21 Club

Today, I thought I would share with you my favorite restaurant, the 21 Club,  at 21 west 52nd street, in New York City. It is named "21" because that is the street address. It opened in 1920. My husband and I go here for our special dates. We will be going here this weekend to celebrate Valentine's Day.  I feel this is the most romantic and fun restaurant in New York City.

                                                                  The front of Club 21

I am a romantic and love legendary tales like the origins of the 21 Club.  I love everything about this place, including the outside of the restaurant. The jockeys adorning the entrance are more than just decorative pieces. In the 1930s the affluent horse set frequented "21". To impart their personal stamp on this speakeasy turned restaurant, many breeders donated jockeys as  symbols of their private horse farms. Over the years affluent horse breeders and 
"21" regulars donated a jockey.

The lounge is a large room to have a lite meal or wait for table and have a drink. It is red with a fireplace and so comfy and warm feeling. Below, a picture of one corner or the lounge.  

                                                                the lounge



The main dining room is called the bar room. It is a place of incredible stimulation. There are toys hanging from the ceilings, all donated by patrons, including President Kennedy.

Everywhere you look there is something interesting to look at. This room makes one feel happy and alive. You can feel the history.

                                                                 the bar


There are 32 seats in this section of the restaurant.   Below is a map of tables and their numbers.  If you are a Bill Clinton or Donald Trump fan ask for  table 11, where they always sit.  George Clooney sits at table 8 and the Kennedy Clan sit at table 31. 

"21" is noted for their wine list. If you are a wine lover  perhaps you should request the table in the wine cellar, where there is one large table. 

                            wine cellar




During the prohibition the owners had an elaborate system of destroying and hiding the alcohol if there was a bust. A secret underground area was built to hide the bottles of alcohol. This room is still in use today but for storage.

secret room

 If you are one of the regular elites, their may be a bottle of wine with your name on it, awaiting your next visit. See below, Liz Taylor's bottle in lower  middle left.

                                                                 private stock



My absolute favorite room to eat is the upstairs dining room. It is considered the room to pop the question.  There are beautiful murals of New York landmarks. The lighting is very soft and it is very quiet compared to the bar room. The service and food are exquisite. The tables are set up so that you really feel you are the only couple in the dining room.

                                           upstairs


This restaurant is just such an icon and I love visiting here. It has everything a diner would love, a comfy lounge area, an exciting lively bar room and an intimate dining room for a romantic dinner for two.  If you are ever in New York I would highly recommend it, and if you are with your honey eat upstairs!  During the holiday season, the decorating is gorgeous. 




I am linking this post to Pink Saturday for the Valentine Party hosted by Beverly at How Sweet The Sound.




Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!