Union League Club

I was brought here by a member, for that which I am fortunate, and thoroughly enjoyed my time here.
A refreshing oasis from the city’s hustle and bustle, the ULC and its building (originally owned by the J.P. Morgan family) are a wonderful part of New York City — of today and yesteryear. I aspire to be a member at this private social club. The gentlemen here are polite, driven and have purpose. The staff is incredibly professional and truly care about your experience while here. The ULC leaves a lasting impression long after you’ve left.
The history of this place is remarkable. Similar in kind to the Dallas Petroleum Clubs of the South, the Union League Club has made its own mark on American History and World History with its members ranging from Heads of Industries, to Senators, to U.S. Presidents.
As a member, you have access to a plethora of services ranging from event spaces to wonderful networking opportunities as well as a world class speaker events. The bar has an awesome flag from the 13 original colonies that has its own story, that hangs above-​and-​center to the bar.
Dress code is strict, but simple: formal business attire during weekdays (business casual is allowed, but business attire is encouraged) until 4pm on Friday (no jackets needed then, but are encouraged. Ties not required, but highly encouraged, and mandatory «only during dinner hours in the Mary Murray Room and Lounge, and at evening committee events, except where the event announcement states otherwise. Jackets may be removed when playing billiards.»
The members here are truly great. A walk though the President’s Room is mandatory if you wish to understand the full significance of The ULC, and as others have posted, all 15 Presidents have something in common.

Came here for a corporate retreat. A long day of guest speakers and speeches. The club is very historical in culture and appearance. Doesn’t seem I have a reason to return but while I was there the staff was very helpful and all of our meals were very nicely prepared. I did not bother getting to know the history of the place as its not up my alley at this point in my life but the older men at the firm seemed to appreciate it.

Finer dining experience. I invited as a club mbers guest. We sat at a beautiful table over looking the city. The menu was smaller but everything was cooked and served with great attention. The sea bass & risotto were the most tasty I’ve ever had. It was served with a sauce on the side that I never tried because the meal stood alone as perfection! The history of the building around you made want to read and experience all of the portraits and documents. I wish I had more time experience the location. I hope I have another opportunity to visit. I

Was lucky enough to join a friend of mine for lunch here. I’m a young guy and hadn’t thought I’d ever get access to an establishment like this. He gave me a tour of the building and its history. Terrific décor, wonderful art and a beautiful library. They have, among their collection, a multi-​part encyclopedia of every telegram written and sent during the Civil War — apparently one of two such collections in existence. How cool is that!!!. Large billiard tables, kind staff that know the members well. What a treat!

Getting past the dark wood, austere portraits and exceedingly stuffy clientele at the Union League Club is difficult. The place strikes me as old-​school and uptight even by New York club standards. Founded during the middle of the Civil War — as a refuge from the draft riots that were plaguing the city at the time? — with its last major renovation seemingly held just a few years later, the club offers very little to the casual guest.
I’ve been here a few times for banquets, and while it projects grandeur, each time I’ve found it falling short when it comes to presentation. At these prices and with this much attitude, things should run smoothly. Instead I’ve been treated to mics plagued by feedback, ancient projection systems and bars stocked with cut rate hard alcohol and beer selections. While I’m sure some of the deficits were the particular choices of the events I’ve attended, I don’t think at any price point overcooked duck should be tolerated, or dry chocolate desserts.
I suppose there’s a time and place for this sort of black-​tie, best-​behavior affair. I only wish the Union League Club would ensure that the experience is in line with the effort it takes to get in here.

Private club, but great for conferences and lunch. I was very impressed with their professionalism and quality of food.

mostly super WASPy gents drinking G&T and playing billiards while wearing their khakis and gold button blazers. However these clubs are struggling to stay open so they are allowing members to entertain in rooms that Abraham Lincoln once stood in. the kind of folks who would have been working the land during the time of Lincoln are now walking through the front doors and enjoying the laid back and very civilized settings
A balance between establishment and progress — they even have quesadilla on the bar menu! it is still mostly WASP men over 60 here though which I really don’t mind. They would hardly crank up hip hop music and wear cut offs.
As can be expected the drinks are stiff and the food bland as you may expect

I came here for a Boston College alumni event (Always an Eagle: From the Mods to Manhattan) that welcomed my class into the alumni group, and it was a beautiful venue. We were on the 2^nd floor, in, I think, the library area, and it was a space that was decorated in just the way that you might picture a high-​end social club – ornate carpeting, floor-​to-​ceiling bookshelves, a grand piano by the elevators, giant portrait of Abraham Lincoln, and lots of space for activities.
The architecture was remarkable, and gave it more of that traditional feel, as if we’d been transported back to old New York, despite the relatively rowdy crowd (we were loudly reuniting with old friends, making new friends, talking to alumni from 1999 and eariler, etc). The staff was quick and professional, collecting used cutlery and napkins with such expertise that you barely knew they had been there before they were on to the next guest.
The dress code is business casual, but people take it very seriously, and maybe even to the next level. Officially, it’s «jackets preferred» for men, though our post-​grad crowd was a mix of full-​on suits to button down and khakis, with girls mostly in dresses (while it’s still warm enough outside, I’m sure).

