MyWorldReviews.com

21 Club

New York, New York, United States

21 Club is a prohibition-era speakeasy that now acts as a restaurant. We visited for the neat environment and the history, but weren't too pleased with the food. The decor of the bar looks like practically any other bar. The tables are wooden with red and white checkered table cloths, and the ceiling is decorated with all sorts of knick knacks and doo-dads. The atmosphere is very different than the decor would suggest - jackets are required for men and the service is fairly formal. I found the casual decor of the bar mixed with its formal dress and atmosphere somewhat strange. The food was disappointingly average with high prices.

Although I wasn't too impressed with the restaurant itself, it does have a neat history and I'm glad I went. We inquired about the 'garbage' hanging from the ceiling and were given a sheet explaining the history of the bar. It might be better to experience this place by coming here for a drink in their lounge. The lounge area was quite nice, more formally decorated, and also connects to the bar room.

Dress

Dress is fairly formal - jackets are required for men, and most people were also wearing ties. Women have more flexibility.

Cost

Entrees range from $30-$50.

Service

The wait staff was attentive and formally polite.

Reservations

Reservations are required.

Items Ordered

Winter Greens

shaved radishes, carrots, beets, aged cabernet vinaigrette

This was a fairly typical lettuce salad. The dressing had a slight acidic/citrus flavor.

Seared Chicken Breast

whipped potatoes, braised broccoli rabe with roasted garlic, mushroom sauce

The chicken was fairly moist, although plain tasting. There was a salty mushroom sauce on the outside, although there wasn't quite enough of it to add flavor to all the chicken. The whipped potatoes were very creamy, but a modest portion.

Mixed Grill of Game

chili-rubbed venison loin, grilled elk chop, bacon wrapped wild boar, Mangalitsa sausage, Brussels sprouts, huckleberry sauce

This turned out to be just a plate of meat. The menu said "brussels sprouts", although there was only one sprout cut into pieces.

All the meats were OK - I didn't think there was anything all that good about any of them in particular, except the chili-rubbed venison was nicely spiced.

Lemon Meringue Tart

Lemon Meringue Tart, blueberry compote

The lemon meringue tart was quite creamy with a melt-in-your-mouth meringue. The crust was too thick, making it difficult to break.