You walk off the gritty pavement of NoHo, pull back a heavy velvet curtain, and suddenly it’s like the last thirty years of "industrial chic" never happened. The Nines New York doesn't care about your minimalist aesthetic. It’s red. Very red. It is the kind of room that makes you want to order a drink you can't pronounce and stay until the staff starts flipping chairs.
Most places in Manhattan try too hard to be "vibe-y." They have the right playlist and the right lighting, but they feel hollow, like a movie set where the props are made of cardboard. The Nines is different. It’s a supper club that feels lived-in despite being relatively new in the grand scheme of the city's history. It’s decadent. It’s expensive. Honestly, it’s a bit ridiculous, and that is exactly why people are fighting for Resy notifications at 9:00 AM every single day.
The Red Room and the Piano
The first thing you notice is the carpet. It’s leopard print. In any other context, that would be a disaster, a total fashion crime. Here? It works. It anchors the room. The walls are draped in deep scarlet corduroy, which does wonders for the acoustics and even more for the lighting. Everyone looks better at The Nines. It’s a scientific fact—or at least a lighting-design fact.
At the center of it all is the piano. This isn't just background noise. The pianists at The Nines are masters of the "wait, is that a Radiohead song?" transition. You’ll be halfway through a conversation about your rent when you realize the guy on the keys is doing a lounge rendition of Creep or maybe a sultry version of a 90s hip-hop track. It’s clever without being kitschy.
Jon Neidich, the mastermind behind Golden Age Hospitality (the same folks who gave us Acme and The Happiest Hour), clearly knew what he was doing here. He wasn't just building a restaurant; he was building a time machine. But it’s not a time machine to a specific year. It’s more like a dream version of 1920s Paris mixed with 1970s New York glam.
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What You’re Actually Eating
Let’s be real: people don't go to supper clubs for a revolutionary culinary experience. They go to be seen. However, if the food sucks, the illusion breaks. Thankfully, the kitchen at The Nines New York understands the assignment. The menu is classic. It’s "Continental" in that old-school way that feels indulgent.
You have to get the baked potato. It sounds stupid to pay that much for a tuber, but this one is topped with a massive dollop of caviar and creme fraiche. It’s the ultimate "high-low" dish, even though there isn't much "low" about it once the bill arrives. The tuna tartare is crisp and fresh, and the burger is surprisingly legitimate for a place where most people are wearing suits or silk dresses.
But the drink list is the real star. The martinis are ice-cold. They serve them in these delicate, thin-stemmed glasses that make you feel like a sophisticated international spy. If you aren't a martini person, the cocktail program covers the bases with a focus on classics that have been slightly tweaked. No neon colors. No smoke bubbles. Just well-balanced booze.
Why It Isn't Just Another Overhyped Spot
NYC is full of "it" spots that disappear after eighteen months. Remember the place with the pink neon sign? Exactly. You don't. The Nines feels like it has staying power because it leans into a sense of permanence. It’s not trying to be "trendy" in the TikTok sense, even though it’s all over social media. It’s trying to be a classic.
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There is a dress code. They don't scream it at you, but if you show up in gym shorts, you’re going to feel like a total idiot. This isn't about snobbery; it’s about the "social contract" of the space. Everyone there has agreed to participate in the fantasy. When everyone dresses up, the room hums with a different kind of energy. It feels like an event. You’re not just grabbing dinner; you’re "out."
Is it pretentious? Kinda. But it’s the good kind of pretentious where the service is actually attentive rather than dismissive. The staff knows the menu, they know how to navigate a crowded room without bumping your elbow, and they make you feel like you belong there, even if you’re just a tourist who managed to snag a 5:30 PM slot.
The Logistics of Getting In
Getting a table at The Nines New York is a sport. If you think you can just wander in on a Thursday night and find a seat, I admire your optimism, but you’re wrong.
- The Resy Game: Tables usually drop two weeks in advance. You need to be on the app the second they go live.
- The Bar Exception: If you can’t get a table, show up early and try for a spot at the bar. The full menu is served there, and honestly, the people-watching is better.
- The Late Night Move: Sometimes the energy shifts after 11:00 PM. The diners leave, the drinkers stay, and the piano music gets a bit more "sing-along."
The Complexity of the Supper Club Revival
There’s a broader trend happening here. After years of being stuck at home, New Yorkers (and visitors) are starving for theatre. We don't just want food; we want a performance. The Nines provides that. It’s why places like Casa Cruz or Carbone continue to thrive despite the eye-watering prices.
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However, there is a valid critique that these spaces can feel exclusionary. The Nines is expensive. A night out here will easily run you a few hundred dollars if you’re doing it right. It’s a playground for the wealthy and the well-connected. But unlike some private clubs that require a membership fee, The Nines is technically open to anyone—provided you have the patience to refresh a booking app.
It’s an interesting tension. On one hand, it’s a beautifully curated experience that celebrates the best of New York nightlife. On the other, it’s a reminder of the increasing "premiumization" of the city. But for one night? For a birthday or an anniversary or just because you finally closed a deal? It’s worth the splurge.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to head to 9 Great Jones St, don't go in blind. Follow this blueprint to make sure the night doesn't end in a "table not ready" heartbreak.
- Set Multiple Alerts: Don't just set one Resy alert. Set them for a 30-minute window. People cancel last minute, especially around 2:00 PM on the day of.
- Dress the Part: This is the night to wear the jacket or the heels you bought but have nowhere to wear. You’ll feel more comfortable if you’re "overdressed."
- Order the French Fries: I know, I mentioned the potato earlier, but the fries are thin, salty, and perfect for snacking while you finish your second martini.
- Check the Lineup: If you have a favorite local jazz or lounge performer, check their socials. Many of the city's best rotate through here.
- Budget Appropriately: This is not a "budget" night out. Expect to pay Manhattan "scene" prices—$20+ for cocktails and $30-$60 for mains.
The Nines New York succeeds because it understands a fundamental truth about the city: we all want to feel like we’re part of a secret. Even if that secret is shared with a hundred other people in a velvet-lined room in NoHo, the magic still works. Just make sure your phone is charged for the Uber ride home; you're going to want to remember the name of that last song the pianist played.
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