A private social club where social graces are the rule, not the exception, including,
– Dressing the way people should be dressed to a club like the Union League (you may be refused admission if your shoes are wrong, nevermind just your shirt)
– Signing in to the book
– No cellphones permitted except in designated areas (thank you, thank you, thank you)
– Smoking room
– Overall old-​school gentility and attention to service
– Dining that exemplifies the best of classic New York, as in, a most excellent Lobster Roll.
Other notes:
The presidential portrait room indeed does celebrate presidents with «something in common» as noted by another Unilocaler.
If you are lucky enough to get in as a guest, membership or reciprocal membership, you have a unique social sanctuary in New York steeped in American history.

Attended a function there, and it continues to be one of the best clubs in the city. I have been going there for many years, and I am always amazed at the beauty every time I visit.
Steeped in tradition, the club is private, but if you are there as a guest it is recommended that you spend some time to admire the architecture and grandeur of NY past.
For a large gathering, the food and presentation were excellent. The steak was even cooked to my order! Where do you get that when attending a function?
Nice place all around.

This is a private social club. You either must be a member or be accompanied as a guest. Unless you are attending a social function that at this very historical and remarkable venue. I’m not a member but aspire to be. A tour of the club-​house one might notice that there are many portraits of US presidents. All but one president have something in common…
Now for the food. Exceptional. The best fois gras in the city. I’m especially partial to the fish. Particularly the spots a la Mitch (spots in a lemon butter sauce but instead of the capers, a heaping helping of shaved almonds).
The staff is exceptional. Everything is first rate.

This place is wonderful, I was lucky enough to be a guest here on a Friday lunch time, it was spectacular!
That was the most cooked lobsters I’ve ever seen, and I lived in Maine!
If you can get in here, do! That all I can say, it was Seafood heaven!

What a historic, beautiful club! I’ve been once before for a wedding reception but got to go this week with my boyfriend and his family for a scotch tasting, dinner and a round of virtual golf! Sorry no pictures with this review — I learned at the coat check there are no phones allowed. One star deducted because we had to wait almost an hour for our appetizers to arrive, but they kept the bread and wine coming while we waited. My pheasant main course was by far the juiciest I’ve ever had before. The staff was beyond professional and the library, ballroom and dining room are such beautiful classic spaces!

Every step you take feels like you’re making history. All and all, an instant classic

What a beautiful club that emanates grandeur, class, and history! I was here for a lecture and found the library and hall on the second floor absolutely charming. The waitstaff and service were professional and it was really a great venue for this type of speaker event. I love visiting clubs in the city — such a nice change from the bar scene and usual venue space. I hope to revisit for another lecture.

We asked for a «superior room» and are paying a fortune for it… turns out the tiny room we got is considered superior because the «corner rooms which are larger» are being used –even though we reserved months ago!
Also, the door staff doesn’t always answer the phone… called about 3 times and didn’t get an answer! Hello… anyone home?

I’m not a «club person» by any stretch of the imagination. I was invited here by a friend for the annual Kentucky Derby party. It was really quite a fun experience. I got a couple shout-​outs for my madras blazer, which definitely helped improve my mood.
It was crowded, but the atmosphere was festive and pleasant. The food was constantly being refreshed and it was all delicious — devilled eggs, Kentucky browns, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, all types of pies and fruits and veggies. It was great! The drink prices were a bit steep, considering we already had to pay $ 35 to get in, but hey, I can’t complain. It was a good time all around.
My only complaint is that the lines ot get in were very confusing and there were no staff members circulating to ensure that people knew what was going on. They had one line for «registration» and one line for drink ticket purchases. There was virtually no signage differentiating the two, so my friend and I, after waiting in one line for a long time, had to then switch lines to register, wait again, then switch back to the drink line. It was much more frustrating than it needed to be.

A gorgeous space for functions. Surprisingly bad passed food. Pigs in a blanket? please.
Probably depends on the budget of the event, but some choices would never be appropriate in my opinion served in a space like this.

I have only been here once, for a wedding reception, but it was amazing. Such a good time. I love the old historical feel of the place and the artifacts displayed. Makes you think you are back at a party 100 years ago. The levels and complexity of the place is intriguing and the appetizer spread and passed appetizers were SO yummy. I recommend having any party here, though not sure how accessible it is to the general public.

I was here recently for a company celebration and it was a good experience.
Didn’t get a chance to explore the whole building but our event was held on the second floor. There are two rooms, the library which we used for drinks and hors d’oeuvres and the dining room for dinner and dancing. Some people might not have liked the venue but I thought it was interesting. The walls are lined with American Civil War books (the most comprehensive collection) and the dining room had paintings of historical figures — the place just reeks of history.
Service was great, we had enough wait staff to take care of our large group (200+ people). Venue has a spacious layout too so you are able to setup according to your needs. I was happy with the hors d’oeuvres, they tasted better than the main dinner entrees. We hired our own band and florist, so everything turned out well and everyone had a great time.