21 Club

 

22

43

Vinny S.

Philadelphia, PA

If you are in the mood for "old New York" check this joint out, table 9 is my favorite. The steak tartare is amazing, the service leaves a bit to be desired but, thats part of the deal. The waiters are old school, not there to win you over, just deliver the goods.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

7

46

Sylwia W.

New York, NY

I went here for a 21st birthday party (I know, how original) and though I wasn't paying, I did expect the food to be amazing considering the expensive prices. Unfortunately, though pretty good, the food didn't exactly meet my expectations. The crab cake was bland, and the same could be said of the Pan-Roasted King Salmon.

While most other reviewers describe the nostalgic twinge to the place, I wasn't as charmed by the 21 Club. Perhaps it's because my Jamaican cab driver told me that the restaurant was racist because of its jockey statues out front, or because I tend not to buy into old money pretensions, but I didn't feel entirely comfortable with the seemingly stilted formalities of the establishment.

Nevertheless, our waiters were extremely nice and professional; as at most upscale restaurants, they knew when to keep their distance and when to offer their assistance. The service, if nothing else, is probably what I would go back for.

EDIT: I forgot to add that the cocktails were also superb. Having just recently returned from a four-month-stay in London when I dined at the 21 Club, I was shocked and excited to see that they served Pimm's cocktails. I promptly ordered one up, and it did not disappoint.

Bathroom Grade: 7/10. Somehow, even the bathroom made me feel bad about my proletarian roots. Very clean, though.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

19

133

Joanna L.

New York, NY

Oh 21 Club, how fancy you look from the outside.

I went with a friend for lunch during Restaurant Week. I loved the decor and how it was like a Ivy League boy's club, but I have to nitpick about the waiter we got. Firstly, the menu had a lot of great choices - you had your fish, beef, chicken, pasta as a main. Appetizers included game terrine, salmon, gazpacho. Dessert included pie, cake, cheesecake, creme brulee. I picked out the game terrine, fish (which was salmon), and the blueberry pie. My friend picked out the gazpacho, beef, and some sort of cake.

The waiter was very brash when taking our orders and made it feel like we didn't fit in (but I don't think we were that bad, we were dressed in business casual).

Furthermore, even tho we sat and ordered long before the people next to us sat down, they received their food first! Now, this meal was already supposed to begin at 1:30, so it was probably around 2 when we got our appetizers. The waiter must've looked at us like we were crazy when we asked him why the people next to us were served earlier.

From then out they were very quick with the food - but it also felt like they were rushing us out.

The food itself was great though. The game terrine tasted fantastic with the bed of greens. The salmon was perfectly cooked, perfectly flaky and just the right about of rare. The blueberry crumble pie was AMAZING! It was a small tart and had the perfect flavorings. I would definitely go back just for the blueberry crumble pie.

Despite the brashness of the waiter, I still had a great experience and would definitely go back.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

6

96

Stella Y.

New York, NY

I went to 21 Club today for a business lunch and both the atmosphere and food were very much in line with my expectations.

I started with their Boston bibb lettuce salad with shredded carrots, a thick slice of goat cheese in aged vinaigrette. The salad was a bit soggy, or tasted as if it had been tossed earlier in the day as the there was no bite or crunch to the lettuce at all. It was soggy. The vinaigrette was on the very-oily side. However, I appreciated the chopped dill spinkled over the salad and piece of goat cheese; thought it added a nice detail to the overall taste of a rather simple salad.

For the entree I had the flambeed tableside steak with pearl onions, roasted fingerling potatoes, cherry tomatoes and haricots vert. I asked for the meat to be cooked medium (wasn't in the mood for rare meat). I also had their salmon. The steak was good. I would say that the food is elegant and simple. It's prepared well but nothing to rave about. The salmon, I thought, was prepared wonderfully though with just the right amount of rareness in the center. The pieces just flaked off. However, they must have poured a handful of salt over the crust (minor offense) because my first bite was very salty. Overall, the portions are on the small side. The salmon was larger relative to the beef. The side of veggies was also small.

