The Coffee House Club: Connecting and Caffeinating Minds for Over a Century

New York City is home to what is arguably the most diverse and vibrant cultural scene anywhere in the world. Within that vast intellectual, artistic, and expressive mosaic there lies a hidden gem—a group where creativity, conversation, and camaraderie come together over an hot cup of America’s favorite caffeinated beverage. That gem is the Coffee House Club, an invitation-only social club that has become an integral part of New York’s intellectual and artistic fabric.

A Historical Retreat for New York’s Creative Minds

Founded in 1915, the Coffee House Club originally set out to provide a space for like-minded individuals to gather, converse, and exchange ideas. Its origins were born out of a rebellion against the old-fashioned elite clubs of the era, particularly the Knickerbocker Club. Clubs then functioned more as meeting places to celebrate wealth and grow social and business connections.

The Coffee House was inspired by a long-standing tradition of intellectual and literary societies, such as the 18th-century coffeehouses of London, but with a modern twist. Unlike its more formal counterparts, the Coffee House Club was designed to be relaxed and welcoming—a place where members could freely engage in casual conversation. It was a space that emphasized camaraderie over competition, making it an ideal environment for collaboration and creativity to flourish. The club further differentiated itself from other social clubs by steering away from a formal set of rules and bylaws, except for the rule that conversation should be focused on intellectual topics and not on finance and business.

The club’s website states that:

“The Constitution of The Coffee House is probably the most compact and sensible code of governance ever drafted by a social club.  It consists of a half-dozen Commandments only:  

1. No officers
2. No charge accounts
3. No liveries
4. No tips
5. No Set Speeches
6. NO RULES  

—The Coffee House remains a social club, one in which members are expected to talk about their individual pursuits and interests, but to refrain from spreading out business papers and signing documents.”

A Sanctuary for Thought and Conversation

As its name suggests, the Coffee House Club was built around a love of coffee and the idea of fostering meaningful dialogue. Members would gather around large wooden tables, sip on freshly brewed coffee, and engage in stimulating discussions about the issues of the day, ranging from politics to art, science to literature. The club became a sanctuary where both new and established ideas could be explored in a safe, respectful space.

This spirit of free-flowing conversation and intellectual exchange has been one of the club’s enduring qualities. Over the years, it has served as a backdrop for some of New York’s most important debates, where its members have influenced various sectors of the city’s cultural and political life. Whether it was an impromptu meeting between journalists and artists or a heated debate about the future of American politics, the Coffee House Club became an essential forum for discussing the ideas shaping the world.

A Greenwich Village Connection

The club was initially based in different locations throughout New York City, including in the Hotel Seymour at 54 West 45th Street, near the Midtown offices of The New Yorker. The co-founder of the magazine, Harold Ross, and the humorist Robert Benchley were attendees at several club meetings. They had also been members of the famed gathering of intellectuals known as the Algonquin Round Table.

In more recent years the club has developed a particularly strong connection to Greenwich Village, one of the city’s most historically creative and intellectual neighborhoods. The Village, known for its bohemian atmosphere and cultural richness, has long been a magnet for artists, writers, and intellectuals—making it the perfect backdrop for the Coffee House Club’s evolution.

In recent years, the Coffee House Club has found a new home at the Salmagundi Club, a historic arts institution located on Fifth Avenue in the heart of Greenwich Village. The Salmagundi Club itself has a storied history, dating back to 1871, and continues to serve as a sanctuary for visual artists and cultural enthusiasts. The Coffee House Club’s association with the Salmagundi Club reinforces its legacy as a hub for creative thought and exchange.

Together the Coffee House Club, the Salmagundi Club, and Village Preservation have hosted several highly successful public programs on topics as far-ranging as the history of Gilded Age hairdressing, Oscar Wilde’s time in New York, the lost mansions of Fifth Avenue’s original stretch, and a special conversation with Village Preservation’s Executive Director Andrew Berman on the work of historic preservation.

The Distinguished Members and Guests

Famed early members of the club included Cole Porter, Winston Churchill, Douglas Fairbanks, and P.G. Wodehouse. The club’s allure lies not only in its exclusivity but also in its reputation as a place where individuals of diverse backgrounds could come together in a spirit of equality and open-mindedness. Throughout its history, the Coffee House Club has attracted an eclectic mix of prominent figures. Writers like John Steinbeck, the journalist Edward R. Murrow, theater icon George Abbott, and even a president, Hebert Hoover, have all graced the club’s storied tables.

While the club has always remained selective in its membership, it has not been an impenetrable space. Visitors and special guests often have the opportunity to interact with members during special events or private gatherings. The result is an ever-evolving community where both established and emerging voices can share their perspectives.

The Legacy of the Coffee House Club

Under the guiding hand of its current captain, the writer and essayist Julian Tepper, the Coffee House Club continues to uphold the traditions of intellectual exploration, creativity, and fellowship that have made it such a revered institution. Despite the changing times, it remains a symbol of New York City’s vibrant cultural scene, offering a sense of continuity amid the whirlwind of modern life.

The club’s ability to adapt to new generations of thinkers while preserving the essence of its founding principles is a testament to its enduring relevance. In an age of digital communication and virtual spaces, the Coffee House Club’s luncheons and regular Wednesday evening dinners, with speakers or musical performances, stand as a reminder of the importance of face-to-face interaction and the power of conversation to shape our understanding of the world.

Why It Matters Today

In a fast-paced, hyper-connected world, the Coffee House Club offers an oasis of calm—a place where individuals can step away from the noise and focus on meaningful connections. Whether discussing politics, art, or philosophy, the club’s members continue to contribute to the rich tapestry of ideas that define New York City’s identity.

In many ways, the Coffee House Club is more than just a social club; it’s a celebration of New York’s intellectual spirit, so perfectly encapsulated for decades among the storied streets of Greenwich Village. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, spaces like the Coffee House Club remind us that true innovation and progress stem from the simple act of coming together and sharing our thoughts with one another.

The Coffee House Club has carved out a unique niche in New York City’s social and cultural life. It remains a place where intellectuals, creatives, and entrepreneurs can come together to engage in conversation, forge friendships, and, above all, inspire one another. As it continues to evolve, the club’s legacy will likely endure for generations to come, ensuring that New York remains a global hub for intellectual exploration and social connection.