Boasting almost 200 years of history, The players is a private members only. You need a few of the members to recommend you, go through vetting process and hefty membership fee later, you can find yourself a member. The stage here is amazing, with the most perfect lighting and setup, the interior and the paintings and most importantly the history and conversation that go on here are truly inspiring. I left here feeling like I got smarter! Highly recommend! read more

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We came here to see a performance upstairs and could not believe how beautiful the building was. You would never realize from the outside. Once entering, you could feel the history everywhere. Everyone we ran into was very friendly and went out of their way for us. The acoustics for our show sounded amazing. read more

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A friend of mine was a member of The Players and invited me to join him there for a drink. Upon my arrival to the stately mansion, I got the sense that I had been there in the past, though I was not sure when or why. Regardless, I checked in with the host, who noted that my companion was waiting downstairs in the bar and that I should check my coat in the meantime. I did so and proceeded down to the cozy, rustic bar where I met my friend. I asked the bartender for a Don Julio and club soda, and I noticed that half of my glass was tequila! Needless to say, I was rather tipsy after that one cocktail. While we enjoyed our beverages, we wandered around the various floors, and I took in the lovely decor. There were cozy nooks near fireplaces, an old piano, various group lounges with plush couches, old portraits, and other timeless elements that really made you feel like you were in a movie like Clue. I also noted that the staff and members were all very friendly. If you have the chance to visit The Players, I would highly recommend it! read more

Wonderful artists, content, and beautiful people. What a joy! The program is very complex and genuine! read more

As someone with numerous memberships at different clubs, if I had to pick one to call home and stay at it would be the players. There's always this 'buzz' at the players from the background conversations which I think eliminates that stiffness one might expect at a private social club such as this. The people here by far the most approachable you can come across. One can just walk into the club (provided you a member or a guest) and join in on any conversations or dinner. It's a place where people see you for who you are instead of what you are. It's also one of, if not, the most diverse club in the area despite the description being a "theater club". Here you'll come across people of all ages, colors, occupation, and upbringings. Please note that many of the negative reviews here was before electing our current president in June of 2018. I've never been to the players that time but the reviews are definitely very different from what you now see. read more

Great architecture. Great service. It's a private club so you only can go if you are a member or invited by one

Fabulous Club. Wonderful people, great food. Fabulous historic building on Gramercy Park.

It's a back to the future feeling when you step into this place. The place was really nice and fancy, glad they kept it to its original structure. Food is nice, small portions. Service is A- though. Their function room sound system needs some upgrading. read more

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I've come here twice for a yearly bash through my bar association committee (a member of the committee is a member here; that person's a sweetheart, by the way). Last year we were downstairs in the Grill Room (which felt a little small for our gathering) but this year we got a room upstairs with access to the courtyard. The upstairs is very nice. You can look in there & see history. Plus, they have a piano in the room we were in & members of our party performed. I haven't really eaten here so much (I've shared with others & the fries are pretty good) but I do know it can be hard to flag someone down to get your check & pay when you're done. Oh, and you can't pay with cash for your meal; they only take credit. However, you can use cash to tip the wait staff. I didn't get an unwelcome vibe when I came here nor did I experience rudeness but maybe that's because of the party I was with. Make sure to check out the photographs in the upstairs foyer. read more

This place rubbed me the wrong way the moment I walked in. The main reason for this was the doorman, Julian. Ive never felt more like a 3rd class citizen than when talking to Julian. He looked me up and down like I was the local riffraff. Please note: I was wearing a brand new navy cable knit from Gap, my Warby Parker glasses, freshly showered and couffed with a smile -- I was there for a casual business meeting NOT straight out of the gym in sweats or the gutter as far as Julian was concerned. He was the bouncer for this facility as far as I'm concerned and his attitude was ugly. Since the person I was meeting had yet to arrive he made me sit in the foyer breeze way (its winter in NYC). After a few minutes of this I canceled my meeting and left. This place is fancy but I don't endorse rudeness especially undeserved. This man needs joy in his life. Things to note: No ripped jeans (even if they are high end) No sneakers No backpacks And one rancid doorman on his phone that can not be bothered to do his job with kindness. read more

