New York changes fast. One minute a neighborhood is a ghost town, the next it’s a Disney-fied mall of luxury flagships. But tucked inside the Soho Grand Hotel, the Club Room New York feels like it’s been there since the beginning of time, or at least since the era when people actually knew how to dress for a drink. It’s dark. It’s plush. Honestly, it’s one of the few places left in Lower Manhattan that doesn't feel like a sterile Instagram set designed by a marketing committee.
You walk in and the velvet hits you first. Then the gold leaf. It’s decadent in a way that feels earned, not tacky. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a character in a movie who just closed a major deal or started a scandalous affair, this is your spot.
The Vibe Shift at Soho Grand
The Club Room New York isn't just a hotel bar. That’s a common misconception. People think it’s just a place for weary travelers to grab a lukewarm martini. Wrong. It’s a dedicated ecosystem. During the day, it’s a quiet, gilded sanctuary where you might see a screenwriter hunched over a laptop or a fashion editor having a hushed lunch. But when the sun goes down, the energy shifts. It gets louder, weirder, and much more expensive-feeling.
There’s this specific tension in the room. It’s the mix of old-school New York grit and high-end luxury. You’ve got Terry O’Neill’s photography on the walls—icons like David Bowie staring back at you—and massive chandeliers that look like they could fall and crush a socialite at any moment. It’s theatrical. The lighting is intentionally dim, which is great for your skin but terrible for reading a menu. Most people just order a dirty martini anyway.
The Music and the Room
Let’s talk about the sound. Most bars in Soho blast Top 40 or generic "chill" house. The Club Room plays into its strengths. You’re likely to hear live jazz or a DJ who actually knows how to read a room, spinning vinyl that fits the "sophisticated basement" aesthetic. It’s one of those rare spots where you can actually have a conversation without screaming, at least until 11:00 PM hits and the room fills up with the late-night crowd.
🔗 Read more: Pink White Nail Studio Secrets and Why Your Manicure Isn't Lasting
The layout is smart. You have these deep, oversized sofas that swallow you whole. It encourages you to stay. One drink becomes three because you’re too comfortable to move. The staff doesn't rush you. They know the rhythm of the city. They know you're there to hide or to be seen, and they’re experts at facilitating both.
What’s Actually on the Menu
Food at the Club Room New York is surprisingly decent. Usually, in places this pretty, the kitchen is an afterthought. Not here. They lean into the classics. Think oysters, shrimp cocktail, and a burger that actually tastes like beef rather than a salt lick.
The drinks are the real draw, though. Their cocktail program doesn't try to be overly "mixologist-y" with fermented hay or whatever the current trend is. They do the basics perfectly.
- The Martini: Cold. Bone dry. Usually comes with a sidecar if you're lucky.
- Old Fashioned: No neon red cherries. Just good bourbon and a heavy hand with the bitters.
- The Wine List: Heavily skewed toward French labels that pair well with the "I'm rich for the night" feeling of the room.
Prices? Yeah, they’re Soho prices. You aren't coming here for a deal. You’re paying for the real estate, the air conditioning, and the fact that you won't have to deal with a rowdy frat party. It’s an investment in your sanity.
💡 You might also like: Hairstyles for women over 50 with round faces: What your stylist isn't telling you
The "Secret" Door Policy
Technically, anyone can walk into the Soho Grand. But the Club Room New York maintains an aura of exclusivity. There isn't a velvet rope in the traditional "Midtown club" sense, but there is a vibe check at the door. If you show up in gym shorts and flip-flops, you're going to feel like a sore thumb. Or you might just get told there’s a "private event."
Dress up. Not in a suit, necessarily, but look like you tried. New York thrives on effort. Wear the boots. Wear the vintage leather jacket. The room responds to it. The hosts are generally polite but firm. They’re curators of a specific atmosphere. If you're staying at the hotel, obviously, you’ve got a golden ticket. If not, showing up early—around 6:00 PM—is the pro move to snag one of those corner tables before the reservation vultures descend.
Why It Outlasts the Trends
Why does this place still work? It’s been around. It’s survived the 2008 crash, the mid-2010s hipster invasion, and the post-pandemic reshuffle.
The reason is simple: it’s consistent.
📖 Related: How to Sign Someone Up for Scientology: What Actually Happens and What You Need to Know
While other Soho spots try to reinvent themselves every six months with "concept" pop-ups, the Club Room New York stays in its lane. It knows it’s a temple of velvet and booze. There’s a comfort in that. People come back because they know exactly how they’re going to feel when they sit down. It’s the "Cheers" for people who wear Rick Owens.
Misconceptions to Clear Up
- It's a dance club: No. Don't go there expecting a dance floor. It's a lounge. You might sway near your table, but if you start doing the Macarena, security will have a word.
- It's only for hotel guests: It feels that way, but it’s open to the public. However, hotel guests get priority seating, which is fair.
- It’s stuffy: It looks stuffy. It’s actually pretty relaxed once you’re inside. The staff is professional, but they aren't robots. They’ll joke with you if you aren't being a jerk.
Getting There and Staying Late
The entrance is on West Broadway. You walk through the main lobby, head up the grand staircase (it’s a great photo op, honestly), and the Club Room is off to the side.
If you're planning a night there, don't make it your only stop, but make it your "anchor." Start there for a drink, go get dinner at a nearby spot like Raoul’s or Altro Paradiso, and then come back for the nightcap. The late-night energy is when the room really glows. The shadows get longer, the music gets a bit more soulful, and the people-watching becomes world-class. You'll see famous actors, tired models, and people who look like they own half of Brooklyn.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Book a table ahead of time. Even if you're just grabbing drinks, having a reserved spot on one of the velvet sofas is a game-changer. Walking in and standing at the bar is fine, but it’s not the full experience.
- Order the Grand Burger. If you're hungry, it’s one of the most reliable meals in the neighborhood.
- Check the calendar. They often have specific nights for live jazz or guest DJs. If you hate loud music, avoid the weekends. If you want the energy, Friday night is your peak.
- Dress the part. Lean into the "noir" aesthetic. Dark colors, textures, and maybe a piece of jewelry that catches the light.
- Put your phone away. Seriously. The lighting is so bad for photos that you’ll spend the whole night editing. Just enjoy the fact that you're in one of the last cool rooms in New York.
The Club Room New York represents a version of the city that is slowly disappearing—the one that values intimacy, weight, and a bit of mystery. It’s not for everyone. It’s expensive, it’s dark, and it’s a bit pretentious. But in a city that’s becoming increasingly generic, a little pretension goes a long way. Go there, find a corner, and let the room do the work.