Zero Bond, Casa Cipriani, more

May 2024 · 7 minute read

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On a recent evening in the Flatiron District, a doorman warmly welcomed stylish 30-somethings to Chapel Bar, a dimly lit cocktail den that opened within a 19th century church in September.

Inside, revelers — some wobbling in Dolce & Gabbana heels, others sturdy in Chuck Taylors — mingled beneath a huge chandelier hung from a buttressed ceiling. A chic manager in a gold dress and matching turban greeted patrons like old friends. Whether leaning against the horseshoe-shaped bar or commanding a velvet booth, guests appeared completely relaxed and totally at home — with good reason. 

Chapel Bar isn’t open to just anyone with a thirst for espresso martinis. The new watering hole is exclusive to NeueHouse, a private club that debuted in 2013. As the city comes back to life post-COVID, it and other similar institutions are booming as people look to socialize safely.  

“There is a deep sense of wanting to connect again, but in an environment where you feel protected and we provide a warm welcome back to socialization,’’ Josh Wyatt, CEO of NeueHouse, told The Post. 

The clubs also satisfy a need for grown-up nightlife free of NYU-coeds and young Wall Street bros blowing through their first big bonus. 

“The pandemic was a catalyst for something already happening,’’ said Scott Sartiano, co-owner of Zero Bond, a chic Noho club with a restaurant from Richard Farnabe, formerly of Mercer Kitchen and personal chef to Tommy Hilfiger. “There were not a lot of great places for mature, successful people. They would go out, spend a lot of money nightly, and not get a good return on their investment.’’

While exclusive, such venues stand in stark contrast to historic New York society hubs like the Metropolitan Club or the Union Club, which cater to social-register elites and can be difficult to infiltrate. These more modern, members-only scenarios tend to attract a relatively diverse cohort. They typically require just 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.

“People want to know who they have around them now,” said Miky Grendene, founder and owner of Casa Tua, a club with outposts in Miami, Aspen, Paris and — by 2023 — on the Upper East Side. “If I could make $10 for each person I connected in business, I would be a multimillionaire.”

Want in? Here’s a guide to the buzziest private clubs right now.

Zero Bond

Access to the sleek restaurant at Zero Bond is one of its biggest perks. Photo by Natalie Black

The Scene: 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 — belonging to a super-rich friend. Tom Brady, Elon Musk, Kim Kardashian, Liev Schreiber, Jennifer Lopez, Scooter Braun and Zac Posen have all come over for supper at some point. The club, which opened last October, recently hosted a dinner for the cast of “No Time To Die’’ and a listening party for Coldplay’s latest album.

The Perks: Zero Bond offers access to one of the hottest dining scenes around: In addition to the main grill overseen by chef Farnabe, there’s an omakase sushi bar and private dining rooms. Plus, there’s a multimillion-dollar art collection, screening room and library.

The Bottom Line: Entrance requires a $1,000 initiation fee plus annual dues of $4,000. Those under 30 pay $500 for initiation and $2,500 annually.
6 Bond St., 212-960-3484; ZeroBondNY.com 

Oh La La

Nightlife impresario Omar Hernandez is the man behind the new vaudeville-themed club Oh La La! NYC Stephen Yang

The Scene: Models, the art crowd and fashionistas rub up against finance dudes and Upper East Siders at this new supper club that just came on the scene last month in the back room of the legendary boîte, La Goulue. Nightlife impresario Omar Hernandez, known for Omar’s in the West Village, is behind it all, and he attracts luminaries such as Madonna, Martha Stewart, Valentino, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Sofía Vergara, Bella Hadid, Jason Wu and Dwyane Wade.

The Perks: Features include access to special tables at La Goulue and an exclusive menu with luxuries such as caviar and truffles.

The Bottom Line: Attendees thus far have just been invited guests, but memberships will soon be offered as NFTs — naturally — for an as-yet-undetermined price.
29 E. 61st St., 212-935-4770; OhLaLaNYC.com

NeueHouse

A stylish, young front desk staff greets members at NeueHouse in the Flatiron District. Stephen Yang

The Scene: Since it opened in 2013, creative types such as designer Peter Do and art dealer Pamela Auchincloss have flocked to this five-story industrial chic Gramercy club, which contains various workspaces. By day, members grab healthy-ish lunches at the Gallery café, brushing shoulders with the likes of Hailee Steinfeld, Kaia Gerber, Rami Malek and Solange Knowles. By night, there’s extensive cultural programming with talks from everyone from Melissa Rivers to Salman Rushdie, along with special screenings and musical performances. 

The 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 Bottom Line: Annual fees range from $3,200 to $10,800, depending upon level of access and work area.
110 E. 25th St., 212-273-0440; NeueHouse.com

Core Club

Core Club is a favorite of billionaires and multi-millionaires.

The Scene: Billionaires — reported members include Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz and Blackstone Group CEO Stephen Schwarzman — mingle with lesser titans such as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, real estate developer Michael Shvo and former White House comms commando Anthony Scaramucci. A large heated terrace at the 16-year-old club has become popular for meals.

The Perks: An expansive gym, Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa and the skin-care institute Dangene are all in the building and provide preferential bookings to members. There are also screenings and lectures with the likes of Al Gore and Anna Wintour. 

The Membership: Fees include $15,000 to $100,000 for initiation, plus $15,000 to $18,000 annually.
66 E. 55th St., 212-486-6600; TheCoreClub.com

Casa Cipriani

Casa Cipriani’s ornate exterior belies the decadence that awaits within. Courtesy of Casa Cipriani

The Scene: International power players fraternize with Drew Barrymore, Chrissy Teigen, John Legend and Alicia Keyes in a grand, landmarked Beaux-Arts Battery Park building decorated with Julian Schnabel murals. Opened in September, the private offshoot of the scene-y Italian spot has terraces and a rooftop with expansive views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. 

The Perks: Enjoy Cipriani’s food in private surroundings, and then retreat to the bar or seductive music area. A gym is open now, a pool will be added to the roof and members get first dibs on the 47 rooms and suites. 

The Bottom Line: Fees include $600 for initiation, plus $3,600 annually.
10 South St., 212-584-5801; CasaCipriani.com 

WSNY

At WS in Hudson Yards, members can sip rare wines in the cellar room. Andy Outis for WS New York

The Scene: Corporate, tech, and media-types swirl and sip Bordeaux from Zalto glasses in rooms designed by starchitect David Rockwell and decorated with amber lighting, leather furnishings and cork walls. The most ambitious members prowl about this Hudson Yards spot, which opened in 2019, hoping to hobnob with associates of Stephen Ross, CEO of the Related Companies, who owns the club with Wine Spectator. 

The Perks: Features include access to reservations in three dining rooms, wine tastings with high-end producers such as Napa Valley’s Caymus 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 Bottom Line: Fees include $5,000 to $15,000 for initiation, plus $3,750 to $7,500 annually.
37 Hudson Yards, 212-564-6929; WSNewYork.com

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