Kimberly Fisher is a Pursuitist contributor, and a freelance writer…
New York City is home to some of the most prestigious and exclusive private members-only clubs in the United States. With more millionaires than any other city, more billionaires than the entire UK or France, and some of the richest zip codes in the country, NYC naturally attracts high-powered financiers, socialites, industry leaders, and celebrities. These clubs serve as elite gathering spots for networking, business dealings, and leisure.
Unlike your standard social clubs, these NYC private clubs are steeped in tradition, opulence, and discretion. From legacy institutions with centuries-old prestige to modern luxury spaces catering to the creative elite, membership to these clubs is a privilege few can afford. Here’s a look at New York’s top 5 private clubs, each with its own distinct history, charm, and list of power players.
1. The Union Club – The Oldest & Most Historic Private Club in NYC
Founded: 1836
Location: East 69th Street and Park Avenue, Manhattan
Membership Fees: Estimated initiation fee of $50,000+ with annual dues around $10,000
The Union Club is the oldest and arguably the most elite private club in Manhattan. Established in 1836, it boasts nearly two centuries of tradition, discretion, and exclusivity. The club resides in an opulent landmark building known for its stunning classical architecture, high ceilings, and fine craftsmanship. It’s a symbol of American aristocracy and “old money” wealth.
Amenities & Features
•Dining Options: Five private dining rooms serving gourmet cuisine.
•Cigar Humidor: Houses over 100,000 cigars, making it a haven for cigar aficionados.
•Library: Filled with rare, historic, and modern literary works.
•Recreational Spaces: Squash courts, a card room, and a spacious lounge for socializing.
Notable Members
Some of the most prominent names in American history have been Union Club members, including:
•Cornelius Vanderbilt (industrial magnate)
•William Randolph Hearst (publishing tycoon)
•Ulysses S. Grant (U.S. President)
•Dwight D. Eisenhower (U.S. President)
Why It’s Special: The Union Club represents old-school wealth, heritage, and power. It’s one of the most difficult memberships to obtain, with a process shrouded in mystery and a board of governors that selects members carefully.
2. The Metropolitan Club – Built by J.P. Morgan, Fit for Presidents
Founded: 1891
Location: 1 East 60th Street, Manhattan
Membership Fees: Estimated $5,000 annual fees, though initiation fees are undisclosed
The Metropolitan Club was founded by banking mogul J.P. Morgan in 1891 after one of his friends was rejected from another club. With a “if you won’t let me in, I’ll build my own” mentality, Morgan established the Metropolitan Club as a gentleman’s retreat for captains of industry and political heavyweights.
Amenities & Features
•Dress Code: Business attire is mandatory — ties, jackets, and polished shoes are required.
•Tech-Free Zone: No cell phones or laptops allowed to preserve privacy and focus on in-person interaction.
•Private Dining & Event Spaces: Host dinners, meetings, and private functions.
Notable Members
The Metropolitan Club has been home to four U.S. presidents and numerous influential figures, including:
•Ronald Reagan (U.S. President)
•Gerald Ford (U.S. President)
•Richard Nixon (U.S. President)
•Bill Clinton (U.S. President)
•Salman Rushdie (renowned novelist)
Why It’s Special: The Metropolitan Club represents old-school American business power. It remains one of the most traditional and strict clubs in NYC, prioritizing decorum and privacy over flash and modernity.
3. Soho House – Where Creativity & Cool Converge
Founded: 1995 (London), NYC location opened in 2003
Location: Meatpacking District, Lower East Side, Brooklyn
Membership Fees: $2,500–$3,500 annually with a $500 application fee
Unlike the stuffy, suit-and-tie ambiance of traditional private clubs, Soho House caters to the creative elite. Actors, artists, writers, and media professionals frequent Soho House’s ultra-chic locations. Originally founded in London, Soho House now has multiple NYC locations. Rooftop pools, curated cocktails, and creative lounges make it a social playground for celebrities and artists.
Amenities & Features
•Rooftop Pools: A scenic rooftop pool that’s become a social hotspot.
•Stylish Bars & Lounges: Plush interiors with a trendy, modern aesthetic.
•Co-Working Spaces: Perfect for remote work, especially in creative fields.
•Exclusive Events: Private screenings, artist talks, and music nights.
Notable Members
Soho House members are young creatives and celebrities, including:
•Graydon Carter (Vanity Fair editor)
•Nicole Kidman (actress)
•Robert De Niro (actor)
•Uma Thurman (actress)
Why It’s Special: Soho House blends luxury with creative cool. It offers a more relaxed, trendy environment compared to traditional clubs like the Union or Metropolitan Club.
4. CORE: Club – The Modern Elite’s Private Powerhouse
Founded: 2005
Location: Midtown Manhattan
Membership Fees: $50,000 initiation fee + $15,000 annual dues
The CORE: Club is known as one of the most exclusive and high-priced modern clubs. Its focus is on providing the ultimate luxury experience for financiers, venture capitalists, and big-time executives. It caters to every whim of its elite members.
Amenities & Features
•Fine Dining: Five-star cuisine from world-class chefs.
•Spa & Wellness: Massage, spa, and wellness services.
•Art Collection: Rotating collection of on-loan contemporary art.
•Private Suites: Luxurious overnight suites for members.
Notable Members
Power and affluence reign supreme at CORE: Club, with members from Wall Street, real estate, and media, including:
•Bill Clinton (U.S. President)
•Harvey Weinstein (disgraced film mogul)
•Tory Burch (fashion designer)
Why It’s Special: CORE: Club is a modern retreat for the global elite. It offers unparalleled luxury with every amenity a mogul could desire.
5. Zero Bond – The Hottest Downtown Spot
Founded: 2020
Location: NoHo, Manhattan (Bond Street)
Membership Fees: $500 initiation fee + $3,000 annual dues
Launched in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zero Bond has quickly become one of the hottest members-only club in NYC. Unlike older clubs that focus on tradition, Zero Bond is focused on the “new elite” of tech founders, artists, and A-listers. It features artfully designed spaces curated by architect Thierry Despont.
Amenities & Features
•Rooftop Deck: Open-air terrace with panoramic views of NoHo.
•Bar & Grill Room: Exclusive dining options with world-class chefs.
•Omakase Bar: Intimate, high-end dining experience.
•Screening Room & Library: Host film screenings and intimate events.
Notable Members
From tech founders to actors, Zero Bond attracts NYC’s “new elite”, including:
•Kim Kardashian (entrepreneur & reality star)
•Justin Bieber (pop star)
•Tom Brady (NFL legend)
Why It’s Special: With its modern appeal, cutting-edge design, and access to the young cultural elite, Zero Bond is the epitome of 21st-century exclusivity.
The Most Prestigious Clubs in NYC
These five private clubs are the ultimate expression of wealth, power, and privilege in NYC. Whether you want to join the old-money elite at The Union Club, rub shoulders with modern moguls at CORE: Club, or socialize with celebrities at Soho House, there’s a private club for every type of high-society player.
Kimberly Fisher is a Pursuitist contributor, and a freelance writer that has been published in over 50 publications including Huffington Post, Just Luxe, Sherman's Travel, Ocean View, Luxury Lifestyles UK, USA Today and more. (Disclosure: Kimberly is under contract with Casa Del Sol Tequila).