They had this delicious cake for dessert. It was 3 layers of cake, similar to castella, and in between each layer of cake was a thin layer of bright orange gelee or some sort of tangy orange meringue. The slice of cake came with a side of fruit relish consisting of strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. This dessert was EXCELLENT. I love castella cake if it's done well, and this cake was definitely done well--moist and fluffy.

The interior is very old school. It reminds me of the interior of Ralph Lauren's RUGBY store (if it was a continuation of the store). I think this place favors an older male crowd (60s-70s). Dining here feels like you are visiting someone's 17th century estate, and you are having lunch/dinner in their dark/dimly lit and carpeted living room or dining room.

The food is definitely decent. It's not spectacular, but it's not disappointing either. I woudn't recommened the restuarant to friends, but if you're looking for a casual power lunch spot, then this is a good choice.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

1

41

Corey F.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Highly Recommended

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

52

90

Tony S.

Boston, MA

I felt like Don Vito Corleone here. All the waiters were about 90 years old, but with slicked back hair and heavy old country accents, and I felt obliged to play my role by doing the, "so... howz yooz guyz doin, eh? Badabingbada boom, wut duz a guy gots to do to gets me a frickin bottle of wawter? and where's da bat-troom? i gots to bleed my lizard.."

From what I understand, this place has been here since the prohibition, and had some hidden room for booze that now serves as a private dining room...... so of course I called one of the rich investment banker guys to book us this room as a client and treat us. At $500 a pop for the wine dinner, I'm so glad that i-banks are desperate enough for business that they'll take us up on something like this, because I sure as hell can't expense something like this in this recession.

Verdict? I'm unfortunately not a wine expert.... hell, I'm not even a wine cooler expert, so I can't comment on whether the things they picked were any good. Coulda been 2-buck-chuck for all I know.... Chateau Oprah... who knows?

Salad appetizer was standard Caesar. I'm off red meat this month, so I did the chicken, which was good, but nothing stellar. The cheesecake dessert was ok.

I think this place is more of an experience, say-you've-done-it kind of place rather than a fine-dining establishment. Don't get me wrong, it was cool, just not something I'd bring mom or a hot cheerleader date to.

Will I come back again? Hell, I've still got 3 i-bank contacts I can use up, so why not?

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

26

Lynn R.

Agoura Hills, CA

Classy, old school restaurant.  You feel as though you stepped back in time to the 60's.  Cool memorabilia gives 21 a great ambiance and unique flair.   Now I know why Holly liked this place!    Ceiling is dressed with toy airplanes, trucks and the like, tempting one to pluck one off the ceiling and regress to childhood!  

Pricey yes, but you come here for nostalgia and definitely the flawless service!!  Been a long time since I've had perfect service in a fine restaurant.

This was our super splurge, pull-out-the-stops night out on the town during our visit to New York!  Both dressed up with lots of places to go!  Starting with 21.  We had a blast!

Sat at table #29, Alec Balwins "fav" which is right next to "Bogie's" usual table, which my boyfriend TRIED to reserve.   Started with Martini's (good pour), then onto two appetizers; I had the jumbo lump crab (excellent!), my sweetheart had the Dry-Aged Beef Carpaccio (so, so...).   Entrees, again we shared.    My boyfriend had Steak Diane which was good & cooked to order.  I had  Charred Filet Mignon which was very good.   Although he did enjoy my dinner better, had to fend him off with my fork!   We shared a couple of side dishes too.   The food is tasty, but not over the top.

Sommelier came to help us with a red wine selection.   All and all, I think the wine was good, but I don't really think it's worth the big bucks my generous boyfriend paid!   I'd rethink spending boo coo dinero on wine here again.

Again, true to our form, we split two desserts, both very good.  Well, we could not leave without chowing down more food!   Cheese plate was next.......     We paired all food indulgences with cocktails, wine, dessert wines followed by the obligatory Cappuccino.

We over stayed our welcome, but so what.    Finished off the night with a glass of Champagne.   NO, we didn't drive!!  Cab'ed it.

