New York City loves a secret. Actually, that’s a lie. New York loves the idea of a secret that everyone is already talking about. Walk down West 4th Street and you’ll find 9 Jones, a place that manages to be both an open secret and an impenetrable fortress depending on who you ask. It’s a British-inspired supper club that feels like it fell out of a Bond film and landed squarely in the middle of Greenwich Village.
You’ve probably seen the green velvet.
It is everywhere on social media. But honestly, most people get the vibe of 9 Jones completely wrong before they even step through the door. They think it’s just another "see and be seen" lounge where the food is an afterthought and the drinks are overpriced sugar water. It isn't that. Not really.
The spot is the brainchild of a pretty heavy-hitting crew, including Richard Akiva—the man basically responsible for the DNA of modern NYC nightlife—alongside partners like Carmelo Anthony and hospitality veterans from the 1Oak and Butter lineage. When names like that are attached to a project, the expectations aren't just high; they’re borderline impossible. Yet, 9 Jones works because it doesn't try to be a mega-club. It’s small. It’s intimate. It feels like a private living room for people who happen to have very good tailors.
The Membership Myth and How to Actually Get In
Let's address the elephant in the room: the "members-only" vibe. While 9 Jones markets itself with a nod toward the exclusive clubs of London’s Mayfair, it isn't a traditional club where you need to drop $50,000 a year just to sit down. It’s a "semi-private" concept.
What does that mean in plain English?
Basically, it means they curate the room. They want a specific energy. If you show up looking like you just rolled out of a dive bar in cargo shorts, your chances of seeing the inside are effectively zero. But if you’ve got the right look and a reservation, you’re in. They use a tiered membership system to reward the regulars, giving them priority access to tables and off-menu perks, but they haven't totally slammed the door on the public yet.
👉 See also: Finding the University of Arizona Address: It Is Not as Simple as You Think
The space is tiny. Truly.
We’re talking about a footprint that forces you to be social. You’ll be rubbing elbows with someone who likely owns a venture capital firm or just finished a Broadway set. This proximity is the point. In a city where everyone is increasingly siloed behind screens, 9 Jones forces a physical connection. The interior design, handled by the team at Casa Branca, uses those deep greens and dark woods to make the room feel much larger than it actually is. It’s a clever trick of the light.
What’s Actually on the Menu?
Most "vibe" places serve food that tastes like cardboard. You know the ones. You pay $40 for a piece of salmon that has no seasoning and a side of wilted greens.
9 Jones avoids this trap by leaning into a Greek-inspired menu that is surprisingly robust. It’s not revolutionary, but it is executed with a level of precision that you don't expect when there’s a DJ spinning deep house five feet away.
- The Signature Dish: You have to talk about the Wagyu sliders. They’re decadent, fatty, and perfectly sized for a lounge environment.
- Seafood Focus: Because of the Greek influence, the crudo and the grilled octopus are the real stars. They keep it light, which is smart because nobody wants to feel like a lead balloon when the music turns up at 11:00 PM.
- The Drink List: This is where the British influence kicks in. The cocktail program is sophisticated. Think less "vodka soda" and more "bespoke gin infusions."
The service is fast. Sometimes it's almost too fast, a byproduct of the small floor space and the need to keep the energy moving. But the staff knows the menu inside and out. If you ask for a recommendation, they won't give you the most expensive thing; they’ll give you the thing that actually tastes good. That’s a rare trait in the West Village.
Why the Hybrid Model is the Future of NYC Nightlife
The days of the massive, 10,000-square-foot nightclub are dying. People don't want to get lost in a sea of 2,000 strangers anymore. They want "micro-hospitality."
✨ Don't miss: The Recipe With Boiled Eggs That Actually Makes Breakfast Interesting Again
9 Jones is the blueprint for this. By combining a high-end restaurant with a late-night lounge atmosphere, they capture the entire evening. You start with dinner at 8:00 PM, transition to cocktails at 10:00 PM, and by midnight, you’re part of a party that feels exclusive but lived-in.
It’s about the "third space."
We have home and we have work. 9 Jones wants to be that third place where you feel recognized. This is why the membership component, even if it feels "gate-keepy" to some, is essential. It builds a community of familiar faces. When you walk in and the host remembers your name and your preferred table, the "vibe" becomes more than just decor—it becomes a feeling of belonging.
There are critics, of course. Some argue that these types of establishments are further gentrifying the social fabric of Manhattan. They aren't wrong, strictly speaking. But the Village has always been a chameleonic neighborhood. It shifts. It evolves. Right now, the pendulum is swinging back toward refined, curated experiences, and 9 Jones is sitting right at the center of that movement.
Navigating the 9 Jones Experience: A Practical Guide
If you're planning on heading down there, don't just wing it. That is a recipe for standing on the sidewalk feeling annoyed.
- Book Early: Reservations usually open up a week or two in advance. If you want a Friday or Saturday night, you need to be on Resy the moment slots drop.
- Dress the Part: This isn't the place for "athleisure." Think "London chic." Blazers, silk tops, leather—lean into the darker, more sophisticated palette of the room.
- The Timing Trick: If you want to actually eat and have a conversation, go for the 7:00 PM seating. If you want the party, aim for 9:30 PM. By the time you finish your main course, the lights will dim and the room transforms.
- Expect the Noise: It gets loud. It’s a lounge. If you’re looking for a quiet place to discuss your taxes, go literally anywhere else.
The price point is high, but not astronomical for the area. You can expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $250 per person depending on how much you lean into the wine list. Is it worth it? If you value the atmosphere and the high-octane social energy, then yes. If you just want a steak, there are better steakhouses three blocks away.
🔗 Read more: Finding the Right Words: Quotes About Sons That Actually Mean Something
The Long-Term Outlook
Will 9 Jones still be the "it" spot in three years? In NYC, that’s an eternity. However, because it’s backed by Richard Akiva and a team that understands the "slow burn" of hospitality, it has a better shot than most. They aren't relying on a single gimmick. They’re relying on a feeling.
The "supper club" revival is a reaction to the sterility of the post-pandemic world. We want tactile experiences. We want velvet. We want candlelight. We want to be in a room where it feels like anything could happen, even if we're just having a salad.
When you leave 9 Jones and step back out onto the quiet, cobblestone streets of the West Village, there’s a moment of sensory adjustment. The transition from the high-energy, emerald-green interior to the cool night air is part of the draw. It’s a temporary escape.
If you're looking to experience this specific slice of New York, your best bet is to approach it with an open mind. Don't get caught up in the "who's who" of it all. Just sit back, order the lamb chops, and watch the room move. It’s one of the best shows in the city.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
- Secure your spot: Check Resy at least 10 days out from your desired date. Mid-week spots are significantly easier to snag and often have a more "local" feel.
- Curate your outfit: Opt for "Smart Elegant." Avoid sneakers, even the "expensive" ones, if you want to be safe with the door staff.
- Plan your order: Start with the Mediterranean-inspired spreads and definitely don't skip the signature cocktails. Ask the bartender for their seasonal "off-menu" gin selection.
- Manage expectations: Remember that this is a lounge first and a quiet dining room second. Go for the energy, stay for the people-watching.
The reality of NYC nightlife is that it’s always moving. Places like 9 Jones provide a much-needed anchor in a sea of fleeting trends. It’s a bit of London, a bit of old-school New York, and a whole lot of modern ambition packed into a very small, very green room.