You’ve probably heard the rumors. Maybe you saw a blurry Instagram story of a crystal chandelier or a gold-leafed palm tree and wondered if it was just another Midtown trope. It isn't. ZZs Club New York is essentially a 25,000-square-foot fever dream from the minds behind Major Food Group (MFG). If you're a fan of Carbone—and let’s be real, who isn’t?—this is basically the final boss level of that universe.
It’s expensive. It’s exclusive. And honestly? It’s a lot more than just a place to eat spicy rigatoni without a three-week wait.
The Reality of ZZs Club New York
Forget everything you know about stuffy, old-school Manhattan clubs with moth-eaten carpets and portraits of guys in wigs. ZZs Club New York, perched at 37 Hudson Yards, is a maximalist explosion designed by Ken Fulk. Think three levels of "more is more." We're talking Medici-style refinements, tropical bars with aquatic murals, and a vibe that feels like a cross between a 1950s social club and a high-end Tokyo lounge.
The club isn't just one room. It’s a "layer cake" of environments. You walk in and you're hit with the tropical energy of the ground floor. Then you move upstairs to Carbone Privato, which is—you guessed it—the only private outpost of the world-famous Italian spot. There’s also Leo’s Lounge and a Founders’ Room for the real heavy hitters.
Is the Membership Actually Worth the $30,000 Entry?
Let's get the numbers out of the way because they’re enough to make anyone do a double-take. For an individual, you’re looking at a $20,000 one-time initiation fee and $10,000 in annual dues. If you want a "Major" membership for two people, that initiation jumps to $30,000.
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Why would anyone pay that?
- The Culinary Concierge: This is a real thing. They basically help you manifest your food dreams. Want a specific rare vintage or a dish that isn't on the menu? They’re the ones who make it happen.
- The Carbone Factor: Getting a table at the original Carbone is like winning the lottery while being struck by lightning. At ZZs Club New York, you have your own private version. No bots, no Resy refreshes at 10:00 AM.
- The Crowd: It’s a "who’s who" without being a "who are you?" The membership is vetted. You’re rubbing shoulders with people who value discretion as much as they value a perfect Wagyu steak.
The Food is the Real Lead Here
While most social clubs serve mediocre chicken paillard, ZZs Club New York leans hard into the MFG pedigree. The Japanese side of the menu—a nod to the original ZZ’s Clam Bar and the Miami chapter—features ingredients flown in directly from Tokyo. You can pivot from a 16-seat omakase experience to a table-fileted Dover Sole in the same building.
It's "swagger on a plate." That’s the only way to describe it.
The Secret Origins: From a Tiny Bar to a Massive Club
Most people don't realize that "ZZ" is actually the nickname of Jeff Zalaznick, one of the founders. The whole concept started as a tiny, 12-seat seafood spot in Greenwich Village called ZZ’s Clam Bar. It had a Michelin star and a cult following.
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When that spot closed in 2023, the DNA moved uptown to Hudson Yards. It evolved from a "jewel-box" destination into this massive, multi-level powerhouse. It’s a continuation of a story that started with seafood and cocktails and ended with a private empire.
What it’s Like Inside (The No-Fluff Version)
The design isn't for everyone. If you like "minimalist chic" or "scandi-cool," you might get a headache. But if you like drama? This is your place. The art is curated by Vito Schnabel. You’ll see works by Andy Warhol and Julian Schnabel hanging on the walls like it’s no big deal.
The dress code is exactly what you’d expect: "dress to impress" but with a New York edge. Don’t show up in gym clothes. Honestly, don't even try "casual" sneakers unless they cost more than a month's rent. The service is "white-glove," but it doesn't feel robotic. The captains are there to make sure you’re having a good time, not just to pour wine.
Common Misconceptions
People think you can just "buy" your way in. While the $20k helps, there’s still a board of approval. They want a "community of like-minded individuals." Also, some think it's just a nightclub. It's not. It's a "supper club." The focus is on the dining and the connection, not just a DJ set at 2:00 AM (though the music programming is solid, thanks to director Stretch Armstrong).
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How to Navigate the Application Process
If you’re serious about ZZs Club New York, don't just fill out the online form and hope for the best.
- Find a Member: This is the "golden ticket." Having a current member vouch for you is almost mandatory.
- Highlight Your "Why": The board isn't just looking for a bank account. They want to know what you bring to the "social fabric" of the club.
- Visit as a Guest First: If you can get invited by a friend, do it. Experience the vibe of Carbone Privato or the sushi bar before you drop thirty grand. You need to know if the "maximalist dream" fits your reality.
The club isn't trying to be Soho House. It’s not a co-working space. It’s a place to disappear into a world of high-end hospitality where the rigatoni is always hot and the cocktails are always cold. Whether that's worth the price of a mid-sized sedan is entirely up to you.
Actionable Insights for Prospective Members
Check the reciprocity rules if you travel often. A membership at the New York outpost usually grants you access to the Miami Design District location, which has its own unique courtyard and cigar terrace. If you spend your winters in South Beach and your summers in the Hamptons (or the city), the value proposition shifts significantly. Always ask for the most current fee schedule, as initiation costs in the New York private club scene have a habit of creeping upward every eighteen months.