Pros:  Nostalgic Classy, SERVICE!

Cons: Very pricey if you go all out.  Food is good, but add wine in to the equation and not worth the ticket price $$$.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

12

77

Katie H.

New York, NY

My boyfriend brought me here one random night for a surprise dinner after work. The only thing he told me was to put on something nice...ie. don't wear jeans. That left me guessing since I thought that almost every restaurant I go to or want to go to allows jeans these days.

When he told me where we were going I wasn't surprised because he had told me it's his favorite restaurant. Now my boyfriend loves what this restaurant embodies...which is the charm. It is about old, classic NY.

We had to wait at the bar for 15 minutes or so until our table opened up. When we were brought to our table I was thrown off. They had us both sit next to each other on the seat, not across from one another. I had never been seated like that while on a date but it was very romantic. I thought it would be weird not to look at my boyfriend across the table but it wasn't...it was nice. I like to cuddle so it was up my alley.

The food was great. I had the swordfish...which was actually the first time I've ever had it. It was delicious. It came with polenta which I thought I hated...but the 21 Club made me a polenta fan. Maybe it's just my mom's polenta I dislike.  Anyway, my entree was just delicious. My boyfriend had the filet and he loved it.

The service was impeccable. The waiter was kind and accomodating. The sommelier was knowledgeable. The wine we had was wonderful.

This is definitely a great place to take someone that you really like.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

101

165

Kathleen R.

Bronx, NY

My husband and I came here years ago (back when we were just bf and gf :-) to celebrate Valentine's Day.  Back then, we weren't even old enough to drink -- I distinctly remember the cute little bottles of Coca Cola that we received.

It seems all the previous reviewers have it down.  21 Club is classic, cool NY on its best day and could be stuffy, pretentious NY on its worst.  Fortunately, we experienced the former.  The waiter, sensing our nerves (since this place was not the kind of establishment we frequented in our college days), immediately put us at ease, and we enjoyed tasty prix-fixe chicken dishes, which at the time, were under $30 a person.  

We were admittedly baffled by the bill, which had separate gratuity lines for about 30 servers (ok, maybe five -- host, waiter, sommelier who stopped by, coat check person, crumb picker-upper -- who the heck knows)?!  In our inexperience, I think we honestly tipped each person 20%!!!  We were 19 years old and had no clue what we were doing :-)  Ahh well, I have fond memories of this place, as it was one of my first true "fancy" NYC dining experiences.  

I think everybody ought to try 21 Club at least once.  Heck, I should go again now that I'm a big girl and can actually drink something other than soda (if I ever figure out their confusing tipping etiquette :-)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

937

496

Megan C.

New York, NY

You can't help but stare at all the toys hanging from the ceiling and not feel like throwing a temper tantrum if the white glove waiters don't bring out exactly what you like.  Definitely not a place to act like a little kid, but the history is remarkable, and the tour of the wine cellar downstairs was interesting.  

Funny that the Mayor was in the basement when the restaurant was raided during the prohibition.  According to our tour guide the wine cellar was not on the original plan because there was a 12" thick door into the neighboring building.  It wasn't on the plan because the wine cellar was really in the building next door!  Brilliant.  The cops ticketed and towed the agents cars to get them out of the place so that they could sneak the mayor out.  Well, history, and genius come together with excellent food and wine.

Beet salad was small, but flavorful and definitely a favorite
Braised Short Ribs were mouthwatering good.
Wasn't a huge fan of their bread pudding.  The pudding was floating in a VERY strong sauce and unfortunately once it soaked into the pudding it was far too overpowering.  Would have been better if the sauce was on the side.

Wonderful meal, great company, all around pleasant experience. Not sure why they seem to get 2 and 3 stars I thought that the quality of both the staff, and the food were excellent.

Date Rating: 8
Pick up Scale: 2

Strong Suggestions: Remember this is old skool NYC.  Think proper and prohibition and about hanging with the good ol' boys and if you're up for it and don't mind spending a little bit more than some of the other neighboring places then you will enjoy your meal here.  All of the toys hanging from the ceiling were given to the restaurant by those companies.  Just ask your waiter they'd be happy to tell you.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

34

33

Jainy D.

