Crane Club

The entire kitchen at Crane Club is built around a 12-foot custom Mibrasa grill, and that intense focus on wood-fire cooking defines everything on the menu. This is the West Chelsea project from Chef Melissa Rodriguez, who previously earned two Michelin stars at Del Posto, and the cooking here is all about the pure flavors of seasonal ingredients sourced from small regional farms and fisheries. From the grill, you'll find dishes like charred lobster salad, wood-smoked clams, and a 30-day dry-aged ribeye that’s a consistent highlight. A custom cart also makes its way through the dining room, serving tableside raw bar specialties like shrimp crudo and razor clams in vinaigrette. Pastas and grains get equal attention – think black truffle ricotta shells or classic casoncelli – and the vegetable sides, like the sweet potatoes, are treated as main events, not afterthoughts. For larger groups, the menu includes large-format, family-style "feasts." Located on the corner of 10th Avenue and 16th Street, the dining room is sleek and elegant without feeling stuffy. It's a refined space, but quiet enough to hold a proper conversation across the table. You’ll even find small stools placed next to the chairs, a thoughtful detail for handbags. The atmosphere makes it a go-to for celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, and a complimentary champagne toast for the occasion is common. Service is personal, with staff often sharing the restaurant’s story and giving their own menu recommendations. The bar also provides a solid list of non-alcoholic cocktails.