21 Club
A historic New York City restaurant and bar known for its speakeasy heritage, celebrity clientele, and sports memorabilia displayed on its ceiling.
Last updated August 26, 2026
Overview
21 Club was a historic restaurant and bar in Manhattan, New York City. Its origins were associated with the speakeasy culture of the Prohibition era, and in 1930 Jack Kriendler and Charlie Berns opened the restaurant that became the brand's long-term home and identity. The name referred to its address at 21 West 52nd Street. The venue became known for its distinctive red-and-white exterior, ornamental railings, and sports memorabilia suspended from the ceiling. Over the decades, 21 Club developed a reputation as an upscale New York dining institution frequented by political figures, business leaders, actors, and other prominent guests. Its core business centered on formal dining, bar service, and a highly recognizable social setting rather than broad retail or chain expansion. In the late twentieth century, the restaurant passed through ownership and management structures connected with the hotel and travel industry, later becoming associated with Belmond. It suspended operations during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and was subsequently reported as permanently closed. Public information about any continuing independent operation is limited.
History
The history of 21 Club is linked to New York City's speakeasy culture during Prohibition. Jack Kriendler and Charlie Berns were involved in nightlife venues before opening the restaurant at 21 West 52nd Street in Manhattan in 1930. The address became central to the restaurant's name and public identity. Its discreet atmosphere and appeal to prominent guests helped it establish a distinctive place in twentieth-century New York dining. The venue retained recognizable visual features, including a red-and-white exterior, decorative architectural elements, and sports memorabilia suspended from the ceiling. Over time, 21 Club evolved from a Prohibition-era legacy into an upscale dining destination for business leaders, politicians, entertainers, and visitors. Rather than expanding as a large chain, it relied on the history, service, and atmosphere of its flagship location. In its later years, the brand became connected with hotel and travel-industry ownership structures and was associated with Belmond. The restaurant suspended operations during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and was subsequently permanently closed.
- 2020Closed temporarily due to pandemic
The restaurant ceased operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and did not resume normal operations afterward.
- 193021 Club restaurant opens
Jack Kriendler and Charlie Berns opened a restaurant at 21 West 52nd Street in New York, which later became known as the 21 Club.
Products and positioning
Historic upscale restaurant and bar
Restaurant diningFood and beverage service
The core offering was upscale restaurant dining, emphasizing formal service and a historically distinctive New York setting rather than standardized fast food or chain operations.
Bar serviceBar drinks
Bar service was an important part of 21 Club's heritage, reflecting its links to Prohibition-era nightlife and its role as a New York social venue.
Flagship businesses
- Restaurant dining service
- Bar service
Recent events
- 202121 Club closes permanently after pandemic-era shutdown
这家纽约历史餐厅在2020年暂停营业后,被报道将不再重新开业。
Other
Sources
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