The Most Exclusive Private Members’ Clubs In New York

In the vibrant mosaic of New York City’s social landscape, the most exclusive private members’ clubs stand as bastions of luxury, tradition, and discretion. 

Tracing their origins back to 18th-century Britain, these clubs were initially established as exclusive enclaves for the social elite, offering a private setting for the affluent to socialize away from the public gaze. Over centuries, this tradition crossed oceans and evolved, embedding itself into the fabric of New York society.

These prestigious clubs provide refuge to the crème de la crème across various industries, including tech tycoons and Hollywood celebrities. This is where you spend your days dining on rooftops, indulging in spa treatments, networking with industry moguls and sharing your talent with fellow creatives. 

Where do we sign up? 

From soaring initiation fees and rigorous selection processes to secret club rules and time-honored traditions, membership often remains an invitation-only affair. 

That being said, we may not make the list, but we do have the inside scoop. Here is a peek into where The Big Apple’s one-percenters choose to hang out. 

Aman Club

Distinguished as the most exclusive (read: expensive) private members’ club in New York City, Aman Club has an outrageous initiation fee of $200,000. 

Located in the center of Manhattan in the iconic Crown Building, the covert club whispers tales of alluring accommodation (Aman is known the world over for its pristine places of pure peace, after all), innovative dining concepts, and extensive wellness facilities spanning three floors. The celebrity-worthy spa is the ultimate urban sanctuary, featuring tranquil treatment rooms, a hammam steam room, and a banya sauna. 

While specific membership requirements aren’t mentioned anywhere, the exorbitant joining fee says it all. This is an elite club for the highest members of society. 

Best for: Marrying the serenity of Aman with the vibrant energy of Manhattan. 

Core Club

Positioned as an “international community of minds, mavericks, and leaders”, Core Club is one of the most sought-after private social clubs in NYC. 

Core Club is more than just a private social club, it aims to provide spaces for transformation and conversation. It’s an environment where new ideas and intellectual challenges are encouraged, featuring a highly curated collection of books and art. 

Amenities include a library, theater, opulent dining rooms, private meeting rooms and eleven suites for overnight guests, as well as a gym, spa beauty salon and health bar. Basically, it has everything you need to flourish mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Best for: Igniting transformation. 

ZZ’s Club

Nestled in the heart of New York City’s Hudson Yards, ZZ’s Club redefines exclusivity and luxury. A brainchild of Major Food Group, this private membership club is named after the group’s co-founder Jeff Zalaznick’s nickname, “ZZ.”

Inspired by its Miami counterpart, ZZ’s Club in New York opened in 2023 and is a lavish sanctuary of unparalleled opulence and hospitality. Designed by renowned interior designer Ken Fulk, the secret oasis is a nod to the hush-hush glamor of old-school Hollywood, adorned with painted walls and grandiose chandeliers. 

As one of the most exclusive clubs in New York, ZZ’s Club houses a modern Japanese restaurant, a cigar terrace, and a glamorous lounge with diverse music programming. A standout feature is the world’s sole private CARBONE location, making it a much-coveted culinary gem.

Best for: Gourmet and glamorous. 

Knickerbocker Club

The Knickerbocker Club, also known informally as “The Knick,” is one of New York City’s most exclusive and aristocratic gentlemen’s clubs. Founded in 1871, it is known for its stringent membership requirements and privacy, catering to a highly selective membership drawn from the social elite​​.

Throughout its rich history, the Knickerbocker Club has attracted illustrious members, including early Hollywood star Douglas Fairbanks, scion of the famous Astor family John Jacob Astor, financier JP Morgan, and former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Notably, the NYC club maintains a men-only policy. With no website, no women, and a rumored code of secrecy, very little has changed over the past centuries. 

The Knickerbocker Club maintains its privacy and exclusivity by not having a public website or disclosing detailed information about its operations, members, or activities online​​.

Best for: A long-lived legacy of exclusivity. 

Nexus Club

Nexus Club redefines private social clubs in New York City from its illustrious perch on the seventh floor of 100 Church Street. With a discerning eye, it curates a membership that values family and community as much as luxury, evidenced by its steep $20,000 initiation and $12,500 annual fees. 

Since its inception in 2019, this enclave has been a beacon for the elite seeking to elevate the everyday. Famous members include Justin Timberlake and Tiger Woods. 

At its core, the club features a state-of-the-art wellness center and a high-end spa. The dining experience at Nexus is unparalleled, with gourmet options crafted by renowned chefs, spanning fine dining to casual eateries and sophisticated bars. The club also boasts well-appointed meeting spaces for business and social gatherings, alongside family-friendly facilities that ensure a welcoming atmosphere for members of all ages. 

Best for: A family-first philosophy. 

Classic Car Club Manhattan

Located at Pier 76, a scenic waterfront location on the Hudson River, Classic Car Club Manhattan is one of the most exclusive automotive clubs in New York.

Founded in 2005 by Zac Moseley and Michael Prichinello, this club transcends the ordinary, offering members unparalleled access to a curated collection of exotic and classic cars. However, it’s not just about the cars; the social club also features a luxurious clubhouse, state-of-the-art simulators, a riverside terrace, and a gourmet restaurant, providing a sophisticated backdrop for social and professional gatherings. 

Catering to a clientele that appreciates the finer aspects of motoring and lifestyle, the club is rumored to attract many famous members, though specifics are kept secret to maintain members’ privacy.

Best for: Living life in the fast lane. 

The Ned NoMad

The Ned NoMad, an extension of the London-based hospitality and members’ club concept, is a blend of luxury and history located in New York City’s NoMad neighborhood. Opened in 2021 by Soho House & Co and Sydell Group, it occupies the historic Johnston Building. 