Chicago, IL

This price is a little more pricey that it should be, but the FUN atmosphere..is pretty much worth it!!! I've heard sooo much about this place and after being in NY finally got a chance to check it!! there is so much going on inside, that its hard not to distract myself from conversation. There were a lot of celebs, I saw one of the olsen twins while there. Over all I loved it..the service can't be beat, we were treated like royalty! and the trucks on the ceiling were just so fun! :)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

105

258

Craig W.

San Marcos, CA

I dig it.

A little pricey, but come on.  The place is historic.  The waiters are top notch and will make you feel like a king.  You are dressed to the nines and it's a big night out.  You are probably staying at a table where some Princess or King or A-list actor once sat, if you care about that kind of thing.  Plus, it's cool to check out all the tacky trains and helmets and airplanes hanging from the ceiling.  It's kitschy but it's all just part of the charm.

I enjoyed all of the food but it was the place itself that grabbed me.  I'll be back.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

9

127

Princess M.

New York, NY

I like!

Don't know what the history is behind this place but I think it's a novel venue for visitors and kind of a fun spot for a date.

The restaurant is somewhat formal as jackets are required for men.  The waiters are your old, very experienced, formal types.  However, the restaurant still manages to have a casual feel to it that borders a tiny bit on 'touristy.'  The ceiling is covered with a variety of toy trucks, toy planes etc.  The booth tables are tightly-squeezed together but still comfortable.  Patrons are an eclectic mix of upper-east-siders, business lunchers and tourists.

The raisin bread that came in the complimentary bread basket was delicious.  I had the roasted salmon with brussel sprouts for lunch and it was very well made.  Others I was with ordered the chowder, roast chicken and roast beef sandwich and they all looked decent too.

I would go back again and take my family there if they were to visit.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

1

13

Anwar A.

New York, NY

I'll keep it short n sweet

4 starts for sitting at the bar for lunch and having a buger. It's fan-fcukin-tastic.

Sit down lunch - pass, unless its an expense account business lunch with a group

Dinner - pass

The food is great but its the atmosphere that puts me off, although I do want to take a peek into the prohibition room

p.s. Gents, don't forget the jacket

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

41

85

Ames F.

New York, NY

It may not make you feel dainty ordering it, but the Peg Leg is well worth the price tag. As, come to think of it, is the whole bar experience at the 21 Club. I can't speak to the food, nor the dining room, but the bar is exactly what you'd want from a legendary spot known for its "private club" atmosphere. Thankfully, mere mortals like myself need not have a membership to mix with the stars and expense account crowd, as it's not actually private. It just likes to think it is.

Yes, you can and will spot movie stars and celebutantes there from time to time. (Heather Graham showed up in a gown during my visit.) It's not as hip as other newer spots around town, but it does have that certain cachet that causes limos to line up all along the block. I even spotted a fashion shoot out front, going for the luxury look with a classic 1960s Mercedes convertible, and those iconic jockeys as a backdrop. (Their official site explains the jockeys.)

Yes, it does have a dress code and they do enforce it. If you don't have a tie to go with that sportcoat, they'll provide one.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

17

72

Darren W.

San Leandro, CA

ate here before heading to see a broadway show. was running very late; but once we arrived, it seemed like everyone was expecting us and knew that we had to have quick service. ordered the 3 course meal - greens/steak/dark chocolate dessert. the service was great and they were very personable. the food was good but can be pretty pricey. ordered a glass of champagne, and didn't realize it was almost $20/glass!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

7

32

Evan B.

New York, NY

Fun experience (coat and tie required) to try at least once with a decent setting with some very tasty appetizers.  Definitely an old stuffy crowd that took itself serious.

The main meal (filet mignon) was very underwhelming.  Overcooked for a steak ordered rare, and missing the blue cheese/cognac sauce that caught my eye.  Didn't even finish it.

Heard good things about the bar, but didn't get to try it.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

3

13

Angeline C.

