New York City has long been regarded as the heartbeat of nightlife, where glamor and excitement thrived under the neon lights. People would don their finest attire to revel in the vibrant energy of sleek downtown clubs, mingling with celebrities amidst an atmosphere of exclusivity. Membership clubs were scarce, mainly catering to the affluent uptown elite, or places like Soho House standing as bastions of selectivity, reserved for a privileged few like “Annabell Brownstein.” In those days, life was documented candidly, capturing the essence of living in the moment. However, these once-sacred spaces that allowed for uninhibited freedom have faded away. The authentic cool kids and trendsetters have been overshadowed by a wave of influencers, with the pandemic serving as the final blow to the nightlife scene. This transformation raises poignant questions about the evolving identity of New York City’s nightlife. What does the shift towards a members-only culture signify in a world that once thrived on spontaneity and connection?
The allure of exclusive member clubs persists, drawing in those who wish to stand apart from the mainstream yet still adhere to a certain social hierarchy. While these modern venues, like The Modern, might seem more approachable than the traditional Upper East Side establishments such as the Metropolitan Club, the velvet rope remains firmly in place. Membership dues exceeding $3,000 a year inherently limit access, creating a selective environment. While Soho House has been a staple in this landscape, new contenders like Casa Cipriani, Zero Bond, ZZs, Aman, and Fasano have emerged, each vying for attention and status. Upcoming openings like Maxims, San Vicente Bungalows, and Casa Tua promise more options, but the question remains: will they all succeed? It’s likely that not every venue will thrive, as they all cater to a similar clientele. The clubs that endure will need to offer truly unique experiences—something that Casa Cipriani has excelled at by providing discretion, exclusivity, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
In reflecting on my own memberships at various clubs in the city, I’ve found myself considering how inclusive these spaces are for the queer community. Currently, Seriff stands out as the only exclusive queer venue, yet it’s still awaiting a physical location. This contemplation was sparked by a recent conversation with someone I’ve started seeing, who is a member of a prestigious uptown club—a source of pride for him. When I asked if he would feel comfortable kissing me there, he paused and then with an ashamed look said “I would not even feel comfortable holding your hand there. They would probably ban me”. I retorted with “Or maybe call the CDC on us!” This interaction made me ponder the clubs I frequent. Soho House, for instance, actively celebrates queer culture with events like drag brunches and annual Pride parties, while other clubs I belong to are less overtly inclusive. While modern venues may be gay-friendly, they often prefer members to maintain a certain decorum, which raises the question of what true acceptance looks like. Perhaps it’s about being treated like everyone else—able to enjoy mild public displays of affection without fear of judgment, while more overt expressions might still draw attention. This behavior is similar for straight couples, suggesting that maybe we’re all just seeking a shared space for relaxation and enjoyment, regardless of our orientation—an aspiration that feels perfectly reasonable.
Where do all these membership clubs leave us? Will New York ever reclaim its legendary nightlife? In short, the answer is likely no. However, rather than succumb to pessimism, let’s focus on a potential silver lining.
While the current saturation of over $5,000+ membership clubs is not sustainable, those that hope to survive and thrive will need to set themselves apart. This differentiation could define the future of nightlife in the city. The rise of membership clubs is undoubtedly a trend that’s here to stay, but increased competition is bound to spark creativity. This prospect gives me hope that New York nightlife can strike a balance between exclusivity and authenticity, offering a place for everyone, no matter their tastes or preferences.