While the club’s membership list is discreet, it’s known to attract a mix of creatives, entrepreneurs, and celebrities, reflecting its founders’ ethos of fostering a dynamic professional community. 

The Ned NoMad offers extravagant amenities, including a rooftop terrace, an array of dining options featuring world-class cuisine, bespoke bars, and opulent bedrooms, alongside access to unique events and spaces designed for networking and leisure. 

Best for: Old-school glamor redefined by modern comforts. 

The Metropolitan Club

The Metropolitan Club, one of New York City’s most storied private members’ clubs, stands majestically at One East 60th Street, overlooking Central Park. Founded in 1891 by J.P. Morgan and a cohort of America’s Gilded Age elite, the club was established as a response to Morgan’s rejection from other clubs of the era. 

With its illustrious beginnings, the Metropolitan Club has long been the domain of society’s upper echelon, including notable figures such as Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, and Richard Nixon. 

A symbol of success and prestige, the club boasts lavish amenities such as opulent dining rooms, a grand ballroom, libraries, and fitness facilities, all housed within a historic, architecturally significant building. 

Best for: Gilded elegance with a traditional ambiance. 

The Union Club of the City of New York

Founded in 1836, The Union Club is recognized as the oldest private club in New York City, established by a group of prominent New Yorkers as a gentlemen’s club. Throughout its history, the Union Club has been the social ground for many famous individuals, including politicians, business leaders, and cultural icons. 

The club’s classical interior celebrates its storied past and tradition with richly decorated rooms, ornate ceilings, and exquisite furnishings. Exclusive membership provides access to luxurious dining rooms, a library filled with volumes of literature and history, guest rooms for overnight stays, and a variety of social events that underscore its role as a cultural hub. 

The NYC club also features a fitness center, squash courts, and art collections, catering to the leisure and intellectual pursuits of its distinguished community.

Best for: Subscribing to high society. 

Casa Cipriani

Casa Cipriani, situated within the iconic Battery Maritime Building, was founded in 2021 by the Cipriani family, known for their global hospitality empire. Merging Italian elegance with art deco elements, the design of the club pays homage to its maritime heritage. 

Carefully curated by the Cipriani family, the interior features sumptuous furnishings, elegant décor, and breathtaking views of the New York Harbor. The club’s amenities are equally decadent, offering its members and guests access to world-class dining experiences, a wellness center with spa and fitness facilities, and a meticulously curated cultural program. The club also features luxurious accommodation options, private meeting spaces, and an outdoor terrace.

Best for: Harboring away in luxury. 

Zero Bond

Zero Bond, one of the most exclusive modern NYC clubs for young adults, is nestled in the heart of NoHo at 0 Bond Street. This private social club, founded in 2020 by entrepreneur Scott Sartiano, quickly became a coveted destination for the city’s elite, including A-list celebrities, like Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. 

The club’s design is a masterful convergence of contemporary elegance and industrial chic, featuring exposed brick walls, plush seating, and artful lighting. This aesthetic is complemented by bespoke artworks and a sophisticated architectural layout that encourages social interaction while also allowing for intimate gatherings.

Amenities at Zero Bond cater to the discerning tastes of its members, offering exclusive access to a gourmet restaurant, private event spaces, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and spa services. The club also hosts a dynamic calendar of cultural events, talks, and performances, reflecting its commitment to nurturing a vibrant community of informed influencers and thought leaders. 

Best for: Rising to the top—Swiftly. 

NeueHouse

NeueHouse, a refuge for international artists and creative professionals, reimagines the modern luxury workspace in the heart of New York City, with additional locations including Los Angeles and soon more globally. 

Founded in 2013 by Joshua Abram and Alan Murray, this private workspace and cultural home caters to those in the arts, design, fashion, and media industries, offering an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. 

Blending functionality with contemporary aesthetics, NeueHouse is incredibly stylish and beautifully designed, while in-house dining experiences rival any of the city’s top restaurants. Additionally, NeueHouse provides unique amenities such as private studios, broadcast and podcast facilities, conference rooms, screening rooms, private phone booths, wellness rooms and so much more. 

For the creative elite seeking inspiration and networking opportunities, NeueHouse is the epitome of cultural and professional synergy.

Best for: Providing fertile ground for creativity and commerce. 

Soho House

SoHo House NYC, an outpost of the globally renowned members-only club for creatives, is situated in the heart of Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. Founded in 1995 by Nick Jones in London, the New York location opened its doors in 2003, extending its unique blend of hospitality and exclusivity across the Atlantic. 

Housed in a converted warehouse, SoHo House NYC retains elements of its industrial past, seamlessly integrating them with luxurious, contemporary design. The interiors are a testament to eclectic sophistication, featuring plush furnishings, exposed brick, and bespoke artworks, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages creativity and connection.

Amenities at SoHo House are tailored to the lavish lifestyles of its elite members, offering everything from a rooftop pool with stunning views of the city skyline to a screening room, spa, and gym. SoHo House membership also includes several dining venues, alongside spaces for work, relaxation, and socializing. 

Best for: Relying on rooftop views as a muse. 

Central Park Club

Situated atop Central Park Tower, the Central Park Club stands as the world’s highest private club, spanning 50,000 square feet of luxury, meticulously curated by lifestyle guru Colin Cowie. 

This pinnacle of exclusivity features hotel-style service, a 60-foot outdoor pool, a private park, and a residents’ lounge complete with billiards and a screening room. The fitness suite offers personal training and spa treatments, while the highest Grand Ballroom and restaurant cater to refined tastes with Michelin-starred chefs like Alfred Portale. 

A sky lounge with a wine cellar and cigar humidor offers breathtaking city views, making the Central Park Club a haven of sophistication and leisure in the heart of Manhattan.

Best for: Towering over the city with sophistication. 

Frequently asked questions about private members’ clubs in New York