melissa Rivers to Salman Rushdie, along with special screenings and musical performances.
Some Perks: NeueHouse perks include the Chapel Bar, the cultural offerings and reciprocal access to the Mortimer House in London and the chic upstate New York retreat the Troutbeck.
The Fees: Annual fees range from $3,200 to $10,800, depending upon level of access and work area.
Core Club
Backstory: Billionaires with professional athletes, real estate developers White House deligates. A large heated terrace at the 16-year-old club has become popular for meals.
Some Perks: An expansive gym, Paul Labrecque Salon & Spa and the skin-care institute Dangene are all in the building and provide preferential bookings to members. There are also screenings and lectures.
The Fees: Fees include $15,000 to $100,000 for initiation, plus $15,000 to $18,000 annually.
Casa Cipriani
Backstory: International power players fraternize with actors and musicians in a grand, landmarked Beaux-Arts Battery Park building decorated with Julian Schnabel murals. The private offshoot of the Italian spot has terraces and a rooftop with expansive views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty.
Some Perks: Enjoy Cipriani’s food in private surroundings, and then retreat to the bar or seductive music area. Members can also enjoy the gym and pool. Members have preferred access to the 47 rooms and suites.
The Fees: Fees include $600 for initiation, plus $3,600 annually.
WSNY
Backstory: Corporate, tech, and media-types swirl and sip Bordeaux in rooms designed by David Rockwell.
Some Perks: Features include access to reservations in three dining rooms, wine tastings and special dinners from Thomas Keller and Michael Lomonaco. There are also reciprocal benefits and discounts with partnership institutions including Mount Sinai and Equinox Hotels.
The Fees: Fees include $5,000 to $15,000 for initiation, plus $3,750 to $7,500 annually.
Casa Cruz
Backstory: Heiresses and fashion icons enjoy the six-story Beaux-Arts mansion at 36 East 61st Street. The décor sets the tone with the copper detailing, Brazilian cherry paneling, turntables with vintage LPs, Boteros, Warhols, fireplaces and walls upholstered in Casa Cruz green corduroy.
Some Perks: Members have exclusive access to the fourth floor and rooftop terrace, where there are lounges and dining rooms, accessible by a private elevator. The main restaurant and lounges on second and third floors are open to the public, assuming one can get a reservation.
The Fees: Fees are $250,000 to Access This Private Playground
SOHO House
Backstory: Designed for young creatives in the media and the arts, Soho House is more for relevant socialites and influencers, rather than stuffy old men in suits and ties. The Soho House is the place to be seen but only IRL (no pictures allowed).
Some Perks: Members have exclusive access to the club, lounge, restaurant, private theater, accomodations and rooftop pool. They also have access to SOHO Houses globally.
The Fees: Fees are 2,700 to join a single club and $5,000 to have access to all of the Soho Houses.