New York, NY

If you've never heard of this place, it's helpful to research it a little to understand what the hype is all about. Established in the 1920's, it was one of the most celebrated speakeasies in the city thanks to their expertise in throwing off investigators who conducted raids during the prohibition era. They had a whole system of pulleys and levers which disposed all evidence of alcohol into the city's sewer system down below, and then there's the famous secret wine cellar which isn't really beneath building 21 but rather building 19. This was also the cellar in which the Mayor was in during a raid. Humphrey Bogart proposed to Lauren Bacall here. More fun facts?  - One rainy night, Robert Benchley uttered the immortal wisecrack, "Get me out of this wet coat and into a dry Martini." - 21club.com. I believe a fellow Yelper even has this phrase as his tagline. 21 Club is definitely steeped deep in history, and a place where history was made.

Once you've learned a bit of 21 Club's legendary hype, you may be able to appreciate your dining experience a little more. *Do take note that it is a strict 'jacket & tie' policy for men.* It's very old school NY, complete with Wall Street moneymakers, and a crowd you would expect to mostly hail from the UES. It's where you should definitely mind your manners - applies to celebrities as well! (Britney Spears is most likely unwelcomed here) Surprisingly, the suspended toys above doesn't take away from it's class factor. In fact, it feels right! Dignified men dressed in formal attire make up most of the staff here, and the overall service was attentive without being overbearing, and very very efficient.

The menu is pretty diverse ranging from foie gras to senegalese soup to decent choices for seafood, poultry or steak. I started with the foie gras, (which I am very cautious to order) because I like mine done a certain way - seared and somewhat crispy. It didn't come out quite the way I liked it, but was still palatable and I actually finished the whole hunk of it. The accompanying brioche was quite a soggy disappointment. I think the texture of something crustier would have complimented the foie gras better. Next was the steak tartare. It was definitely one of the better steak tartare's I've tried. This time it came with crusty toasts that complimented the steak well. Very yummy! However, the serving was huge and I had half of it left on my plate. My boyfriend ordered the dry aged sirloin which was (again) huge but done just the way he wanted it. No complains there! I had a side of brussel sprouts and it was delicious!!! The most important part to these infamous veggies is just getting it right - which is not often accomplished! Chocolate souffle was the choice dessert, but I must say it was the least impressive dish throughout the meal. The souffle was dry and with slight traces of moist chocolate left in its core. I've had good souffles, and this was definitely not one of them.

All in all, this is a place where one MUST visit at least once. It is very pricey and to enjoy your dinner, you should be able to afford it or at least try loosen your budget for the night. This place is rightfully legendary, and if you allow yourself...you will enjoy the experience!

p/s: My spectacular Bellini and my boyfriend's gimlet were complimentary...for no reason! Anything complimentary deserves half a star!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

45

64

Otto N.

San Francisco, CA

The most civilized place on Earth.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

95

1312

Alex S.

New York, NY

Having never tried only the most "exclusive" of all places, 21 Club, my expectations were quickly shot down by their overly rude "customer service reps" on the phone. Despite their awful manners, I showed up on time only to be treated like garbage by the host and the servers. What really sparked my fire unfortunately, was the poor service, dark atmosphere, and the very bland food. For the money that one would pay for this, you'd think the lamb shank would be tender instead of tough, the "21" burger would be at the very least better than a fast food joint (but it wasn't), and the chicken breast cooked with a little less salt. The only bright spot of the night were the (expensive) desserts. They were tastefully decorated and tasted light and sweet. I don't believe I'll ever be coming back, unless if someone pays for me.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

33

174

Kristy S.

Hoboken, NJ

I'm not sure how this place gets described as "swanky." I felt like I was at a fancy T.G.I.Fridays, between the decor and quality of the food.

I ordered the "famous" burger with not just any ketchup, but the 21 sauce. It certainly wasn't bad, but lacked a bit of flavor (it was very thick, had a bit of a burnt flavor on the outside and not much flavor on the inside) came with what were supposed to be carmelized onions, but were really just soggy onions and competely tastless green beans.

