Underground supper clubs aren’t quite as underground as they used to be – which is bad news for the original clandestine clique, but great news for the rest of us. This burgeoning gastronomic trend has taken America by storm, with new secret dining societies popping up every five minutes along the East Coast. Follow our guide to the best supper clubs around, and don’t get left in the dark.
I Forgot It’s Wednesday, Brooklyn, New York
An ingenious solution to combat those midweek blues, I Forgot It’s Wednesday does just what it says on the tin. This weekly event is hosted by the dynamic duo Jenny and Matt, whose respective responsibilities are to nourish their guests and keep their drinks topped up. Specialities in their five-course dinners include star anise braised pork belly and Guinness cocktails.
The Wooden Horse Underground, New Jersey
Seasoned New Yorkers may scoff at the prospect of crossing over to New Jersey for their secret supper club fix, but that’s exactly what savvy city diners have been doing. Beautiful portions of haute cuisine, made with extraordinary attention to detail, are served up in this unassuming Trenton location.
Wink, Boston
One of few underground supper clubs that has managed to retain its secret reputation, the clue is in the name with Wink. There’s no website; the dinner parties have no fixed address; and the creator is mysteriously veiled as ‘Chef X’. Apart from that, it’s simple: $50 and a bottle of wine will get you in.
Hush Supper Club, Washington DC
Hidden away in a secret residence of Washington DC’s U street neighbourhood, Hush Supper Club is an elaborate banquet of Indian vegetarian cuisine. Hosted by Geeta, these regular dinners last for several hours, and include a spice tour through every meal.
The Gastronauts, New York & Washington DC
Punny, very punny. The self-proclaimed Gastronauts tour the cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Washington DC with their adventurous foodie repertoire. Despite trying to keep things small at the beginning, this ‘secret’ club now contains more than 13,000 people, and monthly dinners typically include around 70 guests.
Legume Supper Club, Brooklyn, New York
Another Brooklyn bolthole on New York’s supper club scene, Legume hosts pop-up dinners once a month during the spring and summer seasons. Inspired by their roots, these two talented chefs have create a fusion of Latin and Asian cuisine that includes many seasonal vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Featured image: © Brian Jackson/iStock/Thinkstock
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guides cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas.
