Frog Club NYC Closing: What Happened At The West Village Hotspot?

Is it possible for a restaurant to be both a culinary experience and a performance art piece? The sudden closure of Frog Club, the enigmatic West Village establishment, suggests the answer might be a resounding yes, proving that a restaurant can be as fleeting as it is unforgettable.

The announcement, delivered via Instagram on a recent Monday, sent ripples through the New York City dining scene. Frog Club, known for its strict ban on photography, a $1,000 "Kiss the Chef" menu option, and a general air of mystique, was ceasing operations. Located at 86 Bedford Street, behind a discreet green door that once led to the historic Chumley's pub, the restaurant had cultivated a reputation for exclusivity and eccentricity.

Here's a quick look at some key details:

• Libra Compatibility Which Signs Match Best
• Scarlett Pomeroy Voyager Unveiling Her Journey

The news came as a surprise, particularly since the restaurant had only recently begun accepting reservations via Resy in May. Prior to that, securing a table at Frog Club was an exercise in discretion. Reservations were to be made via email, not Resy, requiring a successful passage past the vigilant bouncer, Tony, complete with his signature floral boutonniere.

The restaurant, which proclaimed itself "the new yorkiest room in New York!" with a trademark symbol (yes, really!), quickly became a talking point. Its deliberately unusual offerings, such as a tutti frutti sherbet sundae extruded to resemble spaghetti, and the aforementioned option to literally "kiss the chef" for a hefty sum, fueled speculation: was Frog Club a genuine dining destination, or an elaborate performance art piece?

It seemed to embrace the ambiguity. Frog Club, at least in its fleeting existence, was not entirely serious. The goal, it seemed, was for diners to have a good time, and there was, indeed, an element of fun to be had. The restaurant's website, which directed potential patrons to email for reservations, further emphasized the air of exclusivity.

• Chrissy Metz Weight Loss Transformation Before After
• Upcoming Hallmark Movies Schedule

For those lucky enough to experience it, Frog Club offered a unique atmosphere. Reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor gave it a rating of 5.0 out of 5, ranking it highly among the city's numerous dining establishments. The restaurant's location in the historic Chumley's building added to its allure, while the general experience was described as embodying the "essence of New York City."

The restaurant, despite its seeming ambition to be the epitome of New York, faced challenges. "The whole exclusivity thing backfired," according to a former employee who spoke to Grub Street. The very characteristics that made it sought after the secretiveness, the limited access may have ultimately contributed to its downfall. Celebrities, including Ryan Murphy, were spotted at the club, further fueling its mystique and its public presence.

Chris Crowley, a senior writer at Grub Street, noted that Frog Club was poised to become one of the most talked-about restaurants of the year. Its opening, back in February 2024, in the building previously occupied by the historic Chumley's, generated buzz even before the doors were fully open. The restaurant, from Horses chef Liz Johnson, provided a contrast of sorts to the citys regular roster of eateries.

The decision to close the restaurant certainly surprised the food lovers and the critics. The restaurant, with its exquisite narrative finesse, managed to be both at once. It was something one could love and hate at the same time. The exclusivity was part of the performance, part of the appeal. Former patrons described the experience with genuine enthusiasm, citing the "stellar vibe" and the immersive experience from the moment they attempted to secure a reservation. "It felt like real New York," noted one patron. The room, the vibe, the soundtrack all were a plus.

Yet, for some, the experience was less than stellar. One diner admitted, "But, I just had the worst meal I've ever had in NY at Frog Club. It was all the more galling because I loved Mimi, the chef's old resto in nyc." Some dishes weren't up to par, the burger needed more seasoning, but the experience of being there remained a significant draw.

The closure of Frog Club leaves behind a curious legacy. A restaurant that aimed to capture the spirit of New York, embracing both the extraordinary and the absurd, has now become a whisper in the citys culinary history. Its brief existence, its unique features, and the mixed reactions it elicited ensure that the Frog Club will be discussed for some time to come, proving that even in a city saturated with dining options, something truly original can leave a lasting impression.

The first rule of Frog Club, it seemed, was that you had to talk about Frog Club. And now, even in its absence, that rule holds true. The restaurant, designed to be discussed, achieved its ambition, even if it was ultimately, a short-lived venture.