I tried a bite of my sister's duck confit salad, which was also a bit disappointing. It was a great salad aside from the fact that the duck was kind of slimy looking and tasting- not firm or crunchy like it usually is. No one at the table seemed enthused by their meals.

The desserts and service were the redeeming factors. All of the desserts that were ordered were good (though nothing that I would go raving to people about) and the service was very accommodating and classy.

It was a fun and interesting place to be in, but for those prices I wouldn't go back.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

2

55

Prakash S.

Winchester, VA

I would give this club zero stars if I could.   The only thing this 21 Club is good for is the nostalgia, and absolutely nothing else.  
Zero options other than french fries and a bland salad for vegetarians, the huge price you pay for everything, must be to pay for the waiters to wear penguin suits!
Bad food, bad service.   We ate dinner here for a total of $90 and left so hungry we had to go and order a pizza.  

Leave this place alone, unless ur ready to shell out big cash for a dull experience!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

30

181

sarah C.

San Francisco, CA

We didn't go for the food, but the atmosphere and the drinks, both of which were exactly what we were hoping for.  The service was excellent, and it all just felt so swanky relaxed, so exactly the New Yorkish experience I thought it would be.  I love the speakeasy history, and i love the dark leathery old clubby Remington feel where I can have any of my favorite drinks, be it a martini or a great cognac. We loved it so much that we went back twice in the same week, and that is a lot to say since we were trying to go somewhere different every night.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

8

27

Dina M.

Harrison, NY

My boyfriend and I ate at 21 Club last night for Restaurant week.  I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the restaurant (my first time there) it was very old New York.  

To start I ordered the Yellow Tomato Gazpacho and he had the spicy grilled shrimp (the better option).  For the main course I ordered the flank steak and he had the chicken.  The flank steak was delicious, the chicken was dry, but it's sides -grilled corn and black Thai rice were very tasty.  For dessert we ordered the vanilla bean creme brulee and the blueberry tart.  The tart was to die for.

My biggest complaint was the service.  Although everyone was very nice and knowledgeable I felt that they were rushing us.  We received our appetizers shortly after we ordered which was nice, and then our main course came after a short break, BUT the second they removed our plates, the dessert was on the table.  I don't know about you, but I like a pause in between courses.  The entire meal was very quick, but after they took our desserts they forgot about us.  They did not come back to the table to check on us for a good 25 mins.    

Overall, I'm glad I experienced it...the food was very good.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

94

159

Judith G.

New York, NY

You don't go to the 21 Club to eat, but you do go to be seen.  What's more, men go to be seen with you - that's why they'll pay those outrageous prices.  

It is a beautiful restaurant, though, and I would not have missed it for the world.  Classic New York City history, and an impenetrable, indescribable  mystique.  Even the waiters exude class.

You girls, make sure the guy picks up the tab! Sorry, I'm old-fashioned, and this smacks of a little reverse sexism, but for me it's a real test.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

129

260

Krista J.

New York, NY

I had the most enjoyable experience at 21!

Though I could never afford the normal prices, I opted to hit the 21 Club for lunch during Restaurant Week with two co-workers. We arrived a little early for our reservation and were seated right away. While the decor was a little unexpected at first (there are toy trucks and things suspended from the ceiling, license plates hanging on the wall, and Fredrick Remington statues all over the place), I grew to enjoy looking at this "collection." And it made the room feel cozy and comfortable...and a little old school.

The service was incredible...attentive, but not too attentive. The skilled waiters were informed about the menu, and they were willing to get you anything to make your meal more enjoyable.

The Restaurant Week menu was extensive here, with four choices for each of the three courses. Though even before the meal started, we couldn't get enough of the warm bread that was brought to the table. I opted to begin my meal with the "21" Caesar Salad which was very fresh and tasty. The dressing was just right, and evenly dispersed throughout the salad. My companions ordered the Barbecue Shrimp, which looked delicious, and they agreed that it actually was as good as it looked. My main entre was Roasted Chicken with asparagus...the chicken was so moist and well-seasoned, that I couldn't get enough. I do wish I had ordered the Sea Bass that my friend chose, as it was served on a bed of rice and just looked so wonderful. My other friend ate the Duck Confit, which she also said was well-cooked and tasty.