A grand old New York haunt. Of all the private clubs in NYC, The Players is by far the most chill with the most kick back and welcoming members. The place is full of actors, writers, singers, musicians as well as producers, attorneys and patrons. Started by theater people for theater people, the club is largely still a gathering place for lovers of the performing arts. Yes, there's a minor dress code-- leave your torn jeans, sweat pants and chucks at home-- but it's a small price to pay to walk the same halls as Mark Twain. Once inside, the drinks are stiffer than a pool cue. Bring cab fare home! read more

I loved this place til the last 15 minutes I was there. Too bad for the Players Club that I'm writing their first review. Loved: location (duh), interior (a little stuffy, but that's what you're paying for, isn't it?), fireplace. Hated: the staff who yelled at us for not leaving as soon as our booked time at the club expired. Seriously, the clock hit 11 and it was like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: the barista, who was cordial before, was like, "juu all need ta go now! Goo' bye! Go!" I wish I hadn't tipped her, because she was a b. I know it was late on a weeknight, but you're being paid to be there and you don't have to be rude when you want people to leave more quickly. Being rude almost guarantees a slower exit, at least on my part. Oh, and thumbs down for telling my friend--at 10:45, 15 minutes before the party was over--that she couldn't go in to say hello to me. Why do you care so much, coat check guy? Learn some manners, Players Club. Screaming at patrons doesn't become anyone, especially you. read more

I was able to visit The Players Club as a part of an alumni event. What an interesting little slice of New York culture this place is. It's a very unique building and it looks like a lot of the original features - carpeting, furniture etc is still in tact. I was able to go up and visit the Booth bedroom and it was like stepping into a time capsule. This is a private club, so it obviously isn't kept up in the hope of attracting tourists to look at the lesser known Booth brother's old stuff - I loved how the room was kept for viewing but still covered in dust. There are little oddities everywhere to look at. I found the vibe to be more quirky than fancy, and I mean that in the best way possible. It seems that under the new management, many improvements are in the works. I hope they keep the odd, slightly run down vibe of some of the lesser visited rooms. I think it really makes the place special! The main venue space is much more kept up, though still unique. The old, creaky floors, the working fireplace, the giant pillars to hide behind when you are trying to stuff passed apps into your mouth while avoiding talking to strangers - I just absolutely loved it. read more

So last night I returned to the Players Club for the Stanley Drama Award. The Stanley Drama Award was established in 1957 to encourage and support aspiring playwrights. This year's Award went to Jennifer Maisel of Los Angeles for her play, "Out of Orbit." As always, when entering the Players Club your immediately struck by the ambiance and charm of the Club, it's as Old School as it get's. But it could use a Dusting Off. The appetites at the cocktail reception were uneventful & scarce. But all was saved by the Gentleman behind the bar in the Lower Grill. read more

This review of Julian is so unfair and could not be further from the truth about his attitude and his helpfulness, as well as the atmosphere at this club. On the contrary, I've never met anyone as friendly and accommodating as Julian and everyone I've met in the Club has been welcoming and inclusive, even when I was a visitor. Sometimes negativity says more about us than the ones it targets. read more

I was lucky enough to get to see who I like to think of as my future husband, Matt Cooper, perform here. What a perfect venue for that, and I felt lucky to get in the door and see such a cool place with so much history. The drinks were stiff, and I'm almost positive Jocelyn Wildstein was sitting near me, so that alone was worth it! read more

The Stanley Drama Award was established in 1957 to encourage and support aspiring playwrights. read more

Oh I'm sorry. Yelpers complained that they could not get past the "coat check guy" to "say hello" to their friend. This is not the Blarney Stone. It's a historic gem and an exclusive private club founded by Mark Twain and Edwin Booth for people of substance. The man at the door knows the members from the strays who wander in for a random show. It's one of the last recesses of civility where gentlemen may gather and capitalize upon the egregore of a bohemian past, sip a fine scotch and spend hours lost in literature, intellectual conversation and art. Unfortunately, I would have to mostly agree with the criticisms of the help. With the exception of the gentleman at the door, the staff have become increasingly rude over the years. Disgruntled as they may be, its uncouth and downright feral the way they brazenly lash out at times. read more

