This place has a very historic feel. Once you enter the small courtyard from the NYC sidewalk, you are transported back into an old 'speakeasy'.

The first thing you'll notice is the 32 (yep, not 21) jockeys decorating the front facade and adorning the stairs and the balcony. This will intrigue you, once you enter the legendary Bar Room you will enjoy the comfort and imagine what is was like back in the early days when the likes of Humphrey Bogart frequented often.

The walls are full of pictures and the ceiling is full of model planes. You won't know where to direct your eyes. Take in the 21 Club and all its rich legacy!

Don't forget to take really cool matches that sport a big '21' on the matchbox cover.

As mentioned in the overview of my New York journals, I said that if I ever came back to New York it was going to be for a Broadway show and dinner at 21. I’d read about 21 in several novels and heard it was one of "the" spots to be –- on par with Tavern on the Green or the Rainbow Room. I’m glad I was lucky enough to get a reservation -– pre-show at 5:30pm.

Once the cab pulled up in front of the restaurant, I knew I’d arrived into New York society. Decorated on the outside with statues of miniature jockeys with a definite "speak-easy" flair in décor. (It used to be a speakeasy in the ‘20s. You can read more about its history at the 21 Club website.) The waiting area reminded me of a parlor where the men would go and smoke their cigars (ah, but thank you to NY, who passed a law prohibiting smoking in public areas!) It was so elegant and refined that I thought perhaps I wouldn’t fit in. The bar (where we ate) however, was not anything I could’ve imagined. Dark, with antique toys and such hanging from the ceiling, and deep-colored woods made it very manly – but in a way, had I been there with "the one" it would have been very romantic.

In no way was I made to feel that I didn’t belong (although some people who sat around us were.) My friend and I were treated like movie stars. A glass of champagne and red wine on the house were presented to us with flair and sophistication. We were presented with a fixed price menu and the traditional menu, as well as a bread assortment so vast that I could’ve made a meal off just that. We were seated beside each other at first, and it just seemed too odd – not being on a date and all. My request to sit across from each other was at first greeted with confusion, and then understanding, and was accommodated quickly.

I ordered of the traditional menu, and had the filet mignon with potatoes soufflé (these were puffed up French fries with the taste and texture of potato chips.) The sauce that was served with the steak was wonderful, as was the whole meal. The chocolate soufflé I had for desert topped it off with an extra yum.

When the bill came, we were a bit shocked. We were prepared for pricey, but not $200 worth. Seems they’d mis-rung up the bill. I felt like such a cheapo for bringing it up, but again, we were treated as if we were the queens of the universe, and it was taken care of. For the two of us, one appetizer, two entrees and two desserts ended up at $140, with $30 for tip. Yes, more than I’d normally spend, but it was a treat! A 10 all around!

Eating at this New York establishment is a truly unique experience that I would recommend to any visitor, wallet permitting. Anyone who's anyone, or has aspired to be anyone, has passed through the doors of this former prohibition-era speakeasy.

The food is magnificent, as you would certainly expect for $30-$40 per entree. The American/British cuisine is about as fine as American/British cuisine can get. One of the headliners is the Club 21 Burger, which is purportedly the best in the city. I can at the very least certify that it is the most expensive in the city: $26! I ordered the magnolia honey duck, which was succulent and delicious.

The ambience looks as if it has changed very little from the days when New York's rich and famous came to get their licquor fix. The whole place oozes of history and images of federal agents knocking on the doors in a surprise raid are easily elicited.

If you can, try to get a tour of the wine cellar. You go down the stairs, through the kitchen and several hallways until you arrive at an ordinary-looking brick wall. But if you place a long, thin metal wire in one of the barely noticeable holes, a two-ton door swings open.

Behind the door is a large wine cellar, which has bottles of wine reserved for past customers such as Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Elizabeth Taylor, Leroy Neiman, etc. At the back of the cellar is a beautiful room where you can enjoy a six-course tasting menu for a mere $450.

I was looking for a special place to take some business colleagues to celebrate a big deal. The 21 Club was perfect!

First some history:
The 21 Club is a New York institution. It has been around since the times of Prohibition. I have a friend who works with the 21 Club so we were lucky enough to get a tour of the coolest part of the restaurant...the wine cellar. This wine cellar served as a "speakeasy" in the personality. Located in the basement, the wine cellar has a brick door that was used to fool police. It was amazing seeing how the key worked and how people found the right hole. You would never know a door was there if you didn't know the secret. Once inside the wine cellar, it is amazing! Bottles are reserved for famous patrons (both alive and dead). We saw name tags for stars such as Gregory Peck, Richard Nixon and many, many more stars. A private dining room that sits in the middle of the wine cellar is exquisite (and can be reserved for private dining). Another interesting piece of history, all types of items (toys, sporting gear, etc.) hang from the ceiling in the main dining room. Loyal customers bring in these items and on a case by case basis they are selected to be displayed. At first I thought this was a little too much like a sports bar, but the items are actually pretty neat if you look closely.

Now on to the food:
We enjoyed a wonderful four course meal. I had the rabbit salad (very tender and tasty), the ahi tuna (fantastic), and the rice pudding dessert (some of the best I have had). Everyone else had a very nice meal as well. It was a bit pricey (so be prepared), but you will enjoy your meal.
The service was great (albeit a little overwhelming). It seems there are more staff members than diners, so you will be well taken care of. This is true from the moment you walk in the restaurant. Ask your waiter about some of the history of the place. He has probably worked there a long time and he will be happy to talk about some of the history.

After the meal, we used the comfortable lounge area for a quick meeting. Sitting around the fireplace was nice.

My overall assessment: A great place to try, especially if you have a nice expense account and you know someone that will take you on a tour of the wine cellar. The crowd seemed a bit older, but we had fun nonetheless.