Dessert was almost too much after so much food, but we are never ones to say "no" to the sweets! I got the Semi-Sweet Brownie with ice cream, which was very rich and though I couldn't finish it all, I ate as much as my tummy could handle! I tasted my friend's Pistachio Mousse and Chocolate Mousse, which was light and delicious. And my other friend had a lovely Creme Brulee with fresh berries..yum!

Before leaving the restaurant, we took a little walk around to see the other rooms on the main floor. It's a fun classy restaurant, with a lot of New York history (it used to be a speak-easy, and there is still a hidden wine cellar room that can be used for private parties). I highly recommend going during the next Restaurant Week!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

32

131

Ryan K.

Chicago, IL

This place is great.  I know it is kind of a high roller status thing, but I just like the place.  I mean check out my favorite movie.... Anyways, they make a perfect Manhattan.  It was delicious.  Furthermore, the staff is amazing.  I asked to see a wine list, 5 minutes on the dot the sommelier came over and asked if I had any questions.  I was just loving the attention.  I was in town visiting so I wanted to do it right.  We enjoyed a drink before dinner, had an above average steak, a fantastic warm whiskey cake dessert and drinks afterwords.  The only cons to this place is it is expensive.  It didn't bug me that it was expensive, it just is.  For how much the steak is, you should be getting a little better quality.  The service made up for it though 10-fold.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

15

541

Chinku G.

Hicksville, NY

I had the chef's tasting menu with wine pairings...7 courses for $120pp. You have to ask for it. Food was all deftly prepared "classics" from the caviar to the mostly-crab crabcake to the risotto to the filet. A little intermezzo was surprising fruit soup. The wines which were chosen were fairly high quality, if not that inventive [Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc for example] Highly recommended for a special occasion.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

427

427

Audrey J.

New York, NY

I was very excited to go to 21 Club, but, alas, I was sorely disappointed in the end. The inside of the restaurant was dark -- VERY dark. (I told another summer, "I feel like we should be making out here.")  I was not that enthused by the place or meal at all. The salad I had was very fresh and yummy, but I would much rather have appreciated being able to see what I was eating. I had a freaking $27 burger which ended up being not all that great. The warm cinnamon and vanilla rice pudding dessert was really good, though.

Overall, it just did not live up to the hype.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

77

1090

Susan S.

San Francisco, CA

The reason to eat here is to feel like you are in "Sweet Smell of Success".  The food is mediocre and overpriced as are the drinks.  You eat here for reputation and bragging rights, nothing else.

The front lounge is pretty sweet, though.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

16

95

lisa S.

New York, NY

Every time I go here (which isn't that often), I feel like I am a. joining a part of New York history and b. in for a special evening, amongst the sophisticated and successful.  I love this place for both of those reasons, plus the service is impeccable and the food is sophisticated and successful as well.  However, I see it as a place to go to celebrate a business success (i.e. a promotion) or a business event due to the high prices.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

20

124

Anna P.

Boston, MA

I know this place is THE NY establishment - but it absolutely did not live up to all the hype. I was just there this past weekend for a corporate function and was quite unimpressed. Basically, the food was nothing special - I had wild mushroom risotto, filet mignon and cheesecake for desert. It was good - but honestly, for the price, I've had much better. The service was good though. All in all, the place is one of those that I think you go to once, just to say you have been there - but it won't become a tradition for me.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

7

409

Puneet C.

Hicksville, NY

Service is excellent, but the menu is highly overpriced....attractions for the tourist and for the people on business..food and atmosphere is excellent but not worth the money..try the wide variety of wines when you dine.full credit to the waitresses

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

119

2112

Gourmet G.