The Club has been on the decline for years. Many long time members have left. Finances are a shambles. Financials are secret. President, is Incompetent, the General Mgr. is an ill mannered boor. Too many artifacts and art has been sold without approval of membership.Seargents have been sold; the original Edwin Booth painting was sold long ago and a copy hangs in it's place! The Met has acquired some which will never be recovered. How much were they sold for? The Shakespear folio went years ago. Where? For how much? Where is the money? What happened to all the money which was donated and squeezed out of us through annual giving and restoration collections? No lunch STILL! Dining Room seldom open. Grill over crowded and understaffed. And, and, and, and! You ask about " kids". Children do not belong in a Private Club for ADULTS! read more

Really cozy space, a lot of history behind it--- definitely a neat space to attend an event!

Beautiful building inside and out. The bar and grill is quaint, nice place to go for a one on one drink. Not such a good place for groups. The bar only accepts credit cards, no cash. They do not have a drink list so it is kind of a shock when your bill comes and you see that an average vodka cranberry is $13. No food menus anymore. A word of advice to those planning an event here: they are not great about calling you back, if they even give you a call back. Beautiful old, elegant, nicely maintained building though set overlooking Gramercy Park. read more

The Players is unique and holds an important place in theater history. The building is elegant and the few events I've attended here are always interesting. It seems they are trying to build membership and solve some of the Club's past problems. I hope they succeed because it really is a beautiful place. read more

It's 2016 and The Players on Gramercy Park is coming back - big time! New and returning members of all ages, keep The Grill buzzing with great conversation - about lots of things, but for sure it's who has seen (or been in), any number of plays, TV/films in NYC! As a four year member, I know that more facility upgrades are in the works, but the draw is always (as it was "back in the day") fun folks, great talk, lack of pretense and quite decent food/drink . And lots of other interesting events offered - writing courses, book readings, theatrical presentations & music, music. And drinks on The Terrace facing Gramercy Park - priceless! read more

Great private social club famous past and present membership. Under a revival of facility and membership. A wonderful place to join and take part in the activities. M.G. read more

The Players is a great place to meet and converse with an impressive array of creative people, who either are participants or enthusiastic fans of the theater and other creative endeavors. Since the new Board of Directors hired a professional food and beverage director in the Fall of 2015, the quality of food and service has increased dramatically -- with a full lunch and dinner menu daily in the Grill and an excellent fine dining menu upstairs in the Kinstler Room on Friday evenings. After a members-only wine tasting and rating event, the Club is also upgrading its wine selections based on member feedback. There are a wide variety of events every week, as well as a monthly "Meet Your Fellow Players" party. If you are invited for a meal, a drink, or an event at The Players, don't miss the opportunity to go, partake in the fellowship, and appreciate the well-preserved historic atmosphere of this unique Gramercy Park townhouse. read more

An architectural gem, a club of historical importance, a lively place for witty discussion, food and drink....a wonderful private social club that borders beautiful Gramercy Park. read more

I was there last night for an event. The building is lovely, the matradee was lovely, the bartender was an ass and rude. He was busy cleaning up the bar as I approached for a 4.00 soda. I waited patiently ( I always take care of the customer first) then attend to cleaning duties. That's okay, I waited...... Ed then did not hear my club soda and cranberry order and proceeded to say WHAT"??? WHATTTTTTT?? How about excuse me? oyyyyyyyy no cash bar, must use a credit card. The best part , there was no line to tip this jerk.. ohhh well, attitude adjustment ED. read more

As of fall 2016 - new changes were put in place that treat the members and their guests absolutely horribly. It's unclear as to why such strict and strange regulations are now in place that make you feel very unwelcome. And it doesn't look like things will improve. Members will leave. Sad to see this place being destroyed. During a recent October visit, a guest of a member wanted a glass of water. She was not allowed in the bar to get one. She was given a glass she could fill with water from the bathroom sink. Real classy place. read more

