The Yacht Club

- 212 12th Ave, New York, NY 10001

For New Yorkers in search of an escape from the concrete jungle without leaving the city, The Yacht Club offers a perfect solution. Located high above the city streets, this upscale restaurant and bar is a stylish and sophisticated destination that brings a taste of coastal luxury to the heart of Chelsea. As a new addition to the city's vibrant waterfront and rooftop scene, The Yacht Club distinguishes itself with a focus on refined seafood, expertly crafted cocktails, and a breathtaking atmosphere that feels like a mini-vacation. From the moment you step inside and are guided to the tenth floor, the venue’s interior and outdoor spaces create a stunning visual experience, with decor that artfully blends classic nautical themes with modern elegance.

The Yacht Club is the latest venture from the team behind the beloved Grand Banks and Pilot, and it lives up to the high expectations set by its predecessors. The menu, curated with a focus on the freshest seafood, offers a compelling array of dishes from exquisite caviar to perfectly prepared lobster. While it's a place where you can quickly find yourself in a celebratory mood, the team aims for an "elevated coastal club experience" rather than a stuffy fine-dining one. The ambiance is split between a more refined indoor dining room and a bi-level outdoor "Lido Deck" that offers a casual, poolside vibe. This duality ensures that The Yacht Club is a versatile destination, perfect for a special date, a celebratory gathering, or a sublime afternoon cocktail with unparalleled views of the Hudson River and the city skyline.

The Yacht Club is impressively situated at 212 12th Ave, New York, NY 10001, USA, on the 10th floor of the iconic Starrett-Lehigh Building. This prime West Side location places it in a dynamic and easily accessible part of Chelsea, near the Hudson River waterfront. The building itself is a landmark of industrial architecture, adding to the unique and stylish character of the venue. The restaurant’s elevated position provides guests with panoramic views that are a key part of the dining experience, making it a true destination for a special occasion.

While the location is a bit removed from the major subway hubs, it is still reachable via a pleasant walk from lines like the A, C, E, or 7. For those traveling by car, the restaurant is easily accessed from the West Side Highway, and there are paid parking options available nearby, a convenient feature for a part of the city where street parking is difficult. The Yacht Club is also committed to accessibility, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms. The venue is part of a larger ecosystem of businesses and attractions in the area, including art galleries and the High Line, making it a perfect starting or ending point for a day of exploring the best of West Chelsea.

The Yacht Club provides a range of services designed to deliver a high-end and luxurious dining experience. While the focus is on a sophisticated environment, the services are structured to be both elegant and accommodating to a variety of needs.

• Dine-in and Outdoor Seating: The restaurant offers a beautiful indoor dining room for a refined meal and a spacious, bi-level outdoor deck for a more casual, breezy experience. The outdoor seating is a major draw, providing a unique waterfront feel with stunning views.
• Accepts Reservations: For those planning a special visit or dining with a group, The Yacht Club accepts reservations. This is a crucial service to ensure you secure a spot, especially for dinner or on a weekend, as the venue is known for its high demand.
• Full Bar with Cocktails, Wine, and Beer: The beverage program is a highlight, offering a selection of fine wines, beers, and a creative cocktail menu. Patrons can enjoy everything from classic drinks to unique house concoctions, perfectly paired with the coastal cuisine. The “Spritz” and “Riviera” sections of the menu are a testament to the club's focus on easygoing, summery libations.
• Specialized Menus: The restaurant features a core menu for lunch and dinner, but also has a separate menu for its outdoor "Lido Deck," offering more casual fare like sandwiches and pizzettes. This allows for a more relaxed experience on the deck while the indoor dining room maintains its more elevated feel.
• Table Service: The Yacht Club offers traditional table service, with staff on hand to guide guests through the menu and provide recommendations. While some customer feedback has noted inconsistencies in service, the goal is to provide a comprehensive and attentive dining experience.

The Yacht Club stands out in New York City's competitive dining scene due to a collection of features and highlights that create a truly unique identity. From its physical space to its culinary offerings, the restaurant aims to provide an unforgettable experience.

• Exceptional Atmosphere and Views: This is arguably the restaurant's biggest draw. The "total vibe" of the outdoor space is frequently highlighted by customers, with the rooftop feeling like a "mini vacation." The stunning panoramic views of the Hudson River and the city skyline, both from the indoor dining room with its wraparound windows and the outdoor deck, are a highlight that sets it apart.
• Luxury Seafood Menu: The menu is heavily seafood-focused, featuring high-end items like Caviar, Raw Oysters, and Prepared Oysters. The lobster is a key feature, available in a classic roll, as a salad, or with frites. A standout dish, according to a customer review, is the Yacht Tots with caviar, which were "that good" they were ordered twice. The Grand Banks Lobster Roll is also a consistent favorite.
• Great Cocktails: The bar program is a major feature. The cocktails are "nicely crafted," with a menu that includes a creative mix of classic and unique libations. The bar onsite ensures that whether you're dining or just stopping by for a drink, you'll have an excellent selection of beverages.
• Interior Design and Decor: The venue’s nautical theme is beautifully executed with elements of mahogany, walnut, and brass, along with yacht artifacts and archival photographs. This detailed decor creates an elegant, vintage atmosphere that transports guests, making them feel like they are on "a yacht club a century ago or more." The spacious seating and exposed brick walls add to the sophisticated feel.
• Popular for Special Occasions: Given its upscale atmosphere, The Yacht Club is a perfect spot for groups and tourists. It's an ideal location for a celebratory meal, offering an experience that feels special and exclusive, even if it "can get quite expensive, quite quickly."

For all inquiries, reservations, or to learn more about the menu, here is the essential contact information for The Yacht Club:

Address: 212 12th Ave, New York, NY 10001, USA

Phone: (212) 520-7855

Reservations can be made through popular online booking platforms, which is the recommended method to secure a table for a preferred date and time.

While The Yacht Club may have a premium price point, what makes it an excellent choice is the complete package it offers: a breathtaking ambiance, a taste of luxury, and a menu filled with fresh, high-quality seafood. The restaurant's "vibes alone" are a major reason to visit. The stunning rooftop and waterfront location create a dining experience that is truly one-of-a-kind in New York City, making you feel as though you’ve been transported to a coastal retreat. This "mini vacation on 12th Avenue" is worth the cost of admission for the views and the atmosphere alone.

In addition to the ambiance, the food, while expensive, can be truly excellent. Dishes like the Yacht Tots and the Grand Banks Lobster Roll are consistently praised as delicious and flavorful. The cocktails are a highlight as well, perfectly complementing the elegant setting. While a customer noted some service inconsistencies, the overall experience is one of sophistication and indulgence. It’s the kind of place you choose when you want to celebrate, to impress, or simply to treat yourself to an elevated experience. The ability to move from the refined indoor dining room to the casual, breezy outdoor deck offers a versatility that few other venues can match. Ultimately, The Yacht Club is a destination that proves its worth not just with its food, but with its ability to provide a moment of sublime escape in the heart of the city.

The Yacht Club

212 12th Ave, New York, NY 10001, USA