San Francisco, CA

This former speakeasy is as much of a Manhattan landmark as the Empire State Building. Thirty-three statues of jockeys greet you at the entrance, and inside you'll find items as diverse as artwork by Frederic Remington, Wayne Gretzky's helmet, and a replica of PT-109 donated by JFK himself. While its a la carte menu, famed for the chicken hash and Dover sole, is prohibitively expensive (a burger is priced at $30, and most of the remaining entrees are in the $39 - 46.00 range), there are ways you can dine here without going broke. The Bar Room offers a three-course lunch Monday through Friday for $33, and a three-course pre-theater dinner Monday through Saturday before 6:30pm for $38. Upstairs, in an elegant, more formal dining room, you'll find a three-course prix fixe menu Tuesday through Saturday for $68. No matter what your social status may be, you'll be greeted warmly and treated with respect by the managers and staff.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

1

64

Ron S.

NY

Phenomenal place -- went with the girlfriend for Restaurant Week and had an absolute blast. The food was literally fantastic - I was expecting good, and perhaps went in with the conception that the whole thing was a little overhyped, but frankly, the food did not disappoint in the slightest. It was simply stellar. Our wine sommelier was exceptionally knowledgeable and described the pros and cons of each of the wines that had made our short list -- he conducted himself with a great deal of class and we ended up with the perfect bottle.

Amusingly, we made friends with the couple next to us who had commented on our wine selection - we ended up letting the guy taste some of our wine. My girlfriend and I then were mysteriously brought 2 flutes of Perrier-Jouet which we definitely had not ordered, and I figured that it was ordered by our new tablemates to thank us for the wine tasting (it was a rather nice bottle). Being a little tipsy, I figured I'd return the favor - the guy and I had been talking about scotch and he turned out to be a little bit of a fan as well. I called the waiter over and secretly ordered him a glass of Oban to try. When the waiter brought it out, the guy was surprised and he asked the waiter who'd ordered it for him and the waiter nodded over at me. I told him that it was in return for the champagne, and he and his girlfriend looked puzzled - turns out they hadn't ordered it for us! (We never found out who did...) The guy now feels beholden so he asks me to order a single malt on him (I am rapidly becoming rather drunk...) but they didn't have my favorite (Bruichladdich 15 or 20) so I ordered the same as I'd gotten for him -- and we got drunk together. Turned out to be a great night - my girlfriend, also rather drunk at this point, exchanged numbers with his girlfriend so they could hang out. The whole experience was great, and we totally closed the place down that night. Great fun, great food, great people -- awesome that a place steeped in so much history and tradition can still be this much fun. Bravo.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

8

Rob Y.

New York, NY

I went with a group of 10 to 21 club last night to try it for Restaurant week was very dissapointed. During Restaurant Week eateriers offer $35 three-course dinners, which compared to their normal prices would be a bargain. Instead, we recieved mediorce assemblyline food, and overpriced drinks. The only options were lamb shank (which tasted like it was a frozen dinner) burger (which tasted way too gamey) and a chicken that I was told was unimpressive. We had waiters who brought us out bottles of sparkiling water which no one ordered which came to $50. The waiters seemed annoyed we all ordered the restaurant week menu and were going to cut into their tips. I will not be going back and wouldn't recommend it. From what I hear the whole restaurant week is a dissapointment wherever you go.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

1

9

Alicia R.

New York, NY

My father-in-law took us here to see and be seen which he adores. He is so old NYC and I love it!  He loves reminiscing with the waiters and remembers certain folk who enjoyed these super places which we all identify with NYC.I would not have missed this experience for the world.
I had eaten here before, loved the food and decor, but somehow, being with someone who has dined here for years on end, makes for a different and not to be missed night.
Wonderful service, the waiter even explained the origin of all the hanging toys, trucks, and the like from ceiling. (just ask) Excellent food and wine. My husband, being the little boy in the 6'4 body, ordered a hamburger and fries. "Like when I was a kid," he defended and proceeded to compete with the little tyke in the suit next to us, trying to take the whole burger into one huge bite. The 21 sauce is great, but you have to have a taste for its smokiness.
Super place, will add more as I remember, but we will definitely be back.