The Players is a classy, yet fun, private club. Fine dining nights. Membership keeps getting younger, which is probably a good thing. Late night Fridays are all younger members and their guests. They have competent management in place now, and proper accounting apparently, so thank goodness. It also seems they've taken any negative feedback to heart. I've only experienced wonderful and thoughtful service for me and my guests. Not that it should matter at a private club in NYC, but prices for drinks are very reasonable as well. Tips are even included in those prices. If you compare The Players to its past glory, which is a high bar, I'd say it's returning. If you compare The Players to other clubs though, I'd say it's already arrived and more. read more

The Players cannot be reviewed by anyone not willing to take the time to check the history. That can best be done by visiting the Library and speaking with the curator/librarian. That said, I shall go no further at this time. Thank you. read more

Last night at a cocktail party, the manager charged my elderly father $14 for 2 glasses of water.

I went to The Players Club for an event recently and was very disappointed. The staff seemed very disorganized. Requests went ignored and the coat check was inefficient and had trouble locating checked items. Bartenders refused to give tap water (they insisted on charging $4 for a small bottle) and one even stated that he "needed to make money from real drinks". I wouldn't go back. read more

I've come here for a charity event that my friend was a hosting. The place is very nice. The interior was beautiful and well decorated. The grill room is very nice and comfortable. read more

I went to this place a few weeks ago, and I have to say that it was much better then the reviews led to to expect. The staff was nice (especially the bartender), and they really pounded the drinks with alcohol. The food (albeit was a buffet) was actually pretty good also. It was also sooooo refreshing to have a wedding in a convenient spot for a change rather then to have to troop to NJ or long island. All of the guests hat I spoke with had a great time, and I definitely look forward to going back for another event in the future. read more

The Players is an incredible club to become a part of. I have visited a number of clubs in the city and nothing beats the camaraderie and openness of The Players. Its a club where people come to not just socialize, but build true relationships. There's nothing like sitting on the balcony overlooking Gramercy Park in the warm seasons with a drink and a good book, writing in the library, enjoying a wonderful event (theatre, music, lectures, etc), meeting new people constantly and simply having that special home away from home to enjoy on my own or share with family and friends. It is truly unique amongst its peers. The history is alive in every room...and the ghosts are as welcoming as the members. read more

I attended THE SALON: Playboy Swings - a 1960's Antique Cocktail Party this past Friday and was very disappointed. I was really looking forward to being thrown back to an ode to the swinging era for some drinks and fun, but instead was crammed into a publicity opportunity display for a book that was also being released. I was conned into buying a VIP Ticket - which mean RSVP tables with waitresses, that didnt happen. The only thing the VIP Ticket got you was an open bar with top shelf being jack daniels whiskey. I also pre-ordered drinks at a discount and never got them. You were also given keys that opened doors to interesting rooms with different forms of entertainment yet every door was open and nothing was going on in them. For example there was a room with projector in it, but nothing was being shown. Whats the point? The was a room with a pool table, but you werent allowed to play. Also they didnt take credit cards at the door when I tried to buy a ticket, but you could pay with a credit card to get drink tickets to buy booze. Those are weird carnival rules. I don't mean to be rude but the 6 bunnies were so busy taking photo opportunities for promotional purposes, you couldn't even interact with them. The music was very good though. read more

The Players Club offers all the traditions of an elegant private club without the stuffiness. Membership links you to the history of Edwin Booth, the greatest and most popular American stage actor of the 19th century, who bought the large private house on Gramercy Park and turned it into a club where actors could meet gentlemen on an equal footing. New management has restored financial vigor, with lunch and dinner served five days a week. The historic gaslights are burning once again and the renovated balcony gives a private view of Gramercy Park. There is a wide choice of dramatic, literary and musical programs open only to members and their guests. The friendly grill room is a place to meet other members at one of the ancient "club tables" or have a private repast at a smaller table. A quiet, white-tablecloth dinner is served often in a parlor upstairs. Members can host their own events at a reasonable cost. The occasional outsider-sponsored events tend to echo the glories of the Mad Men era, the Jazz Age or Victorian New York. It's also a great place for movie shoots, weddings and really impressive cocktail parties. read more