Introduction to Drai’s Supper Club
Drai’s, the behemoth Vegas entertainment venue, has returned to its roots with a simpler concept: French fare served with live jazz in New York City. Drai’s Supper Club, an upscale, dinner-only restaurant with a basement-level club, opened on June 11 in the Meatpacking District.
History of Drai’s
The restaurant marks Drai’s first expansion in 11 years. The hospitality brand still operates Drai’s Vegas, a nightclub that opened in 1999, but Drai’s Cafe, Drai’s Hollywood, Rare by Drai and Drai’s Nightclub in Los Angeles have all shuttered; the most recent closed in 2013. For anyone who knew the original restaurant from Morocco-born, Paris-raised Victor Drai, Drai’s Supper Club is a refreshing pivot for the brand, now helmed by Victor and his son and partner, Dustin Drai.
Ambiance and Decor
Drai’s Supper Club is a sultry, red velvet scene that, on a recent hot, late spring evening, didn’t fill up for dinner until after 9 p.m. Despite the East Coast setting, the dinner crowd was dressed for a night out in Vegas—a few couples, plus big groups decked out in their tightest, shortest outfits, poised to dance to a DJ set downstairs in the lounge after their meal. Most patrons were in their 20s and 30s, likely far more aware of Drai’s 60,000-square-foot club on The Strip than the first Drai’s, the latter of which was a chic, early ‘90s paparazzi magnet. The decor at the new Drai’s, featuring rouge lighting, red velvet curtains, gold-framed art and an intimate stage for a jazz trio at the center, is more old school New York and offers a fun, over-the-top dinner with live music.
Menu and Cuisine
The menu is a nod to the original Drai’s, Victor’s first restaurant in Los Angeles on La Cienega Boulevard, with classic French dishes like frog legs, steak frites, foie gras and tomato tartine. It’s divided into soups and salads, hot and cold appetizers and entrées to encourage (as per my server’s suggestion) dining in two courses, plus dessert—perhaps to inspire customers to make their way to the downstairs lounge sooner rather than later. To begin, I ordered the Caesar salad with whole gem lettuce in an umami-happy anchovy dressing. Finely grated parmesan coated the savory, pleasantly peppery greens, and the croutons were toasted but not completely crunchy, for a touch of warmth. One of the highlights was the house-made foie gras. The terrine was smooth, not overly pulverized, and pressed into a flat mold with a nice layer of duck fat along the rim.
Entrées and Desserts
The tuna carpaccio, however, would have been better enjoyed its own, to appreciate its subtle flavor and texture. The paper-thin pieces of tender bluefin were presented on a large round plate and sliced like a pizza with a significant layer of crème fraîche on the plate beneath it. The caviar pasta is the entrée that, because of the 1.5-ounce Golden Reserve Kaluga caviar, gets a $125 price tag that shouts, “show-off.” Alongside the pasta, I tried one of each entrée from land and sea, ranging from $47 to $75. The steak au poivre—a tender, 10-ounce grass-fed filet—with Zabar’s peppercorn sauce was creamy, smooth and subtle, cooked medium rare with just a little char. For dessert, opt for a molten lava cake or the large chocolate chip cookies baked to order (expect a 10- to 15-minute wait), or just dip downstairs into the lounge for a DJ set, dancing and more drinks.
Conclusion
While the decadent supper club concept was a touch reminiscent of that 2010s Los Angeles scene, when scenesters indulged in steak and lobster mac and cheese at Mastro’s before hitting Hollywood clubs, it’s done well. The food was better than I expected for a brand that has poured much of its energy into the Vegas club scene, though $69 for steak au poivre and $125 for pasta might be hard for some to justify. Overall, the New York outpost is fun for an evening spent people watching, dining and sinking into a live jazz set, whether or not you make it to the club downstairs.
FAQs
Q: What is Drai’s Supper Club?
A: Drai’s Supper Club is an upscale, dinner-only restaurant with a basement-level club located in the Meatpacking District of New York City.
Q: What type of cuisine does Drai’s Supper Club serve?
A: Drai’s Supper Club serves classic French dishes with a focus on live jazz music.
Q: What is the price range of the menu items at Drai’s Supper Club?
A: The menu items at Drai’s Supper Club range from $47 to $125, with the caviar pasta being the most expensive item on the menu.
Q: Is Drai’s Supper Club a good place for a night out?
A: Yes, Drai’s Supper Club is a great place for a night out, offering a fun and lively atmosphere with live jazz music and a basement-level club.
Q: Can I make a reservation at Drai’s Supper Club?
A: Yes, reservations can be made at Drai’s Supper Club, although the restaurant tends to fill up later in the evening, around 